Johannesburg, 23 May 2012 - Amidst change and uncertainty in global economies, a shift is seen towards emerging markets that have been more resilient to the economic downturn than their counterparts in developed countries. South Africa is currently well positioned to shine as a global business partner, with the performance of its logistics sector being a key determinant.

"This resonates with the theme of South Africa's 8th State of Logistics survey, namely `Gearing up for Change'. The survey was released today (23 May 2012) by the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), IMPERIAL Logistics and Stellenbosch University.

"The South African government's increased focus on and investment in infrastructure development have seen more than R260 billion being set aside for transport and logistics projects." says Dr Cornelius Ruiters, Executive Director of CSIR Built Environment. "The effective maintenance, expansion and management of our country's infrastructure will enable South Africa to compete at a higher level globally," Ruiters notes.

"For logistics to become a competitive weapon for South Africa, change is required. We need to change from the mindset that logistics is merely the result of other market activity, to that of giving logistics its due as a value creator," emphasises Cobus Rossouw, Chief Integration Officer of IMPERIAL Logistics.

"South Africa is a leader in complex, emerging and dynamic logistics environments and has achieved success despite geographical impediments, severe skills shortages and lack of economies of scale," Rossouw says.

International standing
"This survey is one of only a handful of studies worldwide that quantify logistics costs using a modelling approach. The South African State of Logistics survey is recognised nationally and abroad as a premier reference for macro-level logistics trends in South Africa," explains the scientific editor and project coordinator of the 8th State of Logistics survey, Nadia Viljoen of the CSIR.

"This edition provides an inside look into the research models, metrics and methodologies used to generate results. Comparing the reports published over the past eight years, one can track trends of a number of important logistics factors within the country. Known for its rigorous, independent and in-depth quantitative analyses, the survey is valuable to government decision makers and industry strategists in the logistics arena," notes Viljoen.

Some issues highlighted in the 8th edition of the survey include:

Transport costs

Transport costs are the single greatest factor impacting on South Africa's logistics costs, comprising 53.2% of the logistics bill. South Africa is a 'transport-hungry' economy; if transport is not given priority as a strategic planning imperative, it could become the Achilles heel of economic growth.

Research by Stellenbosch University confirms that transport costs showed a drastic increase of 16.2% during 2010, compared to 2009, while inventory carrying costs decreased by 19.9% during the same period. These changes are due to fuel prices hikes and greatly reduced interest rates, respectively.

Road versus rail

The shift required from transporting cargo by road to rail remains a concern. Dr Jan Havenga and Zane Simpson of Stellenbosch University have identified the uncertainty and risk relating to the fuel price as an important risk for South Africa's transport costs. Simpson states, "A solution to mitigating the risk associated with transport costs is a significant modal shift from road to rail, but consideration should also be given to reducing transport demand."

Port access to markets

Maritime connectivity is a strategic issue, with not only volumes of cargo being important, but enhanced access being key. South Africa ranks 30th out of 162 coastal countries. It is in the same league as Brazil and India, and outperforms coastal SADC countries by far in terms of maritime connectivity. This is according to the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development. In addition, the Georgia Institute of Technology found that Durban and Mauritius are far better globally connected than other ports in SADC, with Durban being on par with the ports of Mumbai and Rio de Janeiro.

Crop revenue loss

A case study measured the range of vibrations that fruit cargo undergoes when being transported from growers in Limpopo on gravel, provincial and national roads to Pretoria and Johannesburg. Small-scale farmers are more vulnerable to fruit cargo damage - they often do not have insurance and cannot absorb losses as easily as larger concerns.
A second case study found an incremental loss of income due to wheat-loss when transported on bad as opposed to good roads. The wheat-loss due to vibrations is estimated to amount to R2.5 million per year for South Africa.

Low-carbon development

A green logistics hub project developed by IMPERIAL Logistics in the Western Cape is set to lead to sustainable energy use. A photovoltaic system will power the IMPERIAL logistics hub site for the next 20 years; solar geysers supply all hot water; and the office building design maximises sunlight use. The payback period for the power system installation is less than seven years and an annual energy saving of 44% is reported.

"The South African logistics sector must proactively gear up for change. Uncertainties facing the local sector should be tackled head-on to maintain our reputation as a strong, emerging logistics performer despite massive challenges," concludes the CSIR's Viljoen.

The 8th State of Logistics survey is available at:
www.csir.co.za/sol 
www.imperiallogistics.co.za 
www.sun.ac.za/cscm

END

Media statement released on behalf of the CSIR, IMPERIAL Logistics and Stellenbosch University by:

Tendani Tsedu, CSIR media manager: tel 012 841 3417; cell 082 945 1980; mtsedu@csir.co.za

Enquiries regarding the 8th State of Logistics survey:
CSIR - Nadia Viljoen, scientific editor and project leader of the 8th State of Logistics survey: Tel 012 841 3455; cell 071 610 6051; email nviljoen@csir.co.za 
IMPERIAL Logistics - Marelize Hoffmann, brand manager: Tel 011 821 5500; cell 083 643 8743; email: marelizeh@il.co.za 
Stellenbosch University - Dr Jan Havenga and Zane Simpson, Centre for Supply Chain Management: Tel 021 808 3981 and 021 808 3598; cell 084 588 8884 and 084 626 7588; email janh@sun.ac.za and zane@sun.ac.za

About the CSIR 
The CSIR is one of the leading research and development (R&D), technology and innovation institutions in Africa, with a track record spanning more than 65 years. Structured to manage the entire research and innovation value chain, the CSIR strives for excellence in all its endeavours in order to improve the quality of life of South Africa's people and to increase the global competitiveness of South African industry. Specific areas of focus are the built environment, health, energy, the natural environment, defence and security, as well as the needs of industry. These areas are underpinned by key enabling technologies such as information and communications technology, photonics, robotics, materials sciences, optronics and biotechnology, as well as leading scientific infrastructure. The CSIR - our future through science
Further information is available at www.csir.co.za. 

About IMPERIAL Logistics
IMPERIAL Logistics is a global logistics and supply chain leader that moves business and industry through innovation, inspiration and foresight. Through its established Southern African and International divisions, IMPERIAL Logistics' service delivery comprises fundamental logistics and end-to-end supply chain management solutions to blue chip customers in almost every industry. As a preferred logistics outsource provider, IMPERIAL Logistics positions itself as an extension of its customers business, building its customer's brand alongside its own. IMPERIAL Logistics Southern Africa is a multi-branded business, categorised into five key divisions, namely Transport and Warehousing, Consumer Products, Specialised Freight, Integration Services and Africa. IMPERIAL Logistics International comprises four operating units, namely Panopa Logistik, neska, IMPERIAL Reederei and Brouwer Shipping.
Further information is available at www.imperiallogistics.co.za.

About Stellenbosch University
The Centre for Supply Chain Management (CSCM) is an academic, consultative research centre within the Department of Logistics at Stellenbosch University. It creates value for global and local organisations and businesses. The centre facilitates a symbiotic relationship between the academic development of supply chain management theory and the practical application of the theory. It provides clients and the community with cost-effective research solutions in the field, but at the same time produces results that are publishable and contribute to the discipline. Core competencies provided are in the field of supply chain strategy, business strategy and positioning, market and economic research, freight flow modelling and transportation planning.
Further information is available at www.sun.ac.za/cscm