Transnet said it would reduce transport services and non-essential cargo operations during a nationwide lockdown that began at midnight on Thursday to contain the coronavirus. The state-owned company said shipments of metals and minerals would depend on demand and government approval. It was unclear if these exports would be affected. The transport of coal to state-run utility Eskom’s power stations would continue, Transnet said. Transnet operates nearly three-quarters of the African rail network, the bulk of which is in South Africa.
It said it had decided to close all automotive terminals and multi-purpose terminals at the ports of East London, Saldanha, Port Elizabeth and Maydon Wharf in Durban.
“Transnet has taken a decision to reduce staff in some of the terminals with the exception of operations for Agri-bulk products namely; soya bean meal, fertiliser and woodchips, which will be serviced on single berths operation at East-London, Richards Bay and Durban Agri terminals,” Transnet said in a statement.
All bulk cargo terminals, which handle mineral mining commodities, will operate on schedules as per demand from mining customers, subject to approval by the Department of Public Enterprises and Department of Mineral Resources, the logistics firm said.
In other news – Cassper Nyovest in trouble on twitter for not donating to Coronavirus Causes
As Coronavirus continues to wreck havoc all over the world, the rich and famous having been coming out to lend a helping hand financially hospitals and food banks. It was announced yesterday that Rihanna donated R88 million to the cause which is admirable but because Black Twitter is a mess, a tweep decided to shade SA celebrities for not also doing the same. Read more
Source: eNCA
