AN agreement between the SA Post Office and Mail Americas came into effect on 1 June this year and is set to ensure consumers who purchase items online will receive lower delivery charges and faster, simpler deliveries and customs clearances.

“Mail America is an eCommerce platform that specialises in providing cross-border business-to-customer solutions to postal operators. It focuses on connecting businesses with customers in Latin America and Africa,” said the SA Post Office’s Nobuhle Njapha. 

In terms of the agreement, the South African Post Office will provide distribution services to clients of Mail Americas in South Africa and the subcontinent.

“The Covid-19 pandemic has seen a shift towards eCommerce in Southern Africa and, with 1500 branches all over South Africa, the SA Post Office is in the right position to give all South Africans access to eCommerce, including those outside cities,” said Njapha.

She noted that South Africa is the regional port of entry for air freight imports and, as the SA Post Office’s sorting centre is based at OR Tambo Airport, serves as point of entry for mail into the subcontinent.