The economy is suffering a severe blow due to the deterioration of ports, traffic congestion, and the breakdown of Transnet. This has resulted in significant delays in the transportation of crucial goods, as they are held up on blocked roads and further hindered by the poor condition of ports, which are now ranked as some of the worst in Africa.

By Themba Khumalo

The escalating Transnet crisis is swiftly taking over from load-shedding as the primary obstacle to jumpstarting South Africa’s sluggish economy.

The current state of affairs has become dire, with disorder prevailing and the government struggling to maintain law and order.

Our country is experiencing a period of turmoil, with violence and chaos overshadowing political stability. Individuals known for their integrity are wavering, while the determination of those with malicious intent seems unyielding.

Corruption and ineptitude have spread like wildfire, causing chaos and striking terror into the hearts of many. This has led to a general feeling of unease and disillusionment among the people, as if the rug has been pulled out from under them. This situation is akin to unlocking the mythical Pandora’s box, as it swiftly spreads and impacts the entire nation, leaving citizens feeling hopeless and discouraged.

I urge you to take a moment to absorb this: load shedding is no longer the only major issue in South Africa. Transnet has joined the chaotic dance of disrupting the country’s economy.

The ongoing problem of congestion at South Africa’s ports has led to significant delays for cargo ships, with offloading times being extended by as much as three weeks or more. Due to the situation, leading shipping companies have introduced extra charges known as “congestion surcharges.” The shipping companies are slapping on extra charges of approximately R8,000 per container, citing South Africa’s delays as the cause of disruptions to their global timetables.

Additionally, some companies are opting to invest in pricier air freight for their goods, while others are avoiding using South Africa’s ports entirely. Transnet, the organisation in charge of overseeing port management and operations, is facing significant challenges in its performance.

According to a report by the timeslive.co.za , there is currently a two-week delay in cargo offloading at the port of Cape Town. According to the national recovery update provided by Transnet Port Terminals (TPT), the Durban Multipurpose Terminal is experiencing an average delay of 365 hours, which is equivalent to 15 days. Additionally, the waiting time at Container Terminal Pier 2 is 457 hours, equivalent to 19 days.

Expert analysis says there are no indications of imminent improvement in the current situation. The economy’s heavy dependence on exports for generating foreign currency and employment opportunities for a substantial portion of the population is a particularly concerning factor.

The Sunday Times said approximately 70,000 shipping containers are currently marooned on vessels off Durban due to the congestion. This situation, further states the report, poses a threat to both the festive season shopping and the overall economy.

Delays of up to two weeks in offloading cargo last week have led Maersk, one of the largest shipping lines globally, to exclude Cape Town as a port of call on a significant Far East route to mitigate disruption and escalating operational expenses.

The business community was shocked by Maersk’s announcement, stating that Transnet’s inability to fix or improve crucial port equipment is having a detrimental impact on the economy.

In Cape Town, the current season presents an opportunity for the export of high-quality fruits. However, businesses are facing the challenge of potential spoilage of their products due to the subpar performance of Transnet. This issue not only poses a financial burden but also jeopardises employment opportunities and the overall export industry of our nation.

In the freight and cargo industry, there have been reports regarding the following worrying developments:

Over forty container ships have been stuck off the coast of South African ports, unable to discharge their valuable cargo.

The waiting period for ships to dock in Durban has extended to over three weeks, leading to a backlog of approximately 70,000 shipping containers eagerly awaiting offloading at the port, as indicated by the latest report from freight forwarders.

Local ports have experienced a significant decrease in container volumes handled this month compared to the same period last year.

Port throughput efficiency has declined to far below Transnet’s own target;

The processing of containers has regressed to the levels observed in 2009, presenting a bleak picture of the current situation.

The primary cause of this crisis can largely be attributed to a shortage of suitable gantry cranes, exacerbating the challenges faced by the freight and cargo industry.

An expert in the shipping industry has pointed out that there are cargo ships that have been stuck at sea for a staggering three months.

John Lawson, the head honcho at the Cape Chamber of Commerce & Industry, is not a happy camper. He has been sounding the alarm about the government’s sluggish reaction to the crisis, and it’s got local traders and global allies feeling pretty miffed. Lawson didn’t mince words when he spoke to the Sunday Times, stressing that the government’s inaction is bound to hit the folks on the ground. He also pointed out that Maersk, a big shot in the shipping world, is waving red flags and calling for some swift and decisive moves to be made.

Transnet is in immediate need of enhanced equipment availability to resolve the challenge of terminals experiencing difficulties in efficiently managing vessel operations. The port of Durban, in particular, has been affected by congestion, leading to substantial delays in the offloading of cargo. This situation is adversely affecting trade timelines and expenses, especially for small and medium enterprises, which are unable to accommodate additional weeks in their lead times during this peak shipping period.

After all the chatter and exasperation have hit their peak, it is high time to enlist the seasoned pros who can truly shake things up. No more endless meetings with grandiose speeches – it is time to send in battle-tested warriors to confront the challenges head-on. Otherwise, the country will be left floundering in the deep end of a murky pool.

Due to the urgency of the situation, it is crucial that we promptly seek the knowledge and unwavering commitment of experienced intensive care unit surgeons to save Transnet.

The clock is ticking, and every second counts.