South Africa’s port system is sending mixed, but ultimately encouraging, signals to the logistics industry. On the one hand, Transnet Port Terminals has achieved a record operational milestone, handling more than 100,000 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) in a single week. On the other, vessel queues off Durban and Ngqura continue to highlight the pressure facing an increasingly busy freight network. …

This Mandela Day, SAAFF celebrates the enduring legacy of Nelson Mandela by recognising the power of service, unity and collective action. His belief that meaningful change begins with individual acts of kindness continues to inspire us all. As an industry built on connecting people, businesses and communities, we are reminded that every contribution, no matter how small, has the power …

SAAFF is proudly behind our boys as they represent South Africa on the world stage. Wishing the team every success as they continue their FIFA World Cup journey. 🇿🇦⚽

Modern infrastructure alone won’t unlock Africa’s trade potential. Smarter border systems, digital integration and regional collaboration are just as important. The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) has given intra-African trade significant momentum, with trade expected to exceed R3.8 trillion this year while supporting the continent’s economic growth. By reducing trade friction, strengthening regional value chains and lowering settlement costs …

OPINION – The World Bank Container Port Performance Index (CPPI) 2025 By:  The Southern African Association of Freight Forwarders (SAAFF)Author:  Dr Jacob van Rensburg –  Head of Research and Industry Intelligence The World Bank Container Port Performance Index (CPPI) 2025 brings encouraging news for South Africa’s container ports and highlights performance gains worth recognising. However, important insights lie not in …

Freight rates could spike materially in the coming weeks as the downstream impacts of disruption the world over make their mark, and, once again, it appears carriers will be the beneficiaries of global chaos. Analysing links between freight rates, carrier profits, and the Global Supply Chain Pressure Index, the South African Association of Freight Forwarders’ (SAAF) head of research and …

On 25 and 26 May, members of the AMIE Executive, led by Paul Matthew, participated in a strategic roadshow initiative in Durban, where AMIE and SAAFF hosted the Commissioner of the Border Management Authority (BMA), Dr Nakampe Masiapato, together with other BMA officials. The engagement provided an important platform for direct discussions with the Commissioner, focused on strengthening collaboration and …

South Africa’s 3,000km coastline has long been viewed as little more than a strategic shipping corridor, a point where global vessels pass between the Indian and Atlantic Oceans. But today, that narrative is shifting. As global sustainability demands reshape trade and logistics, South Africa’s ocean economy is increasingly being positioned as a platform for sustainable trade, green innovation and long-term …

The South African Association of Freight Forwarders (SAAFF) has cautiously welcomed signs of operational improvement at Transnet after the State-owned logistics group announced stronger vessel traffic performance during the 2025/26 financial year. Transnet said last week that vessel arrivals at South African ports rose by 9% year-on-year, signalling what it described as a strong operational recovery across its port system. However, Dr …