+27 (0) 11 455 1726
What We Do
Stitching the supply chain together through practical solutions, stronger partnerships, and industry progress.
Trade Facilitation
Our Trade Facilitation function supports members by helping to navigate operational, regulatory, and industry challenges within the freight and logistics environment.
We engage with government agencies, South African Revenue Service (SARS), and other key stakeholders to represent industry concerns, address barriers, and contribute to more effective trade processes. Through these engagements, we help ensure that member challenges are escalated appropriately and that practical solutions are pursued.
Trade Facilitation serves as a direct support to members, providing expert guidance, and structured escalation channels through our escalation desk platform. In addition, we support businesses pursuing Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) certification, helping members strengthen compliance, improve operational credibility, and unlock trade advantages.
Through this work, our working groups, projects, position papers, and strategic interventions flow from a single objective: stitching the supply chain together, through practical solutions, stronger governance, and meaningful industry reform.
Research and Development
Our organisation provides the industry with timely insights, data-driven reporting, and strategic analysis to support informed decision-making across the freight and logistics sector.
This includes the development of regular industry reports—such as daily and weekly supply chain and cargo movement updates—as well as ad hoc analysis on emerging issues affecting trade and logistics. From assessing geopolitical disruptions and fuel pricing impacts to contributing informed commentary on national strategies and master plans, this work helps stakeholders better understand both immediate challenges and long-term trends.
By strengthening industry intelligence through improved data systems, centralised information, and innovation, we are building a more accurate, reliable, and actionable foundation for engagement, strategic planning, and future-focused industry development.
Capacity Building
We support industry growth by advancing strategic engagement on the policies, frameworks, and professional standards that shape the freight and logistics sector.
SAAFF supports industry growth by facilitating engagement on policies, standards, professional development, and strategic frameworks that shape the freight and logistics sector.
This includes contributing to conversations around workforce development, transformation, professionalisation, employment equity, and B-BBEE-related matters that impact both our members and the broader supply chain environment. By supporting practical, industry-aligned initiatives, we help strengthen the operating environment and contribute to a more capable, competitive, and future-ready sector.
Professionalisation within the forwarding and clearing industry remains an important strategic priority for South Africa’s trade competitiveness. A more skilled, compliant, and efficient sector supports improved customs processes, reduced delays, stronger regulatory alignment, and more effective cargo movement across ports and borders. Through collaboration with organisations such as the Institute of Customs & Freight Forwarding (ICFF), sector education and training stakeholders, and broader industry partners, we support initiatives that contribute to long-term industry capability, operational efficiency, and sustainable trade growth.
Service Offerings
Advocacy and Legal
Escalation Desk
AEO Program
Research, Development, and Industry Intelligence
Projects & Working Groups
Our projects and working groups are designed to translate strategy into practical industry progress.
Through focused working groups, collaborative platforms, and project-based initiatives, we bring together members, regulators, and industry stakeholders to address priority challenges across freight forwarding, customs, digital integration, compliance, and broader supply chain performance. These structures enable deeper member participation, technical engagement, and coordinated problem-solving on issues that directly impact trade.
From modernisation and Single Window readiness to trade facilitation, regulatory alignment, and system improvement initiatives, our approach is rooted in practical execution. By combining strategic oversight with project-led action, we support measurable outcomes that strengthen industry capability, improve operational environments, and position our members for future success.
Projects
Scanner Stops
Project Manager: Joy Moodley
Overview: Focused on reducing operational inefficiencies associated with container inspection interventions, this initiative supports improved coordination, process alignment, and turnaround times relating to scanner-stop procedures at the Port of Cape Town. The project aims to reduce unnecessary delays, strengthen cargo flow predictability, and support more efficient trade movement through enhanced stakeholder engagement and operational visibility.
Audit on License Depots
Project Manager: Kevin Naidoo
Overview: This initiative supports enhanced compliance oversight through improved risk-based monitoring and governance frameworks within the depot environment. By strengthening cargo integrity controls and promoting greater operational accountability, the project contributes to a more secure, transparent, and efficient logistics ecosystem.
Special Economic Zones
Project Manager: Judy Everitt
Overview: This project focuses on the development of structured reporting frameworks and engagement mechanisms to support improved visibility, coordination, and strategic alignment within Special Economic Zones. Through strengthened reporting matrices and stakeholder collaboration, the initiative aims to support more effective trade facilitation, regional development, and logistics integration.
Technical Service Provider Data Integration
Project Manager: Lisa de Jager
Email: ldejager@saaff.org.za
Overview: The TSP Data Integration project focuses on collecting data from SARS and OGA stops, creating a clearer picture of delays. This information enables SAAFF to better advocate for members through trend analysis and additional data analytics.
Land Border Crossing,
Pilot N4
Project Manager: Merita Wickens
Overview: Continuing the work started by the NLCC Road and Border Transit workgroup, to improve the flow of commercial road transport on the N4, specifically at Lebombo Land border.
Link the External Landscape to our Members
Project Manager: Lerato Mapheto
Email: lmapheto@saaff.org.za
Overview: B-BBEE, Transformation Fund, 8 Career paths and NFQ/QCTO Accreditation.
These four elements collectively drive transformation, skills development, and professionalisation in our sector.
Truck Booking System
Project Manager: Basil Hanival
Email: basil.hanival@saaff.org.za
Overview: Supporting the optimisation of the truck booking system to improve port fluidity, reduce congestion, and enhance coordination between Transnet and industry stakeholders.
Working Groups
SARS & OGA Working Group
The SARS & OGA Working Group functions as the primary regulatory interface between SAAFF members and SARS together with the 17 Other Government Agencies (OGAs) operating under Sections 4 and 113(8)(a) of the Customs and Excise Act. The group ensures that operational challenges are escalated in a structured manner while maintaining strict adherence to legislative frameworks and agreed Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
E-Commerce Working Group
The E-Commerce Working Group addresses the rapid growth in small-parcel trade and the regulatory risks associated with undervaluation, misdeclaration, illicit trade, and revenue leakage. The group aims to enhance risk-profiling methodologies in collaboration with SARS and technical service providers.
Modernisation & Single Window Working Group
This Modernisation & Single Window Working Group drives digital integration initiatives aligned to national Single Window objectives and SARS modernisation programmes. The focus is on interoperability, message grid alignment, and system-based de-risking mechanisms.
ACME Working Group
The ACME Working Group addresses acute operational bottlenecks relating to Border Management Authority (BMA) Health and State Veterinary interventions at OR Tambo and Durban. The initiative introduces a structured cost-recovery model linked to measurable productivity indicators.
LCC Working Group
The Local Consultative Council replaces earlier local consultative mechanisms and serves as the country-level forum for consultation between airlines and freight forwarders on accreditation and Cargo Accounting Settlement System (CASS) operational matters.
EDI-Technical Working Group
The SARS Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) Technical Working Group serves as a structured platform for collaboration between SARS, industry stakeholders, and system providers to address operational, technical, and policy matters relating to the electronic exchange of customs and trade data.
PCC - Port Act Working Group
Port performance, Expansion, Linkage in the overall system. Port Regulator.