Johannesburg — SHIPOWNER Safmarine is expanding its operations in Lesotho by opening a sales office in Maseru.

Safmarine, which was formerly represented by Lesotho Ships Agencies, will use its office to foster trade between Lesotho and its trading partners throughout the world, says Colin Lambourne, Safmarine's executive manager responsible for Lesotho and KwaZulu-Natal.

Lambourne says that Safmarine's customers in Lesotho will now be connected to the shipping line's global information systems and will benefit from being part of the international shipping community.

The company has presented 30 bicycles to the SOS children's village in Maseru in a joint initiative with Ford Motor Company. In addition, more than 100 beds and bedding, sponsored by Safmarine, were given to the village.

National haulier Freightdynamics has secured a five-year contract to distribute beer from SAB's Alrode and Rosslyn depots, and a three-year contract to distribute Coca-Cola products in the eastern Cape.

Sheldon Cockcroft, executive manager marketing and business development, says the contract is in line with the company's new strategy of niche marketing, with the accent on total cost of ownership and shared risk.