In response to the freight logistics reform initiatives under the National Logistics Crisis Committee (NLCC), logistics industry organisation the Southern Africa Freight Forwarders Association (SAAFF), the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) and data analytics firm Crickmay & Associates have launched the Logistics Accountability Score as a tool to promote transparency and performance across key corridors.

The Logistics Accountability Score is a performance assessment and compliance monitoring tool designed to improve the efficiency, transparency and sustainability of trade and transport systems in Southern Africa by holding all players, especially cargo owners, accountable for their role in shared logistics networks.

Supported by the World Bank, this tool aims to provide a framework to reduce risk, advance corridor performance and restore investor confidence in South African logistics capability.

The tool also aims to create a shared accountability framework that enhances trade competitiveness, encourages collaboration and supports South Africa’s reputation as a responsible, investment-ready economy.

The platform provides near-live, data-driven insights to reduce risks, promote industry benchmarking, improve corridor performance and drive sustainability.

Speaking at the launch, Transport Minister Barbara Creecy emphasised the importance of reforming and modernising South Africa's logistics sector, highlighting sector constraints, as well as initiatives being undertaken by the Department of Transport through the National Rail Policy and the Freight Logistics Strategy.

She outlined specific targets set out by the department, including its aims to move 250-million tonnes of freight back onto the rail network by the end of the current term. She noted that the department also aimed to increase passenger rail trips to 600-million a year and air freight to 152-million tonnes a year.

She also noted that the department was targeting a 50% decrease in road-related accidents by 2030, noting that road accidents contributed to a decrease of about 3% of South Africa’s GDP.

Creecy said these interventions fell under the NLCC, noting that the actions and policy interventions aimed to improve South Africa’s logistics output and could not be achieved or measured without adequate performance assessment and monitoring.

“I think that's why today's event is exciting and important because this new system that we are launching today is going to provide us with data that will give us a baseline assessment to identify further areas for improvement.

“It will give us the ability to have real-time monitoring and tracking of progress. It's going to obviously give us comparative benchmarks,” the Minister said.

“I do believe this new important system will enforce the important strides we are making as government, and will ensure that improved efficiency, sustainability and transparency of our logistics system guides our future interventions,” she added.

Also speaking at the launch, World Bank country director Satu Kahkonen described the performance of the logistics sector as being intrinsically linked with South Africa’s economy, highlighting that, whether weak or strong, what happens in supply chains reflects the flaws and strengths of the country’s economy.

“Logistics is the economy in motion. Logistics matter, and it is crucial for South Africa to get the logistics right,” she said.

Additionally, Kumba Iron Ore CEO Mpumi Zikalala emphasised the importance of self-regulation and accountability in the mining sector through the Logistics Accountability Score.

“In South Africa, governance is not simply about compliance, it's about restoring confidence, strengthening institutions and demonstrating that we as the industry are capable of self-discipline, risk ownership and ethical leadership,” she said.

To address the logistics challenges in the country, Zikalala argued that business had a responsibility to act.

She thus called for the adoption of tools such as the Logistics Accountability Score and encouraging its uptake across local supply chains.

Zikalala also noted the importance of rewarding compliance and best practices through operations, as well as investing in shared infrastructure and corridors to unlock scale efficiencies for all players.

Moreover, she noted the importance of upskilling people and digitising systems that improved visibility and coordination.

“This is not simply about lowering costs . . . but it's also about creating a more resilient and investment friendly and ready South Africa, because when logistics systems work, economies thrive.”

Zikalala also emphasised the importance of incentives for good performance, as well as an overall mindset shift.

“The Logistics Accountability Score . . . gives us a fantastic platform. Now it is the time for us as strategic partners to deliver on this through working in our individual spaces, and, most importantly, through working together to help overcome the hurdles that currently stifle the growth of our industries and the growth of our country.”