Force Majeure Declared as Violence Disrupts South African Ports

The Maritime Executive has stated that the South African logistics company  Transnet that oversees the operations of the country’s ports and terminals declared force majeure on July 12 announcing that it is suspending terminal operations in both the ports of Durban and Richards Bay.

The closures followed days of violence that is now spreading across South Africa after the country’s former president was jailed on contempt of court charges for not appearing at a corruption inquiry. After former president Jacob Zuma handed himself in to police to begin serving a 15-month sentence, there were initially demonstrations in his home province in eastern South Africa, where the ports are also located. 

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa addressed the nation and in a series of Tweets has appealed for calm and a return to order. He is vowing that they will not hesitate to arrest and prosecute the perpetrators. He has said they will do everything to guard against the threat of violence, intimidation, theft, and looting.  

More information can be found in this article published on The Maritime Executive.