The Citrus Growers Association (CGA) has reconsidered its transport strategy in light of the recent increase in truck attacks across South Africa. As a result of the increased criminal activity, the association is planning to shift a significant portion of its citrus transportation from the road to rail.
Justin Chadwick, CEO of the CGA, expressed concern about rising criminality and its impact on the citrus industry, particularly as peak delivery season approaches. The torching of trucks on major routes has increased transportation costs and disrupted supply chains. As a result, the cost burden has been passed on to consumers of transported goods, reducing farm returns. In some cases, trucking companies are even hesitant to operate in such hazardous conditions.
Mitchell Brooke, CGA’s logistics development manager, conducted an analysis to address this issue, highlighting the large number of trucks involved in citrus transportation each week. Approximately 2,200 trucks operate in the northern regions, with an additional 1,200 in the Eastern Cape and 1,000 in the Western and Northern Cape. In light of these statistics and the increasing number of truck attacks, the association intends to investigate rail transport as a safer and more reliable alternative.
However, the transition to rail transportation presents its own set of challenges. Because the current rail network has limited capacity, it is difficult to move large volumes of citrus efficiently. To make this strategy viable, the CGA acknowledges that significant improvements and investments in rail infrastructure and equipment are required.
The dependability of the rail system is a major concern, as crime, such as cable theft, can disrupt operations and cause shipments to be delayed. Citrus products’ perishable nature necessitates smooth and seamless transportation to the port, with no room for delays en route.
Despite these obstacles, the CGA is determined to develop a comprehensive rail strategy for citrus transportation. The association hopes that by reducing reliance on road transport, it will reduce the risks associated with truck attacks and improve the overall security and efficiency of citrus transportation.
While the immediate focus is on adapting to the current situation, the CGA is optimistic that rail transport capacity will increase in the future, allowing for a greater volume of citrus to be shipped by rail.
Finally, the Citrus Growers Association has reconsidered its transportation strategy in light of the recent truck attacks. The plan to switch citrus transport from road to rail aims to reduce the impact of criminal activity on the industry while also lowering transport costs. However, challenges in rail capacity and reliability must be addressed through infrastructure and equipment investments. The CGA strives to protect the citrus industry and ensure timely delivery of their products to the market by embracing rail transport and improving security measures.
