Current Projects
The following are the main projects that the Shippers' Council is handling. It should be noted that the Shippers' Council's main activities relate to matters of Principle regarding the transport of freight.
COLLABORATION PLATFORM FOR SOUTH AFRICA
The below gives a an over view of the proposed Collaboration platform:
"A significant component of the National Freight Logistics Strategy deals with creating more space for the private sector to play a meaningful role in all aspects of the freight system." ... taken from the National Freight Logistics Strategy released by JT Radebe, Minister of Transport, September 2005.
The South African Shippers Council realised the importance of the above statement, and decided to test this principle at its conference in September 2008.
The SASC therefore proposed the creation of a Strategic Collaboration Platform during its conference in September 2008. (Messrs. Gama and Morwe presented papers on the challenges for their different divisions.) The conference was attended from all sectors in the supply chain, inclusive of Transnet personnel.
The proposed platform will effectively bring together senior representatives from government, service providers and the private sector to comment on current hurdles and potential short and long term solutions and how, in the spirit of collaboration, these solutions can be resolved for the benefit of all and South Africa in totality. Activities within the platform can be summarized as follows:
• Sharing of Futuristic Needs (Strategic Level)
• Identify "Short Falls" in Present Supply Chain System
• Identifying of Supply Chain Needs and Development of possible solutions.
• Meeting Requirements and Needs of Partners
• Enhancing South Africa (make RSA attractive for international investors)
• Increase RSA competitiveness Internationally
• Decrease Accidents
This proposal to create a Collaborative Platform was accepted by all who attended the conference and requested the SASC to take a leading role.
The elections earlier in the year caused some delay, however we subsequently had discussions with the following Government Departments, namely DPE, DTI, SARS and DoT. They all welcome the Collaboration initiative and want to participate. (We also have been approach by one of the major road transport companies and asked if they could participate in the platform. We will discuss the proposed platform early in August with them. From past experience we know that they realise that collaboration in the supply chain is the only resolution for the future of South Africa)
We see a core group to take a leading role in the Collaboration Platform.
They are:
§ DPE
§ DTI
§ SASC
§ Transnet
§ Road Industry
§ DoT
To get the platform of the ground the core group/ founders will have to set the scene for the future. This will require the following proposed action:
Indaba between Founders to:
- Agree on Collaboration Principles and Process
- Identification of Champion (who will lead)
- Establishment of a Steering Committee
- Agree on "Rules of the Game"
- Agree on Plan of Action
- Funding
- Increase Potential Role Player Participation
- Develop Marketing Plan
- Workshop with Total Industry
OTHER PROJECTS (Some completed, others continuous)
TRANSNET FREIGHT RAIL
Goals:
Measurable improvements in the service levels given by Transnet Freight Rail
Improvement in communication to/from Transnet Freight Rail, through regular workshops
PORTS
This issue covers all aspects of port including efficiency, costs and tariffs.
Goals:
Withdrawal of the Congestion Surcharge at the Durban Container Terminal.
Success!! This Surcharge was withdrawn on 1 May 2005
Measurable improvement in service levels and productivity at all the ports
Establish a working team between the Council and Transnet Port Terminals
DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC ENTERPRISES
Goals:
Improvement in communication to/from the Department of Public Enterprises
Increase the Shippers' Council recognition and credibility with the Department of Public Enterprises
Regular contact with strategic personnel
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORT
The Shippers' Council will actively support any and all initiatives of the Department of Transport aimed at improving the transport infrastructure and efficiency.
Goals:
Improvement in communication to/from the Department of Transport
Increase the Shippers' Council's recognition and credibility with the Department of Transport
DEPARTMENT OF TRADE & INDUSTRY
Goals:
Improvement in communication to/from the Department of Trade & Industry
Increase the Shippers' Council recognition and credibility with the Department of Trade & Industry
DEPARTMENT OF TREASURY & FINANCE (INCLUDING CUSTOMS)
Goals:
Measurable improvements in the service levels given by Customs at ports, airports & border posts
Improvement in communication to/from Customs
Increase the Shippers' Council recognition and credibility with the Department of Treasury & Finance
COMPETITION COMMISSION
Goals:
The application by the Association of Shipping Lines for Exemption to be withdrawn by the Shipping Lines or rejected by the Competition Commission.
A joint working group formed between cargo owners to lodge objection with the Competitions Commission
PUBLIC RELATIONS
Goals:
Raise the profile of the South African Shippers' Council
Update the webpage of the South African Shippers Council on a regular basis
AD HOC PROJECTS
The Council gets involved with numerous "ad hoc" projects as and when required. The criteria for the Council's involvement is that the issue must be a "matter of principle" relating to the movement of cargo. Members are welcome to make suggestions to the Council regarding projects that members would like handled by the Council. Email the council at info@sashippers.org.za with any suggestions or requests for future projects.
|
