Compliments keep coming in from the transport industry about the SA Revenue Service’s decision to discontinue issuing CN2 gate passes at Beitbridge, an intervention that now appears to have completely decongested northbound transits.
A video shared with the Federation of East and Southern African Road Transport Associations (Fesarta) shows the left-hand side of the N1 entirely clear – a sight to behold considering what it has been from 21 October to a day or so ago.
And although there was a slight bump in the road yesterday as border authorities in Zimbabwe struggled to absorb the sudden spurt of trucks crossing the Limpopo, it now seems clear that the CN2s and the lane required to print these passes – a non-essential clearing aspect by Sars’ own admission – were the main cause of three weeks of intolerably slow cargo processing.
On the public-sector side, Sars has received all-round recognition for its role in substantially reducing the dwell time of trucks, but public-sector efforts should not be overlooked.
Fesarta in particular, through constantly driving awareness around the issue, and Sediba Clearing’s on-site work while drivers sat waiting in their trucks in scorching heat, should be commended.
Fesarta head Mike Fitzmaurice congratulated Sediba MD Lin Botha, saying: “Thanks to you and your team on the ground for their contribution to help clear the queue.”
Botha herself remarked that it was good to see authorities on both sides of the border working together.
“Well done to all involved,” she said.
Homashni Naidoo from digital freight platform Saloodo applauded Fitzmaurice and the rest of the team for making it happen.
“A special thanks from myself at Fesarta to all stakeholders on both sides of the border for coming together to resolve the situation,” said Fitzmaurice.
