Operator support services

Advisory

In terms of its advisory role, the Division provides value-adding advisory services on cross-border transport sector matters to the Minister of Transport and other stakeholders. It also promotes the development of the cross-border industry. In addition to advising the Minister of Transport on regional transport imperatives and challenges, this division’s role is to monitor and act against any restrictive measures that may be implemented by other SADC member states.

The delivery of the Division’s outputs are in the form of in-depth and innovative research, which informs policies, strategies and legislation with respect to cross-border transport and trade matters.

Facilitation

In terms of its facilitation,  the Division establishes and maintains cooperative and consultative relationships with key stakeholders in the SADC region. Stakeholders range from international, national, provincial and local authorities to passenger and freight operators, and any other relevant stakeholders who have interests and a viable  cross-border road transport industry.

This Division also monitors the implementation of cross-border road transport agreements between countries to ensure that cross-border operations are based on reciprocity, fair treatment and non-discrimination.

The Facilitation and Advisory Division consists of three business units: the Research and Advisory Unit, Operator Relations Unit and the Facilitation Unit.

Research and Advisory Unit

The Unit conducts in-depth research in relevant areas with the aim of providing scientifically driven solutions to the Agency and information to key industry stakeholders. The information is disseminated with a view to inform relevant policies, strategies, and decision-making towards resolving challenges in the cross border road transport industry, enhancing the unimpeded flow of cross border road transport movements, regional trade, regional integration, the development of the industry and providing information towards the overall development of the sector.

Operator Relations Unit

The Operator Relations unit focuses on:

• Establishing structures and conducting consultations by engaging with stakeholders
• Assisting with the handling of complaints and conflicts among operators
• Identifying peaceful solutions or agreements among cross-border road transport associations in conflicts emanating from competition for transport routes

Facilitation unit

The Facilitation unit is tasked with establishing and maintaining cooperative and consultative relationships and structures with stakeholders in the three spheres of government, as well as with those SADC counterparts that have an interest in the cross-border road transport value chain.

This unit focuses on:

• Monitoring the implementation of bilateral or multilateral road transport agreements and facilitating bilateral meetings with local stakeholders and SADC counterparts
• Creating a comparative balance environment for South Africa’s cross-border road transport operators
• Participating in and influencing transport corridor structures to reduce operational constraints
• Addressing and resolving constraints experienced by cross-border road transport operators in all transport corridors and ports of entry, and providing support for cross-border road transport operators on the issues they face while operating in other countries
• Monitoring operational developments in the cross-border road transport corridors and providing updates
• Implementing the Linking Africa Plan