SA's airfreight strategy invites public feedback as deadline looms

The South African National Department of Transport (DOT) has issued a reminder for stakeholders and the general public that the window for submitting feedback on the newly gazetted Airfreight Strategy is closing soon. This draft strategy outlines a comprehensive plan to boost the efficiency and connectivity of South Africa’s airfreight sector by targeting 11 priority areas, one of the most innovative being the integration of drones, also known as Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs). Drones are more than just tech novelties; the DOT highlights them as pivotal tools for improving the speed and cost-effectiveness of transport, particularly for the vital 'first and last mile' delivery segments. They offer a complementary solution to traditional road transport by enabling faster movement of smaller, high-value, and time-sensitive shipments. This, the department argues, could significantly reduce operational expenses for businesses and stimulate growth within the e-commerce space. Moreover, drones are expected to enhance airfreight access to rural and difficult-to-reach areas where conventional infrastructure often falls short. Their agility can ensure continuous supply chains even during disasters like floods or infrastructure breakdowns. Additionally, the use of drones aligns with sustainable delivery goals by supporting low-emission transport options, thereby contributing to environmental preservation. The DOT has stressed the importance of public participation in refining the Airfreight Strategy. The draft strategy intends to unlock the sector's economic potential by addressing current challenges such as fragmented cargo corridors, market obstacles, and limited regional connectivity. It builds on the National Civil Aviation Policy (NCAP) of 2017 and aims to create a more integrated and efficient airfreight network to overcome the underdeveloped state of this sub-sector, which has lagged behind the growth seen in passenger and commercial aviation. Stakeholders and the public are urged to submit their comments before the deadline on 7 November 2025. This feedback is crucial to ensure the strategy is well-rounded and effective in driving the sector forward. The South African government, through its news service SAnews, continues to emphasize transparency and public engagement as it pushes for the implementation of this forward-looking plan. In summary, the Airfreight Strategy represents a vital step towards modernizing South Africa’s logistical capabilities by embracing technology, improving accessibility, and fostering economic growth. However, its success rests heavily on robust public input and coordinated efforts across the transport ecosystem to address existing fragmentation and inefficiencies.