This year’s Transport Month should firmly spotlight collaborative projects between the private and public sectors that are strengthening the country’s freight network, says advocacy body Road Freight Association (RFA) acting CEO Kevin van der Merwe.

The National Corridor Performance Measurement and Monitoring Project uses data to identify and resolve bottlenecks on major routes to improve efficiency and delivery times, while private-sector partnerships along high-risk corridors such as the N3 are introducing advanced tracking, rapid-response teams and intelligence-sharing to help to improve security.

Another important initiative cited by Van der Merwe is the Smart Truck and Performance-Based Standards programme, which is trialling vehicles designed to be safer, more efficient and less damaging to road infrastructure.

However, Transport Month must be more than a showcase: “It must be a catalyst for meaningful action throughout the year.”

Van der Merwe adds that while the initiative provides a platform to celebrate progress, its real value lies in confronting long-standing problems and building support for practical solutions. For the road freight industry, this means drawing attention to innovation and ongoing challenges.

Innovation

The push towards more sustainable and climate-resilient transport is shaping industry practices, though adoption is gradual. Van der Merwe says operators are investing in telematics and fleet management systems that allow for reductions in fuel and emissions, as well as the monitoring of driver behaviour.

Although companies are also using aerodynamic designs, fuel-efficient tyres and preventative maintenance to shrink their environmental footprint, the widespread adoption of greener technologies has been constrained by high capital costs, the limited availability of alternative fuels and the lack of infrastructure to support electric and next- generation vehicles.

“Larger operators are beginning to introduce Euro 5- and Euro 6-compliant vehicles, which emit far fewer harmful gases, and some fleets are piloting diesel/liquefied-natural-gas trucks or testing electric vehicles for last-mile deliveries.

“Green logistics practices, such as consolidating loads or reducing empty trips, are becoming common as they not only save money but also support sustainability goals,” Van der Merwe adds.

Yet, he warns that scaling up these efforts will remain difficult without government incentives and support, as well as a stronger refuelling network.

Challenges

The greatest threat to efficiency remains the state of the road network.

Maintenance backlogs, poor surfaces and congestion around ports are severely undermining competitiveness. Potholes and deteriorating road conditions increase accidents and repair costs, while congestion adds hours to journeys and reduces reliability.

“These problems do not just affect truckers. They drive up the cost of logistics and make South African goods less competitive,” Van der Merwe highlights.

The RFA regards the private sector as an essential partner in addressing these infrastructure challenges. Van der Merwe says the industry is not only paying levies and tolls but is willing to contribute expertise, capital and operational know-how through well-structured public–private partnerships.

He urges government to create a transparent framework that can unlock this potential and ensure that projects are delivered on time and within budget.

Technology is also playing a growing role in strengthening the sector, with advanced telematics, digital freight platforms and transport management systems helping operators optimise routes, reduce idle time and automate administration.

While autonomous trucks are unlikely to be seen on South African roads in the near future, Van der Merwe points to the uptake of advanced driver- assistance systems that improve safety and reduce fatigue as an important step forward.

“To support these developments, the RFA is advocating for a clear policy framework that includes a long-term roadmap for alternative fuels, incentives for fleet renewal and regulatory recognition for Smart Truck programmes.”

Van der Merwe also emphasises the importance of harmonised cross-border rules to ease the flow of goods regionally.

Skills development is another priority, and the RFA works with the Transport Education Training Authority to modernise training programmes, which now focus on telematics, compliance and maintenance, in addition to driving skills.

“We want to professionalise the role of drivers, who are central to the success of the freight system, and equip them for the technologies and requirements of tomorrow.”

Van de Merwe sees opportunities and risks in the near future. Using technology and data to build a hyper-efficient logistics network is a major opportunity, as is the potential for new-energy vehicles to stimulate local manufacturing if policy is supportive. The risks, however, are just as stark: infrastructure collapse, the high cost of green technologies and regulatory uncertainty.

He concludes that overcoming these barriers will be essential if the road freight sector is to remain a driver of South Africa’s economic growth and a responsible contributor to its climate goals.