The South African Post Office (Sapo) wants courier companies to pay it an “agency fee” for the privilege of delivering parcels that weigh less than a kilogram. It revealed its plan in an invitation to courier companies to submit their “expression of interest” to be appointed agents of the Post Office to deliver packages.
This comes after the Post Office approached the sector regulator, the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (Icasa), and laid a complaint against PostNet.
While the complaint was against PostNet, it had far-reaching consequences for South Africa’s whole private courier industry, as the Post Office argued that it has a state-sanctioned monopoly over deliveries under 1kg.
Icasa referred the complaint to its Complaints and Compliance Committee (CCC), which ruled in the Post Office’s favour. It cited the Postal Services Act 124 of 1998, which states that only a licensed postal services operator may render certain reserved postal services. Reserved services include delivery of small parcels with specific dimensions and a mass of up to 1kg.
According to the CCC, the Post Office was granted a monopoly with a clear intention to widen the availability of postal services throughout the country. The ruling would have effectively allowed the Post Office to block all private couriers from delivering small parcels in South Africa.
PostNet approached the Gauteng High Court to challenge the CCC’s ruling. It was granted an interdict to allow it—and other couriers—to continue offering their services until the matter was heard in court. Considering the Post Office’s intention to monopolise the delivery of all small parcels, this raises a question — how does it plan to serve the needs of South Africa’s entire ecommerce industry?
“The Post Office has already hosted a well-attended briefing session for courier companies who are interested in a partnership. However, the Post Office would not subcontract courier companies to deliver parcels — they would simply pay SAPO’s agency fee to carry on their business as usual.
In other news – Video: AKA teases new music
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Just as expected, AKA’s new song has his usual soft touch and many of his fans are expecting the drop this Friday. Learn more
Source: mybroadband
