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Building a Weather-Resilient Container Logistics System for South Africa
Agbiz Fruit Manager Wolfe Braude participated in the Container User Forum's (CUF) webinar on 23 September, “Building a Weather-Resilient Container Logistics System for South Africa,” which examined how the country's logistics system can become more resilient to weather-related disruption.
The webinar brought together perspectives from climate expertise, port engineering, research and the agricultural export sector, with a focus on moving from reactive responses to disruption towards more proactive planning and resilience.
Speaking from an agricultural export and trade perspective, Braude highlighted the importance of reliable logistics infrastructure to South Africa's ability to access and retain international markets.
South Africa's agricultural exports have grown significantly over time, with agricultural products generating a substantial trade surplus. Fruit is a particularly important component of this export performance, accounting for around 35% of South Africa's agricultural exports in 2025.
Braude highlighted the growing importance of market diversification, particularly opportunities in Asia and the Middle East. However, he noted that market access alone is not enough. South Africa must also have a logistics system capable of moving products reliably and efficiently to those markets.
This is particularly important for fruit exports, where products are perishable and the supply chain depends on multiple stages working together, from orchards and packhouses through transport and ports to shipping and international retailers.
Braude also highlighted the financial consequences of logistics inefficiencies for the fruit industry, noting that the sector has experienced significant losses in recent seasons as a result of challenges across the logistics chain.
The discussion reinforced the importance of viewing ports as part of a broader logistics ecosystem rather than in isolation.
For agricultural exporters, reliable port operations are directly linked to market access, product quality, international competitiveness and the ability of producers to capture opportunities in new markets.
The webinar also highlighted the role of data, forecasting and technology in strengthening resilience. CSIR senior engineer Johan Kieviet discussed work to improve port-specific wind forecasting and operational planning, while climate expert Minenhle Nene emphasised the need to anticipate disruption and build the capacity to recover quickly.
The discussion reinforces the importance of continued collaboration across government, industry, logistics operators and research institutions to address the structural constraints affecting South Africa's agricultural export performance.
By Temba Msiza, Agbiz
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