41st Annual Southern African Transport Conference 2023

Permanent URI for this collectionhttp://hdl.handle.net/2263/92302

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The potential impact on states of technical and economic measures in implementing the imo ghg strategy
(Southern African Transport Conference, 2023) Hoffmann, J.
Long term trends in maritime logistics include increasingly globalized value chains, improved trade efficiency, and shifts in the geography of trade. The COVID-19 pandemic impacted energy consumption, digitalization, and trading patterns. An outlook on the maritime world discusses the challenges and opportunities for developing countries emanating from the decarbonization imperative.
A total social cost approach to public transport planning in South Africa
(Southern African Transport Conference, 2023) Nkosi, M.; Zuidgeest, M.; Mokonyama, M.; Hawthorne, R.
Apart from direct costs in the provision of transport, other indirect costs are generated amongst others through accidents, emissions, and congestion. However, in most instances, these costs are not borne by users of the transport system (at least not directly). Appraising transport interventions solely based on operator and user costs is not sufficient. In this paper, the effectiveness of the Total Social Cost (TSC) approach to guide the provision of transport infrastructure and services was implemented and evaluated against the conventional modal hierarchy approach using the Atteridgeville-Pretoria CBD corridor as a case study. The TSC approach can account for both direct and indirect costs in transport provision and appraisal. The study's findings show that the TSC approach for the analysed corridor is important in unpacking the trade-offs required for determining the most (cost) effective mode of transport necessary to service demand along a corridor. This is then contrasted with the TSC approach results with those of the modal hierarchy approach and show the impact of not explicitly detailing the trade-offs between the operator, user, and external costs. This lack of detail might result in prioritising the wrong investments in transport in the long term, as such resulting in unsustainable cities.
Best practices for abandoned, lost or otherwise discarded fishing gear (aldfg) in Africa
(Southern African Transport Conference, 2023) Marlin, D.; Gifford, T.; Mbambo, S.
Sustainable Seas Trust (SST) is a non-profit organisation based in Gqeberha, South Africa, with a vision where the people of Africa and their seas flourish together. One of SST’s projects focuses on sea-based sources of waste with the aim of reducing all plastic waste (both garbage and fishing gear) that originates from the fishing and maritime sectors. Garbage and fishing gear impacts on maritime transport as it can become entangled in ship rudders, thereby impeding movement, and is costly to remove. Activities of the project include fishing gear waste surveys to determine the presence of gear waste in the environment, engagements with recreational and commercial fishers, and collaboration with port waste management authorities, to develop interventions aimed to reduce fishing and maritime waste. Recommendations to reduce, prevent, and mitigate abandoned, lost or discarded fishing gear in the environment are already developed globally. The project is currently developing a guide that takes the global best practice recommendations and applies them to suit African countries. A draft of the best practice recommendations will be presented.
Funding options for iptn infrastructure and services
(Southern African Transport Conference, 2023) Matebese, N.
Many public transport systems around the globe cannot generate sufficient income to cover their operating and capital costs. Thus, financing public transport systems remains one of the challenges facing many cities. The presentation will discuss some options for financing Integrated Public Transport Network Infrastructure and Services.
South African ship register promotion strategy
(Southern African Transport Conference, 2023) Bhengu, S.; Mudau, L.
The history of the South African maritime sector mirrors the history and evolution of South Africa, pre and post the 1994 political transition of the country. Due to heavy economic sanctions and the looming 1994 (and beyond) era, most of the ships were de-registered and placed on foreign registries. South Africa significantly depends on international trade for its transport needs, and around 2008, foreign vessels almost solely provided this service as only one (1) convention vessel remained on the SA Register - down from fifty-two (52) in the 1970s. About 98% of South Africa’s imports and exports are carried by merchant ships owned and operated by foreign companies and flagged in foreign jurisdictions. South Africa’s status as a maritime state has, regrettably, weakened over the last 20 years, resulting in the merchant shipping register being diminished and a market perception developing that the SA flag is uncompetitive. This was largely caused by an “unattractive” flag as the country fell behind in keeping up with international developments in this regard. This diminished fleet on the SA ship register also created a problem for the country of being unable to provide berths for the South African cadets. The aim of the South African ship register promotion plan is to assist South African flag to grow the fleet and this will assist South Africa to reclaim its rightful status as a maritime nation. A larger fleet under the South African registry will empower the country’s positioning in the global value chain and can create significant economic spin-offs through repatriated wages and the development of domestic industries. The presentation will covers the incentives of the South African ship register.
The economic impact of operational inefficiencies in SA ports and the role of the ports regulator
(Southern African Transport Conference, 2023) Nkowane, N.
Port performance is a critical factor that can shape the Southern African Development Community’s (SADC) trade competitiveness. The South African port system has been facing operational inefficiencies for several years, despite the implementation of regulation, Port Performance monitoring, performance standards by the Port Authority, and the Ports Regulator’s Weighted Efficiency Gains from Operations (WEGO). Poor port performance increases business costs and reduces ports' competitiveness in the region. The longer-term implication is a loss of both competitive and comparative advantage which impacts Foreign Direct Investments (FDI). This leads to port users, most predominantly end customers paying more for imported goods and commodities, whilst shippers pay a lot more on port and terminal costs for exports to reach overseas markets. The reality is that efficient integrated logistics and supply chains are crucial as instruments of economic growth. Successful execution of infrastructure investment determines how different transport modes will stimulate economic activity which benefits the region. The Ports Regulator of South Africa (PRSA), an independent regulatory authority responsible for the pricing and tariff regulation of port services in South Africa was established to promote competition and efficiency in the ports sector, protect port users from abuse of monopoly power, and foster investment in the industry. Mandated by the Ports Act, PRSA has been instrumental in addressing operational inefficiencies and ensuring the smooth running of the South African port system. This is done through regular monitoring of port activities, equity of access, port performance, CAPEX, and OPEX. This paper aims to pinpoint inefficiencies within the port systems that are actively operating in the region, identify the causal effects of such inefficiencies and recommend ways to deal with these ineptitudes.
The plight of the South African seafarer
(Southern African Transport Conference, 2023) Grimett, L.A.
The issue of seafarer placement has been continually raised, in the context of South African seafarers. Because of the limited domestic shipping reach, South African seafarers have had to rely upon the international merchant navy for jobs and practical training. Given that the global supply of seafarers is close to 2milion strong, the pool of South African cadets and seafarers has to compete with the global supply pool for jobs and training. While the issue of training berths has been published, the sector has been shrouded in mystery, as very little has been reported about their experiences globally, their struggles and the opportunities available to them. In this study, the global backdrop has been provided, together with insights about their struggles and challenges. The paper ends with an assessment of their placement within the changing global shipping environment and the interventions required if they are to thrive and prosper in the changing global context.
The implementation of trade single window system : case of Kenya
(Southern African Transport Conference, 2023) Mwajita, M.I.
This presentation focuses on trade facilitation and the implementation of a Trade Single Window System (SWS) in Kenya. It highlights the importance of trade facilitation in promoting economic growth and international trade, as well as the challenges faced during the implementation process. The achievements of the SWS are discussed, including improved transparency, reduced trade transaction time and costs, enhanced coordination among stakeholders, and increased trade efficiency and competitiveness. The presentation also outlines the change management strategies employed, such as stakeholder engagement, training and capacity building, pilot testing, and ongoing monitoring and evaluation. Lessons learned from the implementation process are highlighted, emphasizing the significance of stakeholder collaboration, comprehensive change management, continuous improvement, and adaptability to technological advancements. Future plans include continuous improvement of the Kenya TradeNet System, integration of additional government agencies, strengthening regional collaboration for harmonized trade procedures, enhancing capacity building programs, and promoting digital trade and e-commerce initiatives. In conclusion, the presentation underscores the positive impact of trade facilitation efforts in Kenya and emphasizes the commitment to ongoing improvement and innovation in order to foster economic growth and enhance trade efficiency.
Maritime game changers in South Africa
(Southern African Transport Conference, 2023) Ngubane, K.
The maritime transport remains the critical vein of the South African economy. The bulk of the South African trade is seaborne and goes through the South African seaport system. Thus, the development and maintenance of new and existing port infrastructure within the South African coast remains a priority for the South African government. Evidently in recent years there has been much added effort on the transformation of the South African maritime sector by the South African government. The ultimate aim by South African government is to ensure inclusive growth of the economy through comprehensive participation of black business industrialists. Amongst many efforts, in 2019 the South African government awarded a black-owned company called Mnambithi Group what is known as the “section 79” directive to build a 100 000m3 bulk liquid storage terminal at The Port of Durban. When the bulk terminal storage is finally built, it will be the first black owned terminal in the history of South African and will have a positive impact on the entire value chain and in terms of the country’s transformation agenda. This presentation focuses on the Mnambithi Group services, transformation agenda of the maritime sector and the economic benefits of the planned 100 000m3 bulk liquid storage terminal at The Port of Durban.
National treasury’s cities support programme (csp) : public transport capacity building programme for cities
(Southern African Transport Conference, 2023) Gaibe, H.
The Cities Support Programme (CSP) is a demand-driven programme within the Intergovernmental Relations (IGR) division of National Treasury (NT). The CSP was established to strengthen the partnership across sectors and spheres of government for inclusive economic growth. It provides support through a results framework, with a clear focus on: • Putting in place and managing a fiscal framework that supports urban growth and spatial transformation. • Creating an enabling environment in which cities can achieve their long-term growth strategy. • Supporting cities with the implementation of these strategies. Given CSP’s focus, projects are implemented in five different components, that is: Governance and Fiscal, Human Settlements, Public Transport, Climate Resilience and Sustainability and Economic Development. In 2017, the CSIR administered a survey across South African cities, among senior officials in the transport departments, to establish the extent to which the cities are able to perform functions in terms of the National Land Transport Act (NLTA). Based on the results most cities felt ill-equipped to prepare a basic transport plan and to comply with technical requirements of the NLTA (Act 5 of 2009). Further requests to provide reasons for lack of implementation of travel demand management plans, which are closely related to spatial transformation, 40% indicated lack of skilled human resources as the largest factor. Many more cities also indicated that they were generally unable to plan, implement and manage modal integration another critical element of spatial transformation. The purpose of the CSP’s Public Transport Capacity Building Programme is to systematically enhance the capability of cities and associated officials in transport departments to effectively internalise and implement spatial transformation imperatives in transport planning. The project seeks to support cities in creating institutional capacity within transport departments through creating leaning programmes and technical support in refining transport plans and associated implementation instruments.
Win-win achievements on transport and infrastructure development hand by hand on China-Africa collaborations
(Southern African Transport Conference, 2023) Wang, Y.
Case Studies on from the South Africa-China Co-operation to the Whole Africa-China Co-operation since 2000 to Present
Simulation on the thermal contraction coordination behavior between asphalt mixture overlay and graded gravel base layer
(Southern African Transport Conference, 2023) Wan, T.; Wang, H.; Zhang, P.; Yang, X.; Chen, Y.
The thermal contraction performance of asphaltic pavement structure is affected by the interaction between the bituminous layer and the granular layer underneath. The constraint action of the graded gravel base layer plays an important role in affecting the temperature strains in top asphalt layer. The focus of the present paper is to investigate the interactive thermal contraction mechanisms between the asphalt and granular base layers from a novel perspective. In this paper, a type of composite structure was proposed, and the dynamic and static strain acquisition system (DSSAS) was adopted to conduct the indoor thermal contraction tests. Combining the discrete properties of graded gravel materials (UAM) and the continuous characteristic of asphalt mixtures, the Finite Difference Method and Discrete Element Method (FDM-DEM) coupling models were established and calibrated. And the linear elastic and elastoplastic models of graded gravel layer were compared. Results show that the continuous-discrete coupling model has higher consistency with the laboratory test than the continuum model, and the relative error of thermal contraction coefficient is no more than 8.1%. The thermal strain-time curves of asphalt mixture and its composited specimens exhibit a nonlinear change law of first fast and then slow. And the asphalt mixture types and cooling temperature differences have little effect on the constraint action of unbound aggregate layer. The coordinated deformation between unbound aggregate base layer and asphalt mixture overlay can be realized by particle contact recombination, the inwardly extruded movement, loose on both ends and the middle compaction. Theoretical support for the research of low temperature crack resistance of graded macadam base asphalt pavement can be found in this paper.
Propulsion energy considerations for rail applications in South Africa
(Southern African Transport Conference, 2023) Snyman, C.
Challenges such as cable theft and unreliable electricity supply asks the question: How do we still exploit the benefits of rail mobility? Looking at energy alternatives.
High-speed rail studies in South Africa
(Southern African Transport Conference, 2023) De Beer, G.
The presentation covers the Limpopo to Gauteng high-speed rail and Moloto corridor.
An expose of the state of cycling in South African cities: insights from the city of Johannesburg
(Southern African Transport Conference, 2023) Risimati, B.; Gumbo, T.; Moyo, T.; Ingwani, E.
Over the past years, cycling has received increased attention around the world due to its environmental, economic, social, and health benefits. Cities such as Johannesburg have started to promote cycling as a smart and green mode of transport and are adopting policies to encourage cycling as a daily mode of transport. In this study, the state of infrastructure, and the promotion of accessibility and mobility for cycling in the City of Johannesburg were investigated. Interviews were held with various experts in transportation in the City of Johannesburg. Records from Strava Metro derived spatial patterns, and trends and GPS tracked the spatial and temporal coverage of cycling activities. The ArcGIS Pro was used to spatially analyse the geographical location information. Geospatial modelling Environment applications jointly with map algebra and spatial analyst functions were used to calculate the descriptive statistics of cycling patterns and trends. The results indicate that the locations with no cycling infrastructure have limited to no cycling activities. In the inner city area, the existing cycling lanes are cold zones for cycling and as a result, motorised transport modes are currently using the cycling lanes. Spatial observations reveal an increase in the number of cycling activities in townships. The results of this study could be beneficial to policymakers in identifying the main barriers and motivators for the public to promote cycling. The study concludes that the City of Johannesburg has many opportunities to improve infrastructure for nonmotorised transport, following the recommended coherent efforts of planning for sustainable and stimulant non-motorised transport.
Energy and emissions modelling in ethiopia’s transport sector
(Southern African Transport Conference, 2023) Nnene, O.; Zuidgeest, M.; Senshaw, D.; Oberholzer, B.; Grafakos, S.
This paper discusses emissions and energy modelling in Ethiopia’s transport sector as a component of the development of a wider cross-sectoral Long-term Low Emissions Development Strategy (LT-LEDS) for the country. The LT-LEDS is a key requirement of the Paris Agreement 2015 to which Ethiopia is a signatory. It aims to support growth of key economic sectors while ensuring the alignment of developmental goals with climate commitments and environmental sustainability. The transport sector is identified as a key part of this effort given its significant contribution to GHG emissions and climate change globally. The main activities involved in developing the low emissions pathways are the modelling of baseline and mitigation scenarios which capture historic emission and energy trends in the transport sector and estimates future emissions linked with the growth of the sector respectively. A bottom-up modelling technique is employed for the study. This involves collecting and analysing disaggregate transport activity data to provide a fundamental understanding of transport sector energy consumption and how it affects the long-term transitions. The results of the scenario building highlight the road sector as the main contributor to transport sector emissions in the country. This calls for the implementation of strategies and interventions to reduce emissions and guarantee a climate friendly and environmentally sustainable growth.
Challenges facing South African road authorities in the transition to new energy vehicle technology
(Southern African Transport Conference, 2023) Pienaar, P.A.; Zuidgeest, M.; Robinson, A.
In the light of the general acceptance that climate change in the form of global warming is an unacceptable phenomenon, the South African government committed to reducing GHG emissions, embracing green mobility and introducing new vehicle technologies such as electric vehicles and hydrogen related technology. Road authorities are responsible for the upgrading, maintenance and operation of the country’s road network and need to take cognisance of the influence these technologies will have on the network. The aim of the paper is to evaluate the green mobility strategy from the perspective of a road authority and to highlight aspects to be addressed, such as the characteristics and operational requirements of new energy vehicles, possible impacts on road and traffic related standards and procedures, requirements of associated infrastructure such as charging and refuelling stations, establishment of a national charging station network, assessment of the impact on cost-benefit analysis methodology (specifically vehicle operating costs), the handling of emergencies involving new energy vehicles, and understanding the impact of a change in technology on funding, especially the fuel levy. The need to plan for the electricity requirements of electric vehicles is also discussed.
Using tracking data and an electro-mobility simulator to establish the energy requirements of electric minibus taxis in Tshwane
(Southern African Transport Conference, 2023) Abdelgadir, S.; Giliomee, J; Venter, C.J. (Christoffel Jacobus); Booysen, M.J.
The minibus taxi (MBT) is the dominant form of public transport across Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). With a growing global call for greener transport, MBTs are seen as a key sector of implementation. The electrification of MBTs entails many challenges, including limited electricity resources and the lack of understanding of MBTs’ operational behaviour. In this paper, we estimate the electricity demand for future electric MBTs in the City of Tshwane, South Africa. We use existing origin and destination mobility data, which originated from vehicle-based tracking, and a micro-mobility simulation tool with an embedded electric vehicle model, called EV-Fleet-Sim. This simulation tool uses various SUMO packages to simulate mobility and calculate energy expenditure. The mobility dataset consists of various stop locations from a MBT fleet’s daily operation. The simulator uses a routing model, a virtual map, and a virtual driver model to convert the origin and destination data to high-fidelity mobility traces. The results are used in the electro-kinetic model to estimate the vehicles’ energy needs, from which charging opportunities can be derived. To illustrate this process and outputs, eight exemplar taxis with different operational patterns are selected for analysis. The results show a minimum and maximum median daily energy usage of 56 kWh and 215 kWh respectively, based on the mean observed daily distances travelled of 94 km to 330 km. While the energy demand varies significantly according to trip length and type of operation of the sub-fleet of 8 vehicles, clear morning and afternoon peaks are identified, along with charging opportunities during midday and at night.
Egis sponsorship presentation
(Southern African Transport Conference, 2023) Bouchacourt, L.
Egis is an international company active across the entire asset transport lifecycle - from consulting and construction engineering, operation & maintenance, concessions and mobility services and asset management, operating in 120 countries and 16,000 employees. Egis manages worldwide 28 road, bridges and tunnel operation companies, 20 airports and over 40 on-street smart parkings. In Africa, Egis is the largest private road operator with a network of close to 2,000km, 4 airports and ranks amongst the 7th largest engineering company in transport.
China-Africa cooperation in the transport sector under the bri
(Southern African Transport Conference, 2023) He, Y.
The nation’s economy and social growth are being greatly supported by the transportation industry. The development of the transport sector can ensure and improve quality of life, influencing a broad spectrum of activities including trade, education, and other social endeavors. Due to the noteworthy and long-term structural flaws, Africa’s economic growth has encountered a variety of difficulties over the years, although seeing a stable upward trend in recent years. To support the sustainable growth of African nations, an improved transportation sector is thus urgently needed. While the poor roads and transportation services, in particular, continue to be a millstone around the neck for African nations, severely limiting trade for regional, national, and global markets. As a result, considerable investment in roads and transport is much needed in African countries. Within the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), China has taken efforts to encourage collaboration with Africa on infrastructure projects. Chinese investment is paying particular attention to the transportation sector as it works to promote the social infrastructure and economic growth of African nations. The goal of this study is to examine the difficulties involved in China-Africa transportation sector collaboration under the BRI. Through a thorough examination of China’s current investment in Africa’s transportation infrastructure, this paper aims to recognize the difficulties that China and Africa confront in their cooperation efforts. It then discusses suggestions that may be made to China and Africa to foster a deeper level of cooperation.

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