The engagements build on SAFLA's formal representation in SARS Customs stakeholder structures and are intended to create direct, practical channels between Customs and industry at regional level. The focus is on efficient trade processes, timely and transparent communication, responsible representation and consistent compliance.

"This is what practical partnership looks like," says SAFLA Executive Officer Dave Logan. "We are not waiting for problems to accumulate. We are engaging SARS regionally, with clear agendas and evidence from members, so that issues can be addressed before they add avoidable time and cost to legitimate trade."

Western Cape establishes a structured working relationship

SAFLA's Western Cape Working Group met the SARS Customs regional management team to present the Association's national and regional model and agree on a structured engagement process. SARS welcomed the platform and committed to monthly management meetings with the Working Group. It also indicated that broader stakeholder meetings involving customs brokers, shipping lines, depots and freight forwarders would be reinstated.

"SAFLA will continue to participate in quarterly Sea Modality structures and circulate meeting agendas in advance so that both sides arrive prepared to resolve clearly defined issues," says SAFLA Vice President Jonathan McDonald. "The first formal management meeting is scheduled for 4 August 2026, with a broader stakeholder meeting expected later that month."

"SARS is reviewing Western Cape Customs processes, operating practices and potential technology improvements. SAFLA members will be able to contribute evidence-based input on bottlenecks, inspection delays, communication gaps and the commercial cost of avoidable hold-ups," McDonald adds.

This channel is particularly important for smaller operators, which have less capacity to absorb the cost of delays and repeated administrative escalation.

Regional engagement progresses in Johannesburg and KwaZulu-Natal

In Johannesburg, SAFLA representatives outlined the Association's purpose and regional engagement model to SARS Customs. SARS indicated a willingness to meet monthly on Customs matters affecting Johannesburg, including Sea Modality issues.

As the relationship moves towards formalisation, SARS requested SAFLA's stakeholder engagement documentation, confirmation of the Association's recognition, an organisational chart and current membership numbers. These governance steps will support a durable, properly constituted relationship and inform engagement in other SARS regions.

SAFLA's KwaZulu-Natal Working Group has meanwhile focused on engagement with Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) at the Port of Durban, as road congestion continues to affect access to terminals and depots.

"At a meeting on 24 July, the port manager outlined short- and long-term interventions being implemented. Road access remains a particular concern, including access to the port's container terminals, the Island View (Cutler) Complex and Bulk Connections," explains Dave Watts, a member of SAFLA's KwaZulu-Natal Working Group.

International Container Terminal Services  (ICTSI) assumed day-to-day operational responsibility for Durban Container Terminal Pier 2 in January 2026 under its partnership with Transnet.

"Regular engagement with management across Durban's container terminals is continuing. At Durban Gateway Terminal, members are reporting limited truck-booking slots and considerable staging-area delays. High volumes, vessel bunching and equipment breakdowns are among the issues understood to be affecting performance," Watts adds.

The KwaZulu-Natal Working Group also attended a regional SARS Customs meeting as an observer and is working to establish an ongoing relationship with regional Customs officials.

A practical, outcomes-based relationship

"These engagements show that both parties are willing to build practical, accountable working relationships focused on measurable outcomes. SAFLA's role is to bring evidence, represent members with integrity and work alongside SARS on solutions that improve both trade facilitation and compliance," McDonald says.

"SAFLA exists to give freight forwarders a credible voice, nationally and in every region where trade happens. We will keep engaging constructively and measure success by whether the issues raised translate into clearer processes and operational improvements," he concludes.