Tag: logistics

Cape Town harbour's congestion and operational challenges continue to place pressure on South Africa's fresh produce exporters. This is particularly concerning as the peak fruit export season for table grapes and deciduous fruit approaches. During the previous deciduous fruit export season, approximately 55,000 tonnes of table grapes were rerouted through Eastern Cape ports to mitigate delays. Against this backdrop, farmers are urged to prioritise packaging.

Every litre of fuel consumed on South Africa’s roads reflects the underlying health of the country’s logistics economy. Changes in fuel prices have a far-reaching effect on the country’s supply chain, transport systems and the wider logistics industry. They also affect the pricing of goods on store shelves.

Most loyalty programmes are built once and then applied across the board. While this approach may seem logical from an efficiency perspective, what works in aviation does not carry into hospitality or retail. Yet many programmes are still built as though customer behaviour follows a single pattern.

We note the decision by Cabinet to “finally close the historical e-toll debt”. This decision includes both the “close-out” of historical debt and the “resolution of all outstanding litigation matters”. The Minister of Transport has “welcomed the Cabinet decision”. This raises a question. Did the Department of Transport not drive this process from the outset?

Across South Africa, a quiet entrepreneurial shift is underway. From spare rooms and garages to small home studios and converted garden offices, thousands of businesses are launching from home. They are also selling to customers nationwide. While the rise of e-commerce has accelerated this trend, another factor also plays a crucial role.

Geopolitical tensions are disrupting oil supply chains. As a result, global energy markets face increasing strain, while uncertainty around pricing and availability continues to grow. For South Africa, which relies heavily on imported fuel, these disruptions have increased fuel costs, caused delays at ports and created congestion across logistics networks.

Supply chains across the continent face mounting pressure. Geopolitical shifts and economic volatility drive this pressure. Many logistics operators have turned to technology for answers. This shift supports building a competitive logistics ecosystem. This focus also reinforces building a competitive logistics across regional networks.

In my experience, leadership has often been treated as a function of certainty. Experience is expected to provide answers. Structure is expected to deliver control. Leadership itself centres on directing, deciding and maintaining order. However, that model is under strain.

Global fuel market dynamics play an enormous role in determining fuel prices. Global oil price volatility strongly influences these dynamics. Supply and demand remain highly relevant. They influence what the global market will pay for a barrel of oil. They also shape perceptions of shortages. In turn, these perceptions can trigger buying sprees that push prices higher.

South African Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) are entering 2026 under intense pressure. Rising operating costs continue to squeeze margins. At the same time, regulatory complexity weighs heavily on business confidence. Weak economic conditions further erode consumer spending power.