Strikes may close down post service

Durban - South Africans are likely to fork out huge prices for posting parcels via private courier firms should the SA Post Office (Sapo) service close.

And, if comments made by the administrator, Dr Simo Lushaba, were to materialise, the impending strike could be its death knell.

Last year, almost 10 000 employees embarked on action lasting as long as three months.

In a statement, the Communication Workers Union demands backpay of 8 percent, reinstatement of 588 workers to their original positions and salaries, and the conversion of casual workers into permanent positions within 18 months.

Earlier this week, post office management was issued with a notice for a planned go-slow, and a decision over another full-blown strike would be taken this week.

In media reports and interviews, Lushaba has said the Post Office could not afford another strike. Lushaba was placed at the helm late last year by the telecoms and postal services minister to stabilise the organisation, after the board voluntarily resigned to allow for the administration process.

While the strike has resulted in delayed delivery of parcels and other mail, a collapse of the system would mean higher costs for people wanting to send parcels via couriers.

The Independent on Saturday canvassed the cost of sending an A4 envelope containing a magazine to Johannesburg.

Using normal Post Office delivery, the cost would be R9.20, and take four to five working days.

For the Speed Services option, you would pay R74 for an overnight delivery.

For the same envelope to be delivered using the UTI Pak courier service, which we found at a local copy and print shop, the cost is R105, taking three to four working days.

PostNet, the most popular method, quoted R15.60 to send the envelope normal mail which would take four to seven working days.

Alternatives

Its most expensive option is via overnight courier, which costs R185. However, its in-house option, where the parcel is delivered to the recipient’s nearest PostNet branch, costs R99 and takes two to three working days.

Should the Post Office’s turnaround strategy fail, consumers could be faced with these hefty options should they choose an alternative method.

However, Garry Marshall, chief executive of the SA Express Parcel Association, said a go-slow or strike at the post office did not necessarily mean an increase in business for courier companies.

“During the last strike, there were no reports from members of significant increases. The courier and express parcel industry and postal services operate in different market segments.”

Marshall explained there was a difference between a R3.30 stamp for letter post and R60 for a courier shipment which involved a hand-to-hand collection and delivery, same-day, or overnight with tracking systems, proof of delivery and performance warranty.

“The courier and parcel industry carries few documents these days, being more focused on moving physical product. High-value or time-sensitive parcels are unlikely to be in the postal system anyway.”

eThekwini muncipality’s Metro spokesman, Senior Superintendent Eugene Msomi, said should drivers receive their posted traffic violation notifications long after they were meant to, they could approach the Metro Police.

“There are forms which you will need to fill in to contest why you didn’t pay your fine in time, but if you get the notification late it doesn’t mean the find falls away.”

Zinhle Mngomezulu of the Road Traffic Inspectorate said if fines reached their recipients later than normal, the RTI would be open to discussions. “It’s understandable if you received the letter later, however you need to follow up and contact us so that we can resolve the matter.”

Independent on Saturday