Transnet Freight Rail (TFR) has fully resumed operations on the Cape Mainline after completing extensive repairs to sections of the railway damaged by the severe floods in July 2024. In a statement released on Friday, TFR announced that freight operations had returned to full capacity after more than a month of intensive work to restore the line. “The rail infrastructure sustained significant damage in the De Wet and Sandhills areas,
Author: Constance Makungu
Unifeeder’s Maputo Service Sees Growth in Exports from Eswatini
Unifeeder’s weekly ocean freight service via the Port of Maputo, initially launched in 2022 for citrus exports from South Africa’s Letsitele and the Lowveld, is now experiencing significant growth in exports from Matsapha, Eswatini. Logan Naidoo, Unifeeder’s Southern Africa representative, highlighted the success of the twice-daily rail service from Matsapha to the Mozambican port. The two-hour journey moves dry bulk cargo, particularly from Eswatini’s thriving sugar industry, to the terminal
KZN Finance MEC Backs Call for Relief on eThekwini’s Sydney Road Amid Truck Congestion
KwaZulu-Natal Finance MEC Francois Rodgers has pledged to advocate for relief on Sydney Road in Umbilo, eThekwini, where escalating truck congestion is severely impacting businesses near the port area. Rodgers made this commitment following a meeting with the Umbilo Business Association (UBA) representatives, including Chairperson Doran Subiah, Policy Director Ian Campbell-Gillies, and Legal Adviser and Policy Strategist Nontokozo Mpanza-Seme. The UBA raised concerns over the ongoing congestion, which is hampering
Walvis Bay Port Set for Major Revamp as Terminal Investment Namibia Takes Over Operations
Namibia’s Port of Walvis Bay is entering a new phase following the long-awaited handover of container operations to Terminal Investment Namibia (TiN), a subsidiary of Terminal Investment Limited (TiL). The port’s revamped container facility, upgraded at a cost of $300 million, will now benefit from private sector management starting October 1, 2024, after delays pushed the original timeline back from 2023. TiN, a joint venture between state-owned Namport and TiL
Container Movement at South African Ports Rebounds by 26% Amid Ongoing Weather Challenges
Container operations at South Africa’s port terminals have significantly improved, reaching a daily average of 8,246 containers, according to the latest Container Movement Update from the South African Association of Freight Forwarders (Saaff) and Business Unity South Africa (Busa). This marks a notable recovery following two weeks of declining activity. In late August, container movement had dropped from an average of 6,747 containers per day on August 23 to 6,537
South Africa Investigates Oil Spill in Algoa Bay
The South Africa Incident Management Organisation (Imorg) has launched an investigation into an oil spill believed to have originated from a container cargo vessel anchored in Algoa Bay last week. In a statement released on Monday, the South African Maritime Safety Authority (Samsa) reported that the spill was first detected by a vessel anchored at number 2 in Algoa Bay. The crew noticed oil-like blobs and an oily sheen on
Zambia Ratifies AU Road Safety Charter to Boost Road Safety and Economic Growth
Zambia has officially signed the African Union (AU) Road Safety Charter, marking a significant step toward enhancing road safety and reducing traffic accidents. This initiative is part of a broader continental effort to curb the high incidence of road fatalities, particularly in African countries where dangerous road conditions pose serious risks to motorists. Zambian Ambassador to Ethiopia, Rose Sakala, submitted the ratification instrument on behalf of the Zambian government. In
Malawi Celebrates Milestone with Arrival of Fuel Train Following Railway Rehabilitation
Malawi has marked a significant milestone with the arrival of a fuel train in the southern region, transporting 1.2 million liters of fuel. This achievement was made possible by the extensive rehabilitation of the country’s railway line, which had fallen into disrepair over several decades. President Lazarus Chakwera, who personally oversaw the train’s arrival, hailed the event as a “great milestone” for Malawi, highlighting its potential to boost the country’s
Walvis Bay Port to Boost Operations with Private Management under TiL
The Port of Walvis Bay in Namibia is poised to make a significant leap in its operations as its container handling will transition to private management by Terminal Investment Limited (TiL). Originally slated for the second quarter of 2023, the much-anticipated concession will now officially begin on October 1, 2024, following the finalization of a joint venture between Namport and TiL, known as Terminal Investment Namibia (TiN). The privatization of
Namibia’s Informal Trade Declines, with Katima Mulilo and Oshikango Leading Cross-Border Activity
Namibia’s informal cross-border trade sector has experienced a significant decline since 2019, with activity dropping by 46.8%, according to the latest report from the Namibia Statistics Agency (NSA). Informal trade fell from N$19.4 million in September 2019 to N$10.3 million by November 2023. Despite this decline, several key border posts, particularly Oshikango, continue to play a vital role in the country’s trade network. Oshikango remains the leading border post for