Road Freight Challenges in South Africa

Abstract

This thesis aims to identify road freight challenges in South Africa. Transport is a key player in logistics as it enhances the movements of goods and services from the beginning of the supply chain to final consumption. South Africa as a country has a transport-intensive economy. However, there are specific challenges faced by the sector which renders South Africa less competitive compared to other markets. South Africa has a substantially large logistics and transport sector with numerous challenges, making it nearly impossible to cover it in its entirety limiting the topic to address challenges as it pertains to the road freight network in South Africa. Qualitative research was chosen as the most appropriate research method and to investigate the research question of the thesis interviews were deemed more suitable. The author interviewed four interviewees all working in different positions within road freight and logistics. The interview questions were posed in a-what and how format to elicit useful information by using the framework of PESTEL. The results given by the respondents are later discussed and analysed and according to most of the respondents, the sector is deteriorating, and the biggest challenge associated with this is the misappropriation and mismanagement of funds from the assigned authorities. Most of the main challenges mentioned by the respondents come from the political perspective which is not surprising because the entire freight sector is governed by the Department of Transport a government organization.