The Gaborone Container Terminal
(Gabcon) has launched an
investigation after South African
customs officials detained several
containers from Botswana in
Mafikeng.
According to Modise Koofhethile,
managing director of Gabcon, the
cargo was held up due to South
African customs officials wanting
clearance documentation for the
goods in South Africa.
Clearance for export had been
completed in Botswana with the
containers then loaded onto
rail before being moved
through Mafikeng to the Port of
Durban.
“But we have now had several
situations where our containers
have been stopped in Mafikeng,
with South Africa’s customs officials
saying all cargo moving through
South Africa must be cleared in
South Africa,” Koofhethile told
FTW. “Essentially this means we
will now have to have two sets of
clearance documents instead of just
the one as has been the case and that
will have a major cost implication. At
the same time it could be construed
as South Africa not trusting the
other Southern African Customs
Union (Sacu) partners.”
He said it was unclear why the
cargo had to be cleared in Mafikeng
and could not just move on the
through bill of lading.
“You will need two clearing
agents if South Africa insists on this
procedure – one in Botswana and
one in Mafikeng. The opposite
would become true as well.
Cargo destined for
Botswana arriving
in Durban would
have to be cleared
at the port first
and then again in
Botswana.”
He said this had
never occurred in
the past and they were
taking the matter seriously.
They have talked with Botswana
Unified Revenue Services (Burs)
who will investigate and engage with
the South Africa Revenue Services
(Sars).
“We are hoping that this was just a
possible misunderstanding and that
it is not an indication of what is to
come.”
South Africa has been in the
spotlight for some time now as the
country awaits the promulgation of
its new customs laws.
INSERT
We have now
had several
situations where
our containers have
been stopped in
Mafikeng
- Modise Koofhethile
