Posted on September 1, 2025
South African container ports recorded their highest daily volume since the pandemic in August, moving 18,689 Twenty-Foot Equivalent Units (TEUs).
This is according to the Southern African Association of Freight Forwarders (SAAFF), which reported that the milestone was reached across Transnet-operated terminals during Week 20 of its financial year.
This comes amid growing concern over the country’s ports, which have faced significant operational challenges in recent years, with rising cargo volumes, ageing infrastructure, and limited handling capacity leading to frequent delays and higher costs for shipping lines, importers, and exporters.
Earlier this year, Business Leadership South Africa CEO Busisiwe Mavuso also raised concerns about Transnet’s ongoing failure to meet its freight volume targets, warning that the situation was negatively impacting the country’s economic performance and investor confidence.
SAAFF Chief Executive, Juanita Maree said last 24 months have been challenging, but with new equipment, amended processes, and collective effort, port performance is stabilising.
“The last 24 months have been challenging, but with new equipment, amended processes, and collective effort, port performance is stabilising. This is not the success of one, but of many – SAAFF members and industry partners have played a vital role in this journey,” she said, according to Africa Ports.
