The United National Transport Union (Untu) has warned of imminent industrial action that could cripple port operations and cost South Africa’s economy billions, following the collapse of wage negotiations with Transnet. Untu General Secretary Cobus van Vuuren announced on Monday evening that talks for the 2025/26 wage agreement had officially reached a deadlock. Attempts at conciliation through the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA) failed to yield a resolution.
Category: Southern Africa
Port Elizabeth Terminal Boosts Efficiency with New R240 Million Ship-to-Shore Crane
The Port Elizabeth Container Terminal has strengthened its operations with the acquisition of a new state-of-the-art ship-to-shore crane valued at R240 million, Transnet announced. The crane, supplied by original equipment manufacturer Liebherr Africa, replaces a unit that had served for over 35 years and reached the end of its operational life. This move is part of Transnet’s broader equipment replacement strategy to ensure reliability and improved service delivery. According to
President Ramaphosa to Assess Port Operations and Strengthen Governance in Eastern Cape
President Cyril Ramaphosa is set to conduct an oversight visit to the Eastern Cape this week, where he will engage with the Provincial Executive Committee and receive a comprehensive briefing on the Port of Ngqura. The visit will begin on Tuesday with a presentation by Transnet leadership on the operational status of the port. As one of South Africa’s newest deep-water ports, Ngqura is designed for high-efficiency container handling and
TAAG Resumes Luanda-Lisbon Flights Following Power Restoration at Lisbon Airport
TAAG Angola Airlines announced on Tuesday the resumption of its Luanda–Lisbon–Luanda flights after power was restored at Humberto Delgado Airport in Lisbon. In a statement quoted by Lusa, TAAG confirmed that essential services have returned to normal and assured that passengers affected by Monday’s unexpected power outage in Portugal will be gradually rebooked on upcoming flights. The national carrier also noted that its customer service points will maintain regular communication
TAAG Launches New Cargo Route to Nairobi to Boost African Trade and Flower Exports
TAAG Angola Airlines has launched a new cargo route connecting Luanda, Angola, to Nairobi, Kenya, marking a strategic step in the airline’s expansion across the African continent. The inaugural flight took place on Wednesday and will now operate weekly, every Wednesday. In an official statement, TAAG emphasized that the new Luanda–Nairobi (LAD-NBO) cargo service will prioritize the transport of flowers, capitalizing on Kenya’s status as one of the world’s leading
Zambia and Angola Cement Partnership for Lobito–Zambia Railway to Boost Regional Integration
In a major milestone for regional integration and economic growth, the governments of Zambia and Angola have signed an Intergovernmental Agreement to formalize their cooperation on the Lobito–Zambia Railway Project. The signing, which took place during the Land-Linked Zambia Conference in Lusaka, marks a turning point for infrastructure-led development in Southern Africa. This strategic partnership lays the foundation for collaboration on the financing, construction, and operation of the 830-kilometre Luacano–Chingola
Zimbabwe Reserves Haulage and Logistics Sector for Citizens to Boost Economic Empowerment
In a major step toward strengthening economic indigenisation, the Zimbabwean government has officially restricted the haulage and logistics sector to Zimbabwean citizens. The move forms part of a broader strategy to enhance local ownership and participation across key sectors of the economy. On April 15, 2024, the Ministry of Industry and Commerce, together with the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development, issued a joint statement detailing the new measures. They
Namibia Revises Strategy After Missing 2025 Logistics Hub Target
Namibia has fallen short of its goal to establish itself as a regional logistics hub by 2025, as outlined in its Fourth National Development Plan (NDP4). In response to this setback, authorities are now reviewing the country’s master plan following significant delays in critical sectors, including rail, aviation, and regulatory infrastructure. The original phased approach aimed for significant expansion by 2020. However, as Gilbert Boois, Project Manager for the Walvis
Zambia Sets Course to Become a Leading African Aviation Hub
At the recent Land-Linked Zambia Summit, aviation industry stakeholders—including representatives from the Zambia Civil Aviation Authority (ZCAA), the Ministry of Transport and Logistics, Proflight Zambia, and other contributors—engaged in a panel discussion on Zambia’s ambitious plan to transform its aviation sector into a competitive hub within Africa. The concept of aviation hubs is gaining momentum across the continent, as African airlines expand their networks to drive connectivity and stimulate economic
Groblersbrug Reopening Restores Vital Cargo Flow to Southern Africa’s Copperbelt
Truck traffic along South Africa’s N11 highway has significantly recovered following the reopening of the Groblersbrug Border Post with Botswana. The crossing, a key route for cargo destined for Zambia and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), had been closed for much of April after heavy rains caused the Limpopo River to flood, disrupting Customs operations and forcing hauliers to seek alternative routes. During the closure, transporters were redirected