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Trucks
SA is addressing port challenges, says Deputy President
SA is addressing port challenges, says Deputy President
Deputy President Paul Mashatile has assured executives from Isuzu Motors Limited’s headquarters in Japan that South Africa is actively working to resolve its port and infrastructure issues.
This comes in the wake of significant congestion, infrastructure shortfalls, and equipment failures at the country’s major ports, which have affected both import and export operations.
“I am pleased to report that we have dealt with energy issues that affected our economy,” the Deputy President said on Monday.
The Deputy President spoke at the Isuzu Fujisawa Plant where he is currently on a working visit with a delegation that includes Ministers, Deputy Ministers, and senior government officials.
READ | Deputy President Mashatile arrives in Japan for a working visit
The purpose of the visit is to strengthen cooperation between the two nations in areas of mutual interest.
The multinational corporation that manufactures commercial vehicles, diesel engines, and automotive parts has a significant presence in South Africa.
As a Japanese automobile manufacturer, Isuzu has been in South Africa for a long time and is well-known for its trucks and bakkies.
“As a country, we are honoured that the Isuzu Motors South Africa Struandale Plant in Gqeberha, in our Eastern Cape province, is the first fully-owned plant outside Japan whereas in other countries Isuzu produces vehicles through joint ventures and license agreements.
“This shows great confidence in our country and our people for the skills necessary to produce these trucks and bakkies.”
According to the Deputy President, the Struandale Plant produces 28 500 vehicles per annum and has dealerships across 26 countries in Africa.
With the Africa Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), the Deputy President stated that the continent has created even more opportunities for Isuzu to export and operate in over 54 countries that have signed the agreement.
The AfCFTA creates the largest single free trade business area, with 1.3 billion people and a gross domestic product (GDP) of US$3.4 trillion.
Isuzu also exports to the European Union (EU) under the Southern African Development Community (SADC) -EU Economic Partnership Agreement, in addition to being active in Africa.
“Therefore, South Africa is the place to be, indeed a gateway into the continent and the rest of the world including Japan under the generalised system of preferences.”
The country’s second-in-command described Isuzu as a model investor in South Africa, contributing to employment, skills development, and supplier and enterprise development.
“I also understand that Isuzu contracted 107 suppliers with over 700 parts being localised in South Africa and some integrated into Isuzu global supply chains,” he said, adding that Isuzu achieved Level 1 Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (BBBEE).
He informed the delegation that the government, through the Automotive Production Development Programme, has provided essential support to Isuzu.
During the working visit, the Deputy President and his delegation will engage with the business community in Japan to enhance economic relations.
They will focus on key areas such as manufacturing and machinery, mining and mineral beneficiation, energy cooperation, the automotive industry, and improving market access for South Africa’s agricultural products.
He is also expected to meet with Dr Akihiko Tanaka, the President of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) today.
JICA is a government agency that is actively involved in various development projects in South Africa.
On Tuesday, he will pay a courtesy visit to Prime Minister Ishiba Shigeru of Japan and visit the Meiji Jingu Shinto Shrine. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Mon, 03/17/2025 - 11:45
24 views
New fleet to aid Nelson Mandela Bay waste collection efforts
New fleet to aid Nelson Mandela Bay waste collection efforts
In a move to enhance waste management services, the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality has unveiled seven advanced waste collection trucks, which is an investment in the city’s public health infrastructure and an improvement in service delivery efficiency.
Member of the Mayoral Committee (MMC) for Public Health, Thsonono Buyeye, commended the arrival of the new fleet, describing it as a crucial financial boost that will ease the financial pressures faced by the municipality’s waste management department.
The municipality is located in the Eastern Cape.
Speaking at the unveiling ceremony held on Wednesday, Buyeye said the introduction of the state-of-the-art waste collection compactor trucks serves as a significant step forward poised at improving waste management services.
“This investment demonstrates our unwavering commitment to providing efficient and effective services, thus underscoring the department’s dedication to maintaining a clean, healthy, and sustainable environment [for all residents],” Buyeye said.
The MMC explained that, as part of the city's strategy to reduce its reliance on outsourced waste collection services, the municipality has implemented a three-year fleet recapitalisation plan, which allocates R30 million annually starting this year.
“This acquisition will significantly alleviate financial pressures on the municipality, which previously spent substantial amounts outsourcing waste management collection trucks, compromising its ability to deliver other essential public health services,” the MMC said.
He added that the arrival of the trucks will significantly reduce the city’s financial burden previously placed on the municipality, due to outsourcing waste management.
The new trucks are equipped with cutting-edge technology and enhanced capacity, enabling them to manage larger volumes of waste with greater speed and efficiency. The advanced lifting gear of the trucks allows them to effortlessly collect a wider range of waste types, ultimately enhancing the waste collection and management process.
"As a municipality, we are thrilled, considering that the arrival of these trucks will significantly enhance our service delivery. Unfortunately, vandalism of municipal fleet, including waste collection fleet has been a great challenge.
“However, we are positive that together with law enforcement, and the community, we can protect these valuable waste compactor trucks, as our goal is to ensure that public health services reach every corner of our city,” Buyeye said.
Measures to prevent vandalism and theft
To address the persistent issue of vandalism, the MMC said the municipality has implemented a comprehensive security strategy to protect the new waste management fleet.
He said the municipality is also investigating recent incidents of vandalism that have affected the city’s existing waste collection vehicles.
He said a robust security strategy has been put in place to safeguard against vandalism and theft, ensuring its longevity and effectiveness.
The municipality also urged residents to work with the municipality, and law enforcement to protect and safeguard municipal assets that service all residents.
“This collective effort is crucial in preventing vandalism and theft, which severely impacts the delivery of essential waste management services, particularly in high-crime areas,” Buyeye said. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Fri, 03/14/2025 - 11:14
80 views
Home Affairs Urges Villagers to Travel to Collect IDs – And Then Turns Them Away
“What frustrates me most is that these people came to us, begging us to apply for these IDs that we don’t even need”
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Minister Creecy outlines plans to reinvigorate logistics sector
Minister Creecy outlines plans to reinvigorate logistics sector
The South African government is committed to reinvigorating the country’s logistics sector as an enabler of economic prosperity.
This is according to Transport Minister Barbara Creecy who delivered remarks at the launch of a new World Bank report titled: “Driving Inclusive Growth in South Africa: Quick Wins with Competitive Markets and Efficient Institutions".
“[Government has] established the National Logistics Crisis Committee [NLCC]…comprised of representatives from the Presidency, various government departments and the private sector.
“Its work includes securing strategic logistics corridors handling commodities that are essential to the export market and economic growth; addressing backlogs and congestion at strategic border crossings; combatting congestion in key national highway corridors such as the N1 and N3, as well as interventions to combat cable theft and maintenance backlogs at Transnet.
“This collaboration has seen modest improvements in our logistics performance,” she said on Friday.
The department and Transnet have set a target of moving at least 250 million tonnes of freight on the Transnet network by the year 2030 up from 150 million tonnes in the 2023/24 financial year.
Investment
Creecy highlighted that to achieve this, the rejuvenation of the rail sector is a key objective, which began with the Cabinet’s approval of the White Paper on National Rail Policy in March 2022.
“The Rail Policy introduces structural reforms in the sectors that are intended to enable private sector investment, optimal utilisation of the rail network, and effective economic regulation of rail that will facilitate equitable access to the rail network and ensure that it is properly managed.
“As part of this process a Private Sector Participation [PSP] Unit is being established by the department in collaboration with the Development Bank of Southern Africa. Once established, this unit will help direct and coordinate private sector investments in priority rail projects requiring capital investment.”
The Minister revealed that the department is currently in the process of issuing Requests for Information “regarding potential investment in the rail and port sector”.
“This serves to share information with the public regarding possible PSP projects, but also to allow the department, and by extension Transnet, to gather information on projects with the potential for third party involvement.
“I want to emphasise again that throughout this process all rail and port infrastructure will remain under the government’s ownership. We are also in the process of consulting with organised labour regarding the details of our freight logistics roadmap.
“We cannot continue with the status quo, where derailments and port blockages cost our economy billions of rands, and thousands of jobs in all sectors of our economy are at risk,” Creecy said.
Port efficiency
Turning to inefficiencies at South African ports, the Minister said Transnet has launched a recovery plan aimed at “increasing and stabilising port and rail volumes”.
“The establishment of various war rooms for specific corridors and commodities has allowed Transnet and the private sector to collaborate and share expertise and address challenges such as derailments and unplanned maintenance.
“As part of Transnet’s Recovery Plan, replacement and refurbishment of crucial ports infrastructure such as cranes, gantries and straddles is planned in the short, medium and long term, and continued collaboration with original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) has ensured that spare parts for essential machinery can be secured when necessary.
“This has resulted in improvements we are seeing in our ports which have cut down on ship waiting times and queuing times for trucks,” she said.
Creecy told stakeholders at the launch that collaborations have also assisted to address bottlenecks and inefficiencies.
She insisted that all the measures set out by government will “enable us to meet the targets that we set for the logistics sector, based on pre-pandemic figures”.
“Transnet and the department have set the goal of 250 million tonnes of freight per year, moving on the Transnet network by 2030. Transnet achieved 150 million tonnes of freight per year during the 2023/ 2024 financial year. At our ports, the target is to improve gross crane moves per hour from the 2024 average of 16 to 30 by 2030.
“These ambitious targets cannot be achieved within the existing Transnet system and will require significant private and public investments in infrastructure, rolling stock and digital systems.
“This can only be achieved through a partnership between government and the private sector, where technical knowledge, experience, [the] world’s best practice and funding can be shared,” Creecy concluded. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Fri, 02/28/2025 - 13:44
147 views
Operation Vala Umgodi nets Limpopo suspects
Operation Vala Umgodi nets Limpopo suspects
Thirty undocumented persons and five alleged illegal sand miners were arrested in a South African Police Service (SAPS) operation in Limpopo at the weekend.
Operation Vala Umgodi led to arrests in the SAPS’ operation carried out in collaboration with the Tactical Joint Operational Command (TACJOC on Saturday.
“The five male individuals arrested for illegal sand mining were caught loading sand into their trucks in Rakgoadi policing precinct under Sekhukhune District. Four shovels were confiscated during the operation,” said the police.
The team conducted an intelligence-driven operation in Bergenek village, within the Westenburg policing area, resulting in the arrest of six undocumented foreign nationals aged between 18 and 37.
“These individuals were apprehended at various locations and are suspected of being involved in illegal mining activities. Simultaneously, a parallel operation in Vhembe District saw law enforcement officers executing disruptive operations at multiple illegal mining sites.
“The team traced undocumented foreign nationals suspected of involvement in illegal mining to Nancefield and Musina CBD [central business district] within the Musina policing precinct. A total of 17 undocumented foreign nationals, aged between 18 and 44, were arrested and charged under the Immigration Act. All 17 individuals face direct deportation in line with immigration laws,” explained the police.
The other seven undocumented foreign nationals aged between 24 and 40 were arrested in the Tzaneen, Mopani District. -SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Mon, 02/24/2025 - 09:45
248 views
Cabinet commends police efforts to combat illegal mining
Cabinet commends police efforts to combat illegal mining
Cabinet has commended the South African Police Service efforts to combat illegal mining through Operation Vala Umgodi, which has resulted in over 18 000 arrests since December 2023.
Cabinet highlighted that about 1 700 illegal miners were arrested from August 2024 in Stilfontein.
“The [arrests] include the seizure of 458 firearms, 12 000 rounds of ammunition, 283 trucks, 303 vehicles and 84 big machineries from illegal mining. R5 million in cash and uncut diamonds worth R32 million were also seized,” Cabinet said in a statement on Friday, following a Cabinet meeting, held on 12 February 2025 and a special Cabinet meeting on 29 January 2025.
Cabinet also welcomed ongoing efforts by law-enforcement agencies in the fight against illegal mining, as Operation Vala Umgodi is rolled out to various parts of the country.
Cabinet further commended the arrest of four police officers suspected of aiding the escape of illegal mining kingpin, Neo James Tsoaeli, also known as ‘Tiger’.
It emphasised that police officers must always maintain the highest standards of professional ethics and remain beyond reproach.
“Cabinet calls on the National Prosecuting Authority to ensure that those involved in such corrupt activities are held accountable and get the harshest possible sentence,” Cabinet said.
Operation Vala Umgodi is a multidisciplinary initiative focused on combating illicit mining activities that threaten South Africa's vital mineral resources. The operation also plays a key role in addressing various other criminal activities, providing crucial support to operational members at both district and provincial levels. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Fri, 02/21/2025 - 11:38
166 views
Learners Miss Days of School Due to Protests in Rural Kzn
Villagers of Odadeni and KwaQoloqolo have been protesting since Monday for water, among other demands.
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Operation Vala Umgodi nets 18 000 in major crime crackdown
Operation Vala Umgodi nets 18 000 in major crime crackdown
In a bold move to dismantle illegal mining operations, the South African Police Service’s (SAPS) crackdown has resulted in over 18 000 arrests, predominantly targeting illegal immigrants, as part of efforts to cut off supplies and force miners out of the country’s dangerous shafts.
“Operation Vala Umgodi continues to register commendable progress where members are hard at work in preventing and combatting illicit mining activities across the country. Our members are still conducting patrols and standing static at disused and abandoned mine shafts in Stilfontein and in other hotspot areas,” National Commissioner for the South African Police Service, General Sehlahle Fannie Masemola, said on Sunday in Pretoria,
Operation Vala Umgodi started in December 2023. As a result of this initiative, 458 firearms and 12 000 rounds of ammunition have been seized during operations across the country
In addition, 283 trucks, 303 vehicles, and 84 big machinery are amongst the items that were confiscated from illegal mining operations.
More than R5 million in cash and uncut diamonds worth R32 million have been seized.
Providing an update on the SAPS Nationwide Safer Festive Season Operations, Masemola said more than 1 700 illegal miners that were arrested from August 2024 in Stilfontein ,are still in police custody.
Masemola said a total of 121 people have already been deported, which include 80 Mozambicans, 30 Basotho nationals, 10 Zimbabweans as well as one Congolese and Malawian.
“The Department of health forensic pathologists are busy with the autopsies with assistance of the SAPS victim identification centre (VIC), where fingerprints and sample for DNA analysis are being collected and sent to laboratory for analysis.
“Our teams have collected DNA [s a small amount of biological material, such as saliva, blood, hair, or skin cells, that contains genetic information] samples from the human remains, fingerprints and buccal samples from some family members who came forward. The process to identify who the deceased persons are / is still underway.
“On the issue surrounding the escape of Neo James Tshwaeli (Tiger) – a dedicated team of seasoned detectives and crime intelligence operatives have been piecing together information and this has so far resulted in four of our own members being arrested. The members have been removed from this operation and internal departmental proceedings are currently underway,” the National Commissioner said. -SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Sun, 02/02/2025 - 12:50
0 views
Landfill Site Meant to Serve Mthatha Villagers Left to Vandals
R32-million was spent and the site was supposed to give the community a considerable rental income
Drone technology boosts border security over festive season
Drone technology boosts border security over festive season
The use of drone technology has boosted South Africa’s border security efforts, with operations at ports of entry this festive season having been improved as a result.
Speaking at a briefing on Friday on the Border Management Authority (BMA) festive season operations, Home Affairs Minister Dr Leon Schreiber said the use of drones at five ports of entry on a pilot basis made an immediate and visible impact.
Schreiber said the piloting of new technology, including drones and body cameras, has demonstrated the power of digital transformation to secure and enhance border management.
“It is now time for the BMA to permanently acquire these capabilities, as we accelerate our work to digitalise South Africa’s port environment, including automating all entry and exit procedures,” the Minister said at the briefing held in Pretoria.
Schreiber commended the success registered at ports of entry to curb illegal activities.
“In previous years, festive season operations were characterised by fragmentation, lack of coordination and the inability to adjust quickly to changing circumstances on the ground.
“Thanks to the focus on coordination, technology and collaboration by the BMA, the number of attempted illegal border crossings by undocumented persons that were successfully prevented increased by 215% this past festive season.”
Operational successes
BMA Commissioner Dr Michael Masiapato said the festive season plan was implemented from 6 – 31 December 2024 (the exit leg) and 1 - 18 January 2025 (the return leg).
In 2023/24, 15 924 undocumented persons who tried to come into the country illegally were intercepted. In 2024/2025, this number increased to 50 312.
Another 6 159 people were detected for overstaying, and a further 1 923 were refused entry due to fraudulent documentation or non-compliance with entry requirements.
BMA border guards, in collaboration with the South African Police Service (SAPS), made 322 arrests, including 132 wanted criminals, and seized illicit goods that included R690 million worth of illegal cigarettes.
The Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development assisted with the deployment of drones at Beitbridge, Maseru Bridge, Lebombo, Kopfontein and Oshoek. Forty-two pilots were assigned and effectively operated those drones across the five ports of entry.
The use of these drones at the five ports led to the detection of 2 188 additional people, who attempted to illegally enter the country.
“That is 2 188 people who would be walking among us illegally now if it was not for the use of this technology,” Schreiber said.
Furthermore, the drones led to 2 326 breaches in the border fence being identified and sealed.
Masiapato said prior to the implementation of the festive season plan, the BMA -- an entity of the Department of Home Affairs -- increased the human resource capacity at certain ports of entry and also extended operating hours at some of the ports, which do not normally operate on a 24-hour basis.
The BMA is mandated to facilitate and manage the legitimate movement of people and goods across South Africa’s 71 ports of entry, 52 of which are land, 10 are international airports and nine are seaports, as well as the border law enforcement area.
Cooperation pays off
Masiapato explained that during the implementation of the plan, the BMA collaborated with a multiplicity of law enforcement stakeholders, such as SAPS, South African Revenue Service (SARS), South African National Defence Force, Cross Border Road Transport Agency, Intelligence Structures, INTERPOL, the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development, the Immigration Inspectorate of the Department of Home Affairs, the Road Traffic Management Cooperation and various locally based traffic authorities across the various provinces.
During the festive season, the BMA facilitated the legitimate movement of about 5 084 251 travelers across the 71 ports of entry. This number represents an increase of 51 680 travelers compared to the 2023/24 festive period.
The BMA processed over 395 189 private vehicles, 12 974 mini-bus taxis and 6 071 buses through the movement control system.
The BMA processed over 9 491 aircrafts through the international airports and about 660 vessels across seaports.
OR Tambo International Airport facilitated the majority of travelers at 1 065 636, followed by the Beitbridge land port of entry to Zimbabwe at 645 590 travelers, and then followed by the Lebombo land port of entry to Mozambique at 571 131.
Compared to the 2023/24 festive period, Lebombo experienced a decline of about 183 935 travelers.
Working with SARS, the BMA facilitated a total of 58 938 trucks for both import and export.
Out of the total number of 58 938 processed trucks, 47 891 were processed for exports and 11 047 were processed for imports.
Masiapato thanked the border guards and coastal guards, who continue to do their best in the midst of challenges and complexities associated with border law enforcement work.
“We are very hopeful that we will be able to get the resources and fully enrol the requisite technologies required for effective border management,” he said. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Fri, 01/31/2025 - 11:33
10 views
Vhembe’s Farmers Suffer as Roads Deteriorate
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Operations at Groblers Bridge temporarily suspended
Operations at Groblers Bridge temporarily suspended
The Commissioner of the Border Management Authority (BMA), Dr Michael Masiapato, on Wednesday said operations at the Groblers Bridge port of entry into Botswana are still temporarily suspended due to heavy rainfall, which caused significant flooding at the various operational areas.
“We are pleased to announce that the floodwaters have now subsided, allowing for an assessment of the port infrastructure,” Masiapato said.
Masiapato said a thorough inspection was conducted by experts from various engineering disciplines to determine the extent of the damage caused by the flooding.
According to Masiapato, following the assessment conducted at the port of entry, a comprehensive project plan has been developed to address the necessary repairs and ensure the port’s readiness for operational resumption.
The key activities in the project plan include the repairing of identified damages to the port infrastructure. Water quality tests will also need to be conducted to ensure the environment is safe for operations.
Masiapato said water underground will need to be allowed to be completely dry in order to carry the weight of the cargo trucks that pass through the port.
“It is anticipated that the repair and restoration process will take approximately six days to complete.
“Upon completion of these activities, the Groblers Bridge port of entry will be fully operational, resuming its critical role in facilitating cross-border movement and trade between South Africa and Botswana,” Masiapato said.
The BMA remains committed to ensuring the safety and functionality of all ports of entry, recognising their importance in enabling economic activity and connectivity.
Masiapato said the BMA is in continuous engagement with its counterparts in Botswana at all times on these matters and further updates will be provided as progress is made. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Thu, 01/23/2025 - 11:36
137 views
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Border Management Authority ready for influx of travellers returning to SA
Border Management Authority ready for influx of travellers returning to SA
Border Management Authority (BMA) Commissioner, Dr Michael Masiapato, has assured stakeholders and the public that the Beitbridge port of entry is fully prepared for the return of holidaymakers.
Speaking at the border on Friday, Masiapato confirmed that preparations are in place to manage the influx of travellers returning to South Africa from other parts of the continent.
“As the BMA and the rest of the stakeholders that are here at the Beitbridge port of entry, we are very much ready to implement the return leg of… our plan for the festive season. On that basis, we can indicate that we did conclude the exit leg on the 31 December 2024 and from 01 January 2025, we are fairly ready to start receiving people that will be returning to South Africa coming from the rest of the continent through the Beitbridge border,” Masiapato said.
The Commissioner is at the Beitbridge port of entry from 2 to 4 January 2025 to conduct port operations. Masiapato is supported by Deputy Commissioner Jane Thupana.
The Beitbridge port of entry is the biggest land port and has seen increased numbers of movement, and more are expected for the return leg.
Masiapato started the operations on Thursday by chairing a Port Management Committee meeting attended by various stakeholders, such as the South African Police Service (SAPS), South African National Defence Force (SANDF) and South African Revenue Service (SARS), to consolidate and receive update reports on the return leg of the festive period plan.
The port has implemented clear demarcations for streamlined processing. Separate areas have been designated for small vehicles, public transport (buses and taxis) and trucks, with the latter handled under the leadership of SARS.
“I can indicate that inside the port, we have very clear demarcations that we have done, we have demarcated the areas where we are going to be processing all the small vehicles, people coming through public transport like buses and taxis, and we have also demarcated areas where we are going to be processing the trucks under the leadership of the colleagues from SARS,” the Commissioner said.
Masiapato reported that traffic has been light so far, with fewer than 2 000 travellers processed since New Year's Day. However, he expects a significant increase in traffic starting this afternoon and continuing tomorrow.
The Commissioner reaffirmed the BMA's readiness to manage the anticipated surge in traffic, and maintain secure and efficient border operations during this busy travel period.
“We are ready to receive the numbers that will be coming through into the port. [From] yesterday and [up until now], the numbers are still very low. We have just been processing below 2 000, therefore, we are expecting the numbers to start escalating during the course of this afternoon, as well as tomorrow,” the Commissioner said.
High alert for vehicle interceptions
In collaboration with the South African Police Service (SAPS), the BMA is on high alert for stolen or unauthorised vehicles attempting to cross the border.
Masiapato outlined the strict verification processes in place, which are as follows:
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Financed vehicles must have authorisation letters from their financial institutions permitting their exit from the country.
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All vehicles are checked against SAPS databases to identify stolen or flagged vehicles using licence plate information.
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SAPS officers stationed along the corridor to the port are actively monitoring vehicles for compliance and verifying their status.
"We are committed to ensuring that only legitimate vehicles are allowed to cross. As we speak, now on the corridor towards the port, members of the SAPS are alert to make sure that all of those vehicles are assessed,” Masiapato said. – SAnews.gov.za
DikelediM
Fri, 01/03/2025 - 13:22
244 views
Taxi and bus owners urged to improve road safety
Taxi and bus owners urged to improve road safety
The Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) has called on public transport operators and the freight industry to step up efforts to reduce road crashes and fatalities this festive season, following a spate of fatal crashes involving minibus vehicles and trucks.
In the most recent crash, seven people were killed and five injured when a minibus overturned on the N3, near Grootvlei, in Mpumalanga.
“Many of these crashes have occurred in the early hours of the morning suggesting that fatigue may have played a role. Fatigue is one of the leading contributors to road accidents, with research showing that drowsy and distracted drivers are significantly more likely to be involved in collisions.
“Physical and mental fatigue can impair reaction times, decision-making and attention - skills essential for safe driving. Drivers who are physically tired or mentally exhausted may overlook warning signs, misjudge traffic conditions, or fail to respond quickly to sudden changes in events,” said the RTMC in a statement.
Meanwhile, the corporation also advised all motorists to exercise extreme caution as the South African Weather Service has predicted rainfall in many parts of the country.
“Drivers should reduce speed and avoid crossing flooded bridges,” it said. – SAnews.gov.za
Janine
Tue, 12/24/2024 - 08:32
291 views
Operations run smoothly at Lebombo port of entry
Operations run smoothly at Lebombo port of entry
Operations at the Lebombo port of entry are running smoothly as holiday movements increase, the Border Management Authority (BMA) said on Monday.
“The processing of cargo on both arrival and departure continues as normal, with efficient facilitation ensuring seamless movement of goods. Similarly, traveller movements in both directions are flowing without disruptions, reflecting the Authority's preparedness for the busy holiday season,” the authority said in a statement on the port of entry to Mzoambique.
The BMA’s statement comes as South Africa today commemorates Reconciliation Day.
“This weekend from Friday, 13 December to Sunday, 15 December 2024, 52 252 travellers were processed at Lebombo Port of Entry – a clear indication of the increased activity as South Africa enters its peak travel period.”
BMA Commissioner, Dr Michael Masiapato said operations are proceeding smoothly, with no significant incidents or challenges recorded adding that the backlog of trucks that were on the N4 has been cleared.
Traffic on the corridor towards the port of entry has also been cleared.
READ | Operations at Lebombo port of entry resume
Masiapato affirmed that the BMA remains vigilant and fully equipped to maintain this level of efficiency while continuing to monitor operations closely.
“We are working with other law enforcement authorities and stakeholders such as the South African Revenue Services (SARS) to ensure that both trade and travel through Lebombo are handled with maximum efficiency and minimal delays during this high-demand period,” he said.
The authority added that it appreciates the cooperation of travellers and stakeholders and encourages continued adherence to border regulations to maintain smooth operations.
“Given the dynamic nature of operations on the ground, the BMA remains committed to providing timely updates as the situation evolves. The Authority urges the public to report any suspicious activities at the ports by contacting the BMA's toll-free hotline at 0801 229 019,” it said. -SAnews.gov.za
Neo
Mon, 12/16/2024 - 13:24
71 views
Pup-up Shop: New Mobile Clinics for Dogs and Cats
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Operations at Lebombo port of entry resume
Operations at Lebombo port of entry resume
Traveller movement at the Lebombo port of entry to Mozambique, is now open until further notice, the Border Management Authority (BMA) said on Thursday.
“The Acting Commissioner of the Border Management Authority (BMA), Ms Jane Thupana has provided the latest update on the Lebombo Port of Entry, that travellers movement is now open until further notice.
“Pedestrians and small vehicles are being processed minimally with statistics reflecting that 7 471 travellers were processed yesterday, 11 December 2024. The statistics indicate that movement is about 50% less than what it was this time in December 2023,” the authority said in a statement.
This after the BMA announced the temporarily suspensions of operations for general cargo processing as well as passenger movements, due to the Mozambique side being affected by unrests on Monday.
On Thursday, the authority added that processing mainly takes place in the early hours and late afternoons when the unrests on the Mozambican side has subsided.
However, the processing of cargo remains suspended due to protesters blocking entry into Mozambique and the BMA is closely monitoring developments.
“The situation on the N4 corridor remains under close observation in order to minimise congestions. Trucking companies having facilities in Komatipoort are urged to divert trucks to the depots in Komatipoort, while others may divert trucks to the designated truck holding area at km7. Transporters are continuously urged not to dispatch new vehicles to the port until further notice.”
Acting Commissioner of the BMA, Ms. Jane Thupana, reaffirmed the authority’s commitment to effectively managing and resolving the challenges at the border.
"The BMA is working tirelessly together with key stakeholders in the border management sector to manage the situation. We urge all affected parties to exercise patience as we continue to monitor the situation and engage with relevant authorities to find lasting solutions," said Thupana. -SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Thu, 12/12/2024 - 14:03
184 views
Committee Emphasises Broader Collaboration Between Stakeholders to Deal with Backlog of Trucks at Lebombo Port of Entry
The Portfolio Committee on Home Affairs has reiterated its call for enhanced cooperation between the Border Management Authority (BMA), law enforcement agencies, Mozambican counterparts and long-haul goods trucks to resolve the current backlog of trucks at the Lebombo Port of Entry. The committee concluded a successful and informative oversight visit to the port of entry and highlighted health concerns and the impact of extended delays in processing goods across the border as a direct result of the political protests in Mozambique.
“The Border Management Authority has been agile and provided the necessary leadership in responding adequately to the protest to ensure safety of infrastructure and personnel on the South African side of the border. Despite this, the long delays in processing goods across the border have created a health, economic and safety hazard that needs greater collaboration to ensure immediate relief,” said Mr Mosa Chabane, the Chairperson of the committee.
The committee was informed that the health risks associated with long delays relate to the lack of abolition facilities and water, which will create a health hazard for truck drivers. Also, the direct impact on trade is also untenable, especially in a period of increased economic activity as a result of the festive season.
In addition, the committee called on role-players within the trucking industry to enhance collaboration with the BMA and law enforcement agencies to find workable solutions to the current challenge, including re-routing some trucks to alleviate the current pressures at the Lebombo Port of Entry. Also, continuous communication and collaboration is necessary between the South African and Mozambican governments to find short- to medium-term solutions to the current challenges.
In the long term, the committee welcomed the assurance that discussions are ongoing between the BMA, the Trans African Concessions and the National Treasury to develop bulk clearance facility infrastructure at KM 7, which will provide the needed relief at Lebombo and lead to quicker processing times of goods. The committee also emphasised the importance of finalising the private–public partnership process provided for by the one-stop border post, which will ensure integrated and seamless movement of goods and people across the border.
Despite this, the committee applauded the opening of the port of entry for goods late on Tuesday afternoon as it was completing its oversight visit. The committee also called for constant assessment of the risk levels as the goods are processed to ensure safety and security of goods and the protection of truck drivers' lives.
Meanwhile, the committee had a first-hand illustration of the use of unmanned drones and is confident that this will provide the necessary tool to combat any form of illegality in and around the port of entry. The drones will also provide the needed force multiplier in an environment facing increasing financial difficulties as a result of constant budget cuts. Nonetheless, the committee commended the plans in place, including the increase of human resources at the port of entry to cope with the expected influx of goods and people wishing to cross the border. The committee has called for the full deployment the drones at all land ports of entry to ensure maximum results provided by technological advances in law enforcement along the border.
Meanwhile, the committee saw first-hand the increase in the presence of law enforcement agencies along the N4 and is of the view that this will deter any breaking of the law. “The collaboration with local law enforcement, the South African National Defence Force and the South African Police Service (SAPS) will ensure that joint efforts create the ripple effect necessary to deter illegal movement of people, smuggling of contraband and any other attempted illegal action. The committee has also called for a no-nonsense approach in preventing illegality,” Mr Chabane said.
The committee has also called for the full implementation of the safer festive season plan at all ports of entry to ensure the seamless movement. “The lack of implementation of any identified pillar will threaten the intentions of the plan and will hamper safe and speedy processing of people and goods. Furthermore, there is a need for agility to ensure quick response to any area of weakness,” Mr Chabane suggested.
The committee has requested a consolidated report on the roll-out of the safer festive season plan and also the progress report on finalising the implementation protocols between the SAPS and the BMA. The committee will also continue to monitor the implementation of the safer festive season plan to ensure its success.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: The Parliament.