Board of the Container User Forum statement
The Board of the Container User Forum (CUF) acknowledges the great importance that container users and the container sector play in driving inclusive economic growth in Southern Africa. It is in this context we are extremely proud to have reached this significant milestone in our journey by introducing the CUF as a new, industry-led platform established to support the improvement, coordination and long-term sustainability of the container logistics system in Southern Africa.
The CUF has been formed to address a longstanding gap in the container sector: the absence of a neutral, cross-industry platform focused on practical delivery of solutions with measurable outcomes and coordinated system improvement. It is intended to complement existing industry bodies by providing a structured forum through which stakeholders can work together on shared challenges across the end-to-end container value chain.
The CUF is a nonprofit organisation which brings together participants from across the container ecosystem to identify bottlenecks, implement joint solutions, strengthen transparency and enable execution of priority initiatives. Its work, underpinned by strong collaboration amongst its members, will focus on areas such as port operational efficiency and capacity enhancements, back-of-port fluidity, integrated intermodal solutions including rail corridor improvements, data visibility, skills and technological development.
The Board has placed strong emphasis on sound governance, accountability and compliance. The CUF operating model provides for member-led governance, specialist working structures, project-based execution, transparent reporting, and appropriate legal and data safeguards.
South Africa and the wider Southern African region have both the need and the opportunity to strengthen their position as a more efficient, reliable and competitive container logistics hub.
The Board of the CUF believes that the time for fragmented engagement has passed. The container sector now requires an institutionally credible, neutral platform that can coordinate action, build trust, publish results, and help move the system from recurring constraints and challenges to sustained improvement and growth. The CUF aims to serve this purpose.
Issued by the Inaugural Board of the Container User Forum (CUF).
