Some of Transnet’s IT applications remain down after an unprecedented cyber attack late last week which put ports and railways under pressure. A return to full IT functionality remains some days away.
According to a statement issued by the state-owned freight and logistics company on Tuesday morning, “most” of its IT applications were restored by Monday. Transnet has begun a return to the online system Navis which provides real-time data on cargo management.
However, while Transnet announced that “most” applications have been restored, the unforeseen circumstances continues to impair a minority of its IT operations.
An undisclosed numbers of Transnet’s applications were still down, with capacity set to be hampered into the week. Transnet spokesperson Ayanda Shezi said: “All operating systems will be brought back in a staggered manner, to minimise further risks and interruptions.”
Shezi said vessels are berthing at ports, with the discharge and loading of cargo organised directly with shipping lines. This is a system that will continue to ensure the “maximum” of imports and exports, she said.
“Controls have been developed in conjunction with the shipping lines and Sars’ [SA Revenue Service’s] customs division to ensure safe clearance and evacuation of each container,” Shezi added.
The IT hit late last week followed violent civil unrest in mid-July, which brought to a standstill operations at both the Durban and Richards Bay ports, along with the freighting of goods along the N2 and N3 motorways.
The cyber attack took place during the peak citrus export season. According to the Citrus Growers Association of Southern Africa, producers exported 146-million cartons of citrus in 2020. The association had forecast a record-breaking season in 2021 — however, it lost almost a fortnight due to protests and has been hobbled by the IT system failure.
Transnet gave notice to its customers of the force majeure prompted by the surprise IT hit. The force majeure — which refers to clauses in contracts waiving liability for unavoidable catastrophes — ran from July 22 to 26.
Shezi said it is “expected to be lifted soon” after the IT assault, which temporarily stalled freighting altogether by rail, road and sea and reportedly put the income of personnel at risk.
“The salaries of Transnet employees have been processed on schedule. There was never a doubt that as an organisation we will not honour our obligation to our employees,” Shezi countered.
Last week’s attack also forced Transnet to revert to manual backup operations to operate freight trains. It has asked customers to use hard copies of tax clearance forms for freighting across borders.
“This will assist in the manual system application to authorise the departure of trains,” Shezi said.
Business Day has been e-mailing queries to Transnet about developments since Monday, for details (including the names and numbers) of applications online and still offline, and the effect on operations, but has not received a reply at the time of publishing on Tuesday.
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