Cooperation throughout the fresh produce industry creates optimism across the country’s export sector
Logistics has not only taken centre stage in South Africa, but also within the wider fresh produce industry.
Mitchell Brooke, logistics development manager at the South African Citrus Growers’ Association (CGA), said that 2024 was not only an enlightening and interesting year, but was also one that would set the scene for many seasons to come in logistics.
“Logistics has to some extent not only taken centre stage nationally, but it has definitely taken centre stage within the broader industry,” Brooke explained. ”Personally, I am very optimistic about what lies ahead.”
South Africa had, he said, a minister of transport who had taken the lead on engaging with the business to understand the pain points, constraints and, most importantly, opportunities.
”We also have very progressive and forward-thinking people in the citrus export logistics space,” Brooke confirmed. ”We have a committed and dedicated team at Transnet and a COO who is highly enthusiastic about our renewed approach to integrating and collaborating across the Transnet operating divisions.”
Brooke’s comments are another indication that in terms of logistics, and specifically port logistics, South Africa has started turning the corner after years of consistent problems that frustrated export operations.
There is now an extensive procurement drive for much needed equipment across container terminals, set to yield positive results on productivity levels.
“The recently published Rail Network Statement will pave the way for the first private rail operators to run trains on the South African rail network – something I personally will celebrate as a significant milestone in South Africa’s logistics history,” he continued, noting that it was unfortunate the private-public participation at the Durban Container Terminal Pier 2 was delayed.
“Come what may, more partnerships in this vein are urgently needed,” Brooke said.
There was also exceptional collaboration in the fruit export fraternity, he pointed out, creating competition in the shipping space that had never been seen before apart from the Summer Citrus collaboration to the US.
“Keeping an industry-wide perspective will surely pave the way for enhanced and effective shipping services,” Brooke said.
The 2025 citrus season would bring an interesting mix of events to the logistics and shipping space, he noted.
“We have presented to Transnet a Reefer Export Optimization Project,” Brooke commented. “The project aims to centrally coordinate with Transnet the reefer export planning and operational process.
“The biggest problem I see is just getting containers to terminal stacks in a decent timeframe. This project aims to assist in achieving this.”
