Assumption to most would be that Zimbabwe’s postal system would be worse off than the almost 1st world South Africa; but ALAS, the SA postal system is the worst I have ever dealt with. More specifically if you’re receiving an international package.

I will spare you my ordeal; suffice to say; next time I will have my package sent to Zimbabwe its much more reliable and perhaps cheaper.

So this is the process, for your benefit, in case you find yourself in my shoes.

  1. Make sure you get a tracking number, from the sender e.g. RJ123456789GB
  2. Track your package until you get the elusive message (handed over to SA couriers for delivery)  via airmail this takes about 3 days and then another 3-10days, processing bla bla bla
  3. At this point, call the post office Call Centre, - 0860 111 502 (this one of those places where the phone is ringing for the fun of it, so exercise GREAT patience)
  4. Give them your international tracking number and they will give you a local tracking number. 1 of 2 things will happen
    1. They give you a single tracking number which ends with a  ZA.
      • In this case you can track your package, using the local tracking number until it gets to your local post.
      • Follow this link and insert the tracking number in there : http://oraweb.sapo.co.za/track_trace/owa/tt_history.main
    2. If they give you 2 numbers, a tracking number and a counter number
      • This means that your package is being held at customs. In which case you’ll have to call them to find out why – 021 590 5728 (remember the golden rule – PATIENCE). Typically its that they want a copy of the invoice of the goods. More often than not, you’ll have to pay duty which is calculated in a rather interesting way.

Some things to note:

  • If you’re package is at customs it is far much easier to go there and collect it.
  • The conversion rate is calculated on package date sent
  • Costs
  • The duty is 40%, its charged on goods that are above R400.00
  • 10% Upliftment fee (whatever that is)
  • R25 Post Office ‘handling fee’
  • R12 Clearance Fee
  • 14% VAT
  • The best way to estimate what you’ll be charged is to convert the invoice amount and multiply that by 75%.

I must say, of the 4 weeks that i was chasing up my packages, when I eventually went to Capemail; the service I got was fast and efficient. I am afraid that I would’ve prefered not to go there in the first place…

My advise, use the expensive couriers and stay away from Capemail.

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