ISSN 2412-7779

Cold Link Africa Online

REGULARS

INCORPORATING COLD CHAIN

Cold Link Africa ColdLinkAfrica

VOL. 39- NO. 3 | JUNE 2025

CONTENTS	We want to showcase your projects! Get in touch: eamonn @ interactmedia. co. za	15
REGULARS 3 Editor’ s column 30 Buyer’ s guide 31 Word search INTERNATIONAL NEWS 4 GCCA reports 10 % capacity growth in 2025 global top 25 warehouse list 6 Grenfell Tower fire: fridge manufacturer faces legal challenge over material testing NEWS 7 AIIM’ s involvement in CCH Greenbushes cold storage facility, boosting Eastern Cape’ s export capabilities 8 Panel builder programme empowers local builders	EVENTS AND EXHIBITIONS 14 2025 SAIRAC Johannesburg Centre golf day BUSINESS AND TRAINING 17 Ensuring competence in lifting machinery inspections 19 Bridging the skills gap: technology’ s march demands adaptable mechanical engineers 21 ComAp’ s power management for industry FEATURE 22 Natural refrigerants: a sustainable cooling solution PROJECT 24 The role of CO 2 in Port Elizabeth’ s new cold storage facility			21	© Cold Link Africa
ASSOCIATIONS 9 Water treatment as the unsung hero of cooling system efficiency 13 GCCA Africa Conference 2025: AI to revolutionise Africa’ s cold chain	CONTRIBUTORS 28 Investing in success, not just damage control 29 Compliance has its issues 29 Mozambique disruptions highlight vital role of cold chain in food supply resilience	26	Image by Freepik

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SA ' s cold chain advantage: riding the BRICS trade winds to regional leadership

The recent expansion of the BRICS economic bloc, welcoming influential new members like Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Egypt, presents a significant opportunity for South Africa to solidify its position as a regional logistics leader, particularly in the burgeoning cold chain sector. As the landscape of international commerce realigns in the context of trade wars, South Africa, a founding member of BRICS, stands at a crucial juncture. Can the nation leverage its inherent geographical advantages and developing expertise in temperature-controlled logistics to become a vital hub for perishable goods within this evolving framework?

South Africa ' s geographical position, historically significant since the establishment of the first Cape trading post at the confluence of two major oceans, continues to hold compelling geopolitical and trade importance today. This strategic location offers a natural trade gateway connecting the burgeoning economies of Asia with the vast potential of the African continent and the growing markets of South America – a crucial advantage for the efficient movement of temperature-sensitive products. The expanded BRICS, with its increased economic clout and widespread geography, further amplifies this potential,

creating new avenues for the trade of agricultural products, pharmaceuticals and other perishables that require stringent cold chain management. Imagine fruits from South America destined for Asian markets being efficiently consolidated and transported through South African cold storage facilities and ports, or temperaturesensitive medications from India reaching African nations via South Africa ' s developing cold chain infrastructure.

However, realising this cold chain ambition faces hurdles. South Africa ' s infrastructure struggles, including aging roads and railways, cause delays and threaten perishable goods. Port inefficiencies, exacerbated by high trade volumes, increase costs and reduce competitiveness for time-sensitive cargo. The well-documented issues at Transnet further undermine the reliability needed for moving refrigerated containers efficiently.

These challenges are not insurmountable, and the BRICS expansion could be the catalyst for much-needed investment and growth specifically in South Africa ' s cold chain logistics sector. The increased trade volumes anticipated within the expanded bloc, particularly in agricultural and pharmaceutical products, could incentivise both domestic and international investors to

divert capital into upgrading and expanding

South Africa ' s temperature-controlled infrastructure. Targeted investments in modernising port cold storage facilities, developing efficient refrigerated rail links, and improving road networks equipped for reefer transport are crucial to unlock the country ' s geographical potential in this specialised area.

Intra-BRICS trade and economic cooperation offer South Africa preferential access to funding and expertise for advanced cold chain technology and best practices. Collaborations on infrastructure, temperature monitoring, and cold chain management can help SA leapfrog limitations and become a sector leader.

Realising SA ' s cold chain hub potential demands key priorities: a funded infrastructure roadmap for reefer-ready ports, rail, and roads( leveraging PPPs); enhanced port efficiency with modern refrigerated handling and streamlined customs; urgent Transnet restructuring for reliable cold chain transport; a businessfriendly regulatory environment attracting cold chain investment and ensuring international standards; and investment in skilled cold chain professionals.

The expanded BRICS presents South Africa with a significant opportunity to

EDITOR’ S COLUMN

transform its cold chain logistics landscape and become a key player in regional trade. While the challenges are substantial, the potential rewards are immense, particularly in ensuring food security and facilitating the trade of essential pharmaceuticals. By strategically addressing its infrastructure deficits and leveraging the opportunities presented by its geography and BRICS membership, South Africa can position itself as a vital link in the evolving global cold chain network, fostering economic growth and solidifying its role on the world stage. The time for decisive action is now, to ensure South Africa doesn ' t miss this crucial moment to become a leader in cold chain logistics. CLA

Eamonn

Cold Link Africa June 2025 | Page 3

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SA ' s cold chain advantage: riding the BRICS trade winds to regional leadership

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