Author:charleen-clarke
Chaos at the border: Transporters stranded as Zimbabweโs mineral export ban sparks outrage February 26, 2026 Zimbabweโs shock decision to suspend exports of raw minerals and lithium concentrates has triggered chaos across its transport corridors. It has left trucks stranded, operators furious and industry leaders accusing the government of committing a catastrophic political blunder. Late last month โ in a blunt press statement โ Polite Kambamura, Zimbabweโs Minister of Mines and Mining Development, announced that his government had โsuspended the […]
Would you pay R7.1m for a Defender? (Someone did) February 25, 2026 South Africans know a proper bakkie when they see one. We respect a vehicle that can graft hard and get on with the job โ whether it’s lugging cement to a site in Midrand or navigating a muddy farm road in the Free State. But every now and then, a vehicle comes along that rewrites the rulebook entirely. Enter Vesper, the latest bespoke Land Rover Defender 110 from […]
Children deserve transport, not Russian roulette February 17, 2026 School children are being slaughtered on our countryโs roads. This has to stop โ now! Every morning, South African parents perform a ritual of supreme faith. They button school shirts, pack lunchboxes and watch their children climb into minibuses, trusting that the social contract of road safety holds firm. They trust that the vehicle is sound, the driver is competent and the system is functioning. Yet, with sickening regularity, that promise […]
The one thing fleet managers are still getting wrong in 2026 January 28, 2026 South African fleet managers have never had more tools at their disposal. Vehicles are connected, data is abundant and dashboards light up with real-time information. On paper, fleets are more visible than ever before. And yet, one critical mistake continues to undermine safety, efficiency and risk management in 2026: fleet managers are still mistaking visibility for understanding. Knowing where vehicles are, how fast they are moving […]
Suzuki Auto South Africa reflects on a landmark year of growth and wins January 23, 2026 From record-breaking sales and industry accolades to motorsport spectacle, sporting success and owner-led celebrations, 2025 stands out as a defining year for Suzuki Auto South Africa. Across the country, the brand strengthened its market position while deepening its connection with customers, partners and communities. These six highlights capture the moments that shaped Suzukiโs year, both on and off the road. Sales momentum accelerates Suzukiโs […]
Defence, decarbonisation and disruption November 19, 2025 A record 600 delegates made their way to Amsterdam for the 2025 ECG Conference, confirming its status as the biggest annual meeting point for Europeโs finished vehicle logistics (FVL) sector. CHARLEEN CLARKE joined them โ and she reports that the industry is being squeezed on every axisโฆ ECG president Wolfgang Gรถbel opened the conference, noting that the market is flat. Spain and Poland are showing some growth, he said, but across the rest […]
Worldโs best commercial vehicles honoured in Lyon November 25, 2025 The winners of the most important commercial vehicle awards were announced last month during Solutrans. CHARLEEN CLARKE travelled to Lyon, France, to attend the awards banquet and cover the exhibition. The Solutrans international trade fair once again played host to the commercial vehicle industryโs most prestigious awards, recognising the very best in trucks, vans, pick-ups and technology. As always, the highlight of the event was the announcement of the International […]
All I want for Christmas December 4, 2025 Every December, as we wrap up the year’s final issue of FOCUS, we traditionally celebrate the captains of industry. This year is no different. What is different is the level of frustration and anger I feel as I write this final editorโs note of 2025. The reason for my wrath? Our dysfunctional transport and logistics infrastructure. All I want for Christmas is a transport and logistics infrastructure that works. Iโm not asking […]
Mike Fitzmaurice: Expert guiding cross-border transport December 3, 2025 In a region where borders make or break businesses, one man has become the go-to authority when it comes to keeping freight moving. CHARLEEN CLARKE pays tribute to a true captain of industry. In the Southern African transport industry, where hard realities on the ground matter far more than theory, very few names command universal respect. However, ask any long-haul operator who moves freight across borders in this region โ whether […]
Nick Porรฉe: The man who shaped SA freight policy December 3, 2025 There are figures in the transport sector whose contributions shape policy. There are others whose work strengthens industry practice. And then there are individuals whose influence is so deep that they help define the direction of an entire national logistics system. Nick Porรฉe is one such individual, writes CHARLEEN CLARKE. For more than four decades, Porรฉe has been a guiding intellect behind South Africaโs freight transport development: a […]
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