Madam Deputy Speaker, our status as the trade and investment gateway into Africa is under threat, unless we make bold moves to enable business to trade more efficiently and more cost-effectively. The continent's largest retail group, our very own Shoprite, reports expenditure of R160 000 a week to secure import permits to distribute meat and milk to their stores in Zambia alone.
Shoprite has outlets in 13 SADC countries. To trade in the region, management applies for 100 import permits a week, 300 at peak times. For every truck that crosses the border, up to 1 600 documents are required. The situation is compounded when corruption rears its head. It is high time that the Department of Home Affairs and Customs, which falls under the SA Revenue Service, identify pilot sites on our borders to remove barriers that hamper commerce.
Trade creates jobs at home and it is of the greatest importance that the impediments are lifted. Africa is showing signs of record economic growth and we must do everything possible to share in this. The National Development Plan, the Department of Trade and Industry and the DA's own 8% growth project - in fact, with cross-party consensus - all emphasised the vital importance of removing barriers to trade in Africa so that we can realise our potential. [Applause.]