This week, SAAFF proudly marks the publication of the 300th edition of the Cargo Movement Report.
Introduced during the COVID-19 shutdown at the request of the private sector, the report has developed from an urgent response to unprecedented disruption into a valued source of consolidated logistics information and contextual analysis.
Issued by SAAFF as a service to members and other interested parties, the report represents a sustained industry contribution led by its principal author, SAAFF’s Dr Jacob van Rensburg. Over the last six years, it has helped stakeholders identify trends, understand changing conditions and maintain a shared view of developments across national and broader international supply chains.
In an industry facing daily challenges across every level of activity, SAAFF remains focused on finding solutions, guiding informed course correction and sustaining the movement of trade.
At this important milestone, SAAFF is aware of a widely circulated submission questioning aspects of the data governance and publication controls applied to the Cargo Movement Report.
We recognise that these claims may create uncertainty among members and stakeholders. Transparency is fundamental to legitimate trade and a defining principle of SAAFF’s approach -both in the conduct of its work and when that work is questioned. SAAFF will therefore address this matter with its members and stakeholders openly, objectively and with the institutional discipline it warrants.
The SAAFF Board has been informed, and a structured review of the claims, the reports concerned and the relevant quality-assurance processes is under way. The findings will be examined objectively before SAAFF issues a substantive update to its members.
The Cargo Movement Report is a free to market industry-monitoring and analytical initiative. It consolidates information from multiple available sources to strengthen situational awareness, support informed engagement and contribute to evidence-based dialogue between public- and private-sector stakeholders.
It is not presented as an audited financial report or as an investment or transactional decision-making instrument.
The report is produced pro-bono and requires considerable analytical effort and regular engagement with operational stakeholders. Reaching 300 editions reflects the commitment behind this long-standing service and its continuing relevance to the logistics community.
SAAFF’s position is clear: facts must be tested; errors, where verified, must be acknowledged and corrected; and legitimate scrutiny must be met with openness and accountability. Equally, untested allegations should not be allowed to displace evidence or diminish the value of the work before the official review has been completed.
We request members and stakeholders to exercise restraint in public speculation while this process proceeds. Questions, concerns and constructive observations are welcome.
Our first responsibility remains to our members and to the integrity of the institution they have entrusted to represent them. SAAFF will evaluate the evidence, safeguard the credibility of its work and continue serving the industry with independence, transparency and purpose.
The 300th edition is both an important milestone and an affirmation of SAAFF’s commitment to deliver a well-informed, evidence-led industry service with integrity.
Issued by
Juanita Maree (PhD), SAAFF (Chief Executive Officer)
