After being hit by a cyber attack, Transnet has identified and isolated the source of the disruption on its IT systems.
The company is now working “around the clock to ensure that the impact remains minimal.” In the statement, Transnet also informs that its manual port and rail operations continued, as it prioritised the export of reefer containers, mainly through the Port of Durban.
Furthermore, operations at Richards Bay, Eastern Cape, the East London and PE Container and Auto Terminals also continue manually, with Ngqura and Cape Town container terminals continue being affected by high swells.
The cyber attack comes at a time when South African ports have been experiencing violent unrest and rioting in protest against the arrest of former president Jacob Zuma.
Commenting on the situation, Gavin Kelly, CEO of the Road Freight Association, said that:
If this matter isn’t addressed urgently, the nonfunctioning of South African ports will be yet another reason international traders and shippers choose other ports in Africa through which to move goods
As for the cyber attack, the South African government does not believe it has to do with the unrest in the country.
