Author:mike-fitzmaurice

Fesarta’s Transist Bureau has been designed to help transport operators resolve problems on routes across southern Africa     The newly formed Fesarta Transist Bureau is starting to gain traction following its launch during transport month in October 2019. Several transport operators – representing mostly large, prominent fleets from Zimbabwe, Botswana, Namibia and South Africa – have joined, with some large trucking companies in Zambia also expected to sign up soon. “We utilise the services offered by the Fesarta Transist […]

In an effort to reduce transport crime, Fesarta has partnered with a forensic investigator who specialises in truck hijacking, cargo theft and diesel scams Over the past 12 months the transport industry – particularly in KwaZulu-Natal – has been plagued by problems. From trucks that were being attacked on main trade routes, to congestion at terminals such as Maydon Wharf and Bayhead in Durban, the issues have been varied, intense and significant. Theft, too, has been on the increase, with […]

Border crossings in southern Africa are fraught with disaster – and South Africa is not immune to the probability of falling victim to high-risk incidents Safety and security at border posts along trade corridors in southern Africa pose significant risks for transporters. With widespread theft and pilfering from trucks that are stranded in long queues while waiting to cross from country to country, drivers say they are afraid to leave their vehicles unattended for any length of time. The situation […]

In the run up to Transport Month, attacks on truck drivers and vehicles in South Africa remained widespread, coinciding with a spate of in Johannesburg and Pretoria October is Transport Month in South Africa and it would not be possible to acknowledge it without making mention of the impact that violent attacks have had on the country’s transport industry over the last year and, more specifically, the first two weeks of September. It is believed that 213 drivers, mostly foreign […]

While cross-border freight-transit risks need to be effectively managed, costs associated with lengthy delays at customs points need to be reduced. Fesarta has identified the IRU TIR Carnet as the only possible solution that will address the issue effectively Along with the cross-border freight-transport industry, Fesarta recognises the key role of customs in protecting excise revenue. Accordingly, there is no question that transit risk needs to be effectively managed. An effective transit system should help customs to identify and facilitate […]

The road-freight industry faces a continual barrage of new charges and regulations, while there is minimal assistance in removing the many obstacles to efficiency caused by the actions of the authorities It is a matter of grave concern to the Federation of East and Southern Africa Road Transport Associations (Fesarta) that the road-freight industry in southern and eastern Africa is increasingly being regarded as a cash cow by the authorities in the region. The following are the main challenges affecting […]

The reports from Fesarta members of the current situation on the main road corridors of the region make a mockery of the fanfare and verbiage surrounding the golden future of interstate trade that will be facilitated by the ceremonial signing of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCTFA) Agreement As a result of the inefficiencies of the border systems, bureaucratic indifferences between Zambia and Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and the total incompetence of the officials at the border posts, […]

Ongoing Chinese investment in Africa raises concerns that governments are not fully aware of the risks, nor are they using the money correctly. In many of the countries in sub-Saharan Africa there is a real and urgent need for improved transport infrastructure. This is evident in roads, railways, ports and airports, where the limitations have negative effects on transport efficiency and costs. The often-unquantified potential impacts on economic growth are used to justify expenditure on infrastructure by governments, but this […]

There is clear need for a bold “New Dawn” in the field of transport, but achieving it will not be easy. The recent disclosures of the attrition of competence at Eskom makes it clear that the policy of political deployment of managers, into businesses that require high levels of technical competence, has been one of the root causes of the collapse of the organisation. The process has continued for 20 years or more and is unlikely to be resolved quickly, […]

Both operators and their drivers need to be acutely aware of their responsibilities and obligations when crossing borders in southern Africa. This guide should provide some clarity Responsibilities It is the responsibility of the operator or carrier to ensure that: • The vehicles are roadworthy and in    possession of a Certificate of Fitness • Each vehicle has been registered with the Cross Border Road Transport Association (CBRTA) and is in possession of cross-border permit. • If transporting dangerous goods […]