Lockdown has put additional pressure on margins as we need to continuously look for ways to reduce costs. Beira has proven to be a very competitive route option for cargo that was moving through South Africa. Even though the pandemic has caused a lot of strain, the pricing of commodities has seen an upswing. This has resulted in a stronger demand which has had a major impact on exports.The biggest lesson we have learnt is f lexibility and adaptability. As one commodity dries up, we need to be able to adapt to the changes in the market. Specialised equipment helps in some areas, but being able to handle multiple commodities at the same time while utilising the same assets has been a key point for us. Our ability to diversify to stay ahead of the changes has been crucial during this time.We have really looked at leadership and using this time to upskill our employees. We have spent many hours training, coaching and listening to our employees about how we can stay efficient and effective. We have looked to purchase additional capital equipment to be best positioned for the changes in logistics. And the biggest drive for us right now is to ensure that all our staff are safe, and that we have access to testing kits and the necessary meds. We ensure that our premises are always sprayed down, that our staff maintain social distancing, and that they are all aware of the dangers the pandemic has brought. Together we can ensure that the spread is limited, and the impact on our business is minimal. Neil Stals, general manager of IBLT&S
