JUANITA MAREE
Now is the perfect moment to assess the lessons we have learned, evaluate performance and focus on how South Africa and our Government of National Unity (GNU) can apply these critical lessons to build resilience, avoid mistakes and safeguard the future of SA Inc.
Progress is evident, from a logistics point of view. A growing political maturity is emerging in some critical areas, fostering positive change, boosting confidence and introducing new dynamics. Policy reforms are unlocking new opportunities, opening the way for some of the national institutions to deliver improved operational performance as the nation continues to work towards stabilising the economy.
The Presidency has renewed its mandate to the National Logistics Crisis Committee (NLCC) for 2025. This in itself illustrates the crisis in logistics continues, emphasising the need for sustained focus on finding solutions through public-private consultation and government’s commitment to strategic cross-sector collaboration. The extended period in mission for the NLCC also serves in recognition of the tangible, good outcomes this collaborative consultative model is delivering to the nation.
Opening critical projects to private sector participation is essential to the transformation. The democratisation of energy production for national consumption after years of poor performance finally put an end to loadshedding. It is notable this was done under South African management, leadership, South African expertise and oversight.
In search of growth and development, the introduction of concessionary opportunities opens the way to new dynamics and funding models, enabling critical projects for private sector participation, which are fundamental ingredients in the transformation, away from an inefficient monopolised service platform that is holding back progress. The introduction of concessionary and third-party opportunities to the business sector cuts across two major operations at the heart of the logistics sector, the management and operation of South Africa’s Pier 2 KZN main port and the opening to third-party rail operators of the opportunity to bid under the terms of the Transnet Network Statement, signed to Gazette by Creecy at the closing of the 2024 calendar year.
State capture followed by looting of public funds under the Covid 19-Pandemic blanket alongside the systemic abuse of well- intended programmes such as Preferential Procurement remain not just matters of concern today but possibilities for serial behaviour as we enter a new era.
This is a delicate moment for our fragile economy. Our resilience is being tested, not only by internal challenges but also by external shocks—such as the instability in Mozambique following recent post-election unrest.
As a nation, we are experiencing casualties in the form of business failures, job losses, and diminished confidence in the region. South Africa is Mozambique’s top provider of goods and services. This highlights the good and bad consequences of our deep regional interconnectedness.
The logistics sector plays a pivotal role in South Africa’s economy, its impact extending across the broader SADC region and beyond.
*Juanita Maree is chief executive officer – Southern Africa Freight Forwarders Association (SAAFF)
