Delays at Durban’s port have left some prayer-goods retailers waiting for imported décor, spices, snacks and clay lamps ahead of Diwali, raising concerns about shortages and higher prices.
For the past two months prayer shops and others supplying goods required for Hindu festivals have not had their full consignment of goods delivered.
The delay has had an adverse impact on businesses and many fear they will not able to meet the demands of its customers ahead of Diwali.
Diwali will be celebrated on 8 November.
In a statement on Friday, the Durban Gateway Terminal (DGT) blamed operational challenges for the delay.
“As part of this ongoing engagement, DGT will hold sessions with landside, waterside and trucking associations to provide regular updates on terminal performance, recovery initiatives and operational developments.
“These engagements will provide stakeholders with greater visibility of progress and create a structured platform to identify and address emerging operational challenges,” the statement read.
“DGT acknowledges the challenges experienced by some port users, the operational situation has stabilised and continues to improve, with Navis N4 stable and supporting stronger operational control.
"We will ensure that affected stakeholders are included in regular engagements and provided with relevant operational data to demonstrate the steady progress being made in restoring fluidity, improving service levels and strengthening operational reliability.
“As part of its ongoing improvement programme, DGT is progressing plans to replace its current truck appointment system with a modernised digital solution, Navigate.
“The platform is intended to provide better planning, visibility and flow management for transport operators, while addressing a number of limitations in the current appointment system,” the statement read.
Quraisha Maharaj of Maharaj’s Prayer Goods said they had yet to receive many items they had imported from India.
Diwali décor, spices and snacks are among the consignment of items they are awaiting.
“The port authorities have informed us that they are experiencing a computer systems failure. They cannot plan how to arrange the containers [for release]. Our container of goods is at the harbour but it seems they don’t have the capacity or knowledge to release goods,” said Maharaj.
She said the consignment meant to be on the shelf ahead of Navaratri was still lying at the harbour.
Maharaj said business had “taken a knock” due to the port delays.
She said they sourced and ordered their supplies in August - two months before prayer season started.
She said this was taking into consideration the four to six weeks it took for delivery.
“Due to the delays we sourced some goods from suppliers in Johannesburg. However, there are transport cost and the customers unfortunately have to pay a higher price.”
According to Maharaj they had to restrict the number of prayer items sold to customers.
“The delay in release of good has caused a major problem. We are disappointing our customers,” said Maharaj.
One of the largest importers of Indian cultural items based in Springfield Park, who did not want to be named, confirmed that their business and many other suppliers of religious and cultural wares were encountering delays in delivery.
“Port conditions are such that many businesses had their consignments delayed. We are waiting for delivery of stock for Diwali for example décor, packaging and clay lamps from India,” said a spokesperson.
“While we have stock, missing our seasonal delivery means we are going to disappoint our customers. It’s not good that we are not going to deliver the items we have promised our customers,’ she said.
She said they were hoping that there would be a turn-around in the next two weeks and the goods would be delivered.
Sandra John from Nishan’s Prayer Goods said fortunately they had not yet been adversely affected by the port’s delay in the release of goods.
“It has not impacted me as yet. I buy in advance from an importer. I am fine with stock for Diwali, said John.
John said her business had a good run during the Purtassi fasting month and Navaratri, however “business will be at a stand-still” if the delays at the port continues.