At the centre of the allegations is the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry, where disturbing claims have emerged about possible collusion between a Transnet employee and corrupt officials linked to international drug trafficking routes.

The testimony was delivered by Joseph Sebola, a member of the Hawks, who detailed evidence connected to the 2021 Aeroton cocaine bust in Johannesburg. That operation led to the seizure of more than 700 kilograms of cocaine concealed within a container declared as carrying Scania truck parts.

According to Sebola, investigators uncovered text message communications between individuals allegedly linked to the trafficking network. These messages, presented as screenshots to the commission, reportedly referenced operations connected to Durban Harbour, one of the country’s key maritime gateways for international trade.

The communications, Sebola told the commission, appeared to suggest internal influence over harbour processes. Particular attention was drawn to references to “Pier One” and “Pier Two,” which evidence leaders argued were consistent with operational zones within port facilities.

Advocate Thabang Pooe pressed Sebola on whether the messages indicated possible manipulation of berthing procedures to grant container access outside normal protocols. Sebola confirmed that the wording of the communications pointed towards potential internal assistance in facilitating access to cargo once it arrived at the port.

The implication at the heart of the testimony is deeply troubling: that organised criminal networks may have exploited insider access within critical infrastructure to move large quantities of narcotics into South Africa before distribution inland.

While no final findings have been made, the testimony adds to growing concerns about the vulnerability of port systems to corruption and infiltration, particularly at strategic logistical hubs like Durban Harbour.

The Madlanga Commission continues to hear evidence as it attempts to map the extent of alleged collusion between criminal syndicates and state-linked infrastructure, a probe that is increasingly exposing the scale and sophistication of drug trafficking networks operating across South Africa’s borders.

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With the constraints of damaging policy such as Black Economic Empowerment (BEE) and Affirmative Action (AA) still firmly in place, the economy is growing too slowly to achieve rapid recovery – with an estimated growth rate of 1,6% this year compared to 1,2% in 2025.

South Africa is in a better fiscal position than in recent years, though, thanks to increased revenue. Nevertheless, the consolidated budget deficit remains a problem.

Financing historical state debt remains high and, although there is currently a primary budget surplus, loans are needed to make up the deficit created by debt-financing costs.

The situation at local government level remains a major concern. Corruption, poor decisions and maladministration at this level could play a significant role in counteracting the possibility of growth.

Still, the Freedom Front Plus (VF Plus) rejoices with every ordinary, hard-working taxpayer – especially the middle-income group – about the much-needed tax relief announced by the Minister.

Personal income tax brackets have been fully adjusted for inflation after two years. This means R13,7 billion more in the pockets of ordinary taxpayers, which will give the economy a boost.

Other important announcements include the cancellation of R20 billion in planned tax increases – largely due to higher revenue from VAT and company tax.

This shows that the Minister looked for ways to accommodate ordinary taxpayers. It is a good sign and should be welcomed.

There is a stimulus for small business development with the compulsory VAT registration threshold increasing from R1 million to R2,3 million and the capital gains tax exemption for business sellers rising to R2,7 million.

Overall, South Africa finds itself in a more stable fiscal position than in recent years, especially with the budget deficit narrowing to 4,5% of GDP.

In the Freedom Front Plus’s view, this is a step forward, but it is still not enough. The party welcomes the relief and focus on growth, but the burden of social grants and a public wage bill that consumes around 35% of state revenue remains unsustainable.

Municipalities continue to collapse due to incompetent cadre appointments and financial lifelines for state-owned entities, such as Transnet, waste billions.

The only way to bring about real change and achieve growth exceeding 3% is through major cutbacks in wasteful expenditure, merit-based appointments and greater market freedom.

Without it, genuine growth will simply not materialise and taxpayers will remain overburdened.

The Freedom Front Plus, therefore, demands urgent reforms for a competent, efficient state. The few fiscal rays of hope demonstrate what the country is capable of.

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A large portion of the funding will go toward essential infrastructure projects within the current fiscal year. The company is also addressing persistent challenges, including equipment shortages and cable theft, through strategic maintenance shutdowns.

In a move to boost efficiency and increase freight capacity, Transnet plans to open parts of its freight rail network to private operators. The investment is expected to strengthen the country’s transport backbone and support economic growth.

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If govt cannot present practical infrastructure it should step apart and permit personal sector to search out options, says Berries ZA chair Justin Mudge.

Bruce Whitfield interviews Justin Mudge, chairperson of business physique Berries ZA.

– The Transnet ports strike holds dire penalties for the financial system

– “Please ensure that the strike gets your attention today!” writes the chair of Berries ZA to President Cyril Ramaphosa

– Justin Mudge warns the strike places 30 000 livelihoods at danger within the berry business and threatens hundreds of thousands of rand in export income

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The Transnet ports strike is disastrous for the financial system, many consultants have warned.

South Africa’s berry producers concern open-ended strike motion might threaten 30 000 jobs within the sector and damage the business’s export income of R3 billion.

A strike by port and freight-rail employees entered a sixth day on Tuesday as wage talks deadlocked.

The strike is occurring in the course of the peak of the berry export season notes Justin Mudge, chairperson of business physique Berries ZA.

[This] means even a single day of ports not working may have a major knock-on impact on the complete berry worth chain, placing 30,000 livelihoods who depend upon the business at danger in addition to hundreds of thousands of rand in export income.

Justin Mudge, Chair – Berries ZA

On Tuesday, Mudge addressed President Cyril Ramaphosa straight on LinkedIn.

“A functional democracy requires a functional economy which requires functional infrastructure, ports, power, transportation network amongst others” he writes.

“If the government cannot provide these then they need to step aside and allow the private sector to find the solutions. There are many that will grab the opportunities.”

RELATED: Berry bonanza: SA blueberry exports soared in 2020 despite impact of Covid-19

In 2020, exports of SA blueberries had elevated by greater than 27% regardless of the impression of Covid-19, indicating “the industry’s growing strength on the world stage”.

Bruce Whitfield interviews Mudge, who can be MD of Chiltern Farms close to Franschhoek.

We’re into the fourth consecutive yr of disrupted delivery and we’re now into our most important weeks… and these disruptions have a long-lasting impression on the season. With a extremely perishable product, the primary week is an important!

Justin Mudge, Chair – Berries ZA

The high quality perceptions that we obtain within the market are affected due to delayed shippings. Last yr… we had as much as 1 / 4 of a billion rands value of losses within the berry business, amongst others attributable to delays in delivery. We cannot afford to do it once more.

Justin Mudge, Chair – Berries ZA

Mudge lists a sequence of things making producers susceptible – these embody seeing margins eroded by the rising value of delivery and competitors provide out of Peru.

The South American nation grew its market share in Europe – SA’s principal market – by 38% in September, he says.

“If we can’t get our fruit to the market we can’t compete.”

Mudge believes South Africa’s ports must be declared essential infrastructure and the appropriate for work stoppages be interrogated.

The reply that I would love, is how can a bunch of Transnet employees maintain a whole agricultural business to ransom? I do not suppose that is acceptable! I perceive the rights of the employees to barter… however that can’t impression on the broader fruit business, the broader import and export business…

Justin Mudge, Chair – Berries ZA

Scroll as much as take heed to Mudge’s empassioned argument

This article first appeared on CapeDiscuss : Transnet strike: Lives & livelihoods are at stake Mr President – Berries ZA

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