Chief Executive Officer’s Foreword

CHIEF EXECUTIVE

OFFICER’S FOREWORD

Part 1 > Chief Executive Officer’s Foreword

I am pleased to present the Perishable Products Export Control Board’s (PPECB’s) annual report for 2024/2025.

The report highlights the progress we have made against our medium-term strategy to create further efficiencies and effectively respond to challenges faced by the sector. It also highlights the operational achievements for the period under review.

While the logistical challenges in major South African ports remain a concern, there was certainly a marked improvement compared to the previous year’s performance. Ageing infrastructure continues to be a significant stumbling block, though it has been somewhat mitigated through close collaboration between major stakeholders to ensure the flow of cargo. The mid-summer drought in some areas also impacted the sector, which ultimately led to reduced production of major crops. Notwithstanding these challenges, the agricultural sector remained resilient and managed to export 4.1 million pallets of perishable produce, representing an overall growth of 7.5% against the previous reporting period.

LUCIEN JANSEN
Chief Executive Officer
PPECB

PROGRESS AGAINST STRATEGY

During the period under review, the PPECB continued to invest in its digitalisation strategy. To this end, the PPECB completed all major modules of its Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system and managed to resolve issues encountered during the migration. The organisation also introduced Oracle as its Human Capital Suite as part of the journey to replace legacy systems, create process efficiencies and improve service delivery.

Improved customer experience remains one of the PPECB’s major focus areas. During the period under review, we continued to measure customer satisfaction as a key performance indicator and addressed the areas where we can improve. I am delighted to report that we received a customer satisfaction rating of 90% during 2024/2025, which is in line with the satisfaction rating of the previous year.

The timeous and correct provision of data has always been a critical aspect for the industry. With its wealth of data, the PPECB is determined to play a more significant role in providing relevant export information. It is, however, essential that the organisation first successfully migrate from legacy financial and information systems before such data can be provided with confidence. With the ERP in place, the next critical step in this journey is to fast-track the container loading module on the PPECB’s mobile application, TITAN 2.0®, which will be prioritised during 2025. TITAN 2.0® made further major strides during 2024/2025. With 94% of all major products inspected using the application, 110 961 export certificates were issued via TITAN 2.0®. The container inspection module went live in July 2024 and, as of year-end, 99% of the South African container depots are utilising this module, which is the first totally paperless system within the PPECB.

In addition, Electronic Consignment Reports were introduced in 2024, where the PPECB now provides clients with electronically signed and stamped consignment reports. TITAN 2.0® also fully integrates with eCert’s Tracking Unit Manager (TUM) version 3, deployed in November 2024. These additions and improvements are targeted to significantly increase efficiencies and ultimately reduce costs for the sector.

OPERATIONS MANAGEMENT

Overall, export volumes of perishable produce remained steady at 4.1 million pallets. Europe remains the biggest export market for South African fresh produce, with 36% of produce exported to this region. Asia took 15%, the Middle East 15%, Russia 7% and America 7%. Exports to Europe remained stable, with a steady increase to the Middle East when compared to the previous year.

The year under review also saw the publication of the revised Perishable Products Export Control (PPEC) regulations. The regulations were published in January 2025 and will come into effect on 18 July 2025. The revised regulations are intended to streamline processes and further promote the orderly export of perishable produce.

The PPECB research and development (R&D) unit was very busy during 2024/2025. The R&D model is based on collaboration with industry stakeholders to ensure that critical issues are addressed. To this end, initiatives for the year under review included, but are not limited to, studies with regards to temperature control during rail transport and temperature management during the handling of citrus, plums and blueberries. The PPECB also finalised and printed its first Research and Innovation Journal, which documents trials and research activities conducted between 2022 and 2023. This comprehensive publication resulted from a long-term, collaborative effort and now serves as a strategic platform for industry stakeholders to access and engage with the PPECB’s research outputs. Distribution of printed copies to industry bodies has commenced and has been met with positive feedback.

CORPORATE SOCIAL INVESTMENT

The PPECB continues to play a role in upskilling smallholder farmers, with 839 trained on aspects of food security, Good Agricultural Practices (GAP), and the responsible use of pesticides. Of the smallholder farmers trained, 134 farmers have been certified as export-ready. To build on this initiative, the PPECB is finalising a Memorandum of Understanding with the National Agricultural Marketing Council (NAMC) to link these farmers with markets for the delivery of their produce. Internally, the PPECB is proud to announce the graduation of six women who participated in the Women in Leadership Programme and 53 students who were trained by the Agri Export Technologist Programme (AETP).

We also held our annual charity golf day, which was once again well supported, with 200 players taking the field. The proceeds of the day amounted to R75 000, which was donated to the nominated charity.

Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) has been a topical issue globally. During the year under review, the PPECB continued its ESG journey, completing assessments and workshops that will inform the organisation’s ESG strategy set to be completed in the latter part of 2025.

IN CLOSING

The PPECB remains committed to forging even stronger relationships with stakeholders and adding greater value to clients and their businesses. We wish to thank stakeholders for their support and understanding during the past year. I also extend my gratitude to the Board, the Department of Agriculture (DoA) and colleagues for their guidance, support and commitment. All the best for the year ahead!

An Interwoven Tapestry

The Journey of the PPECB