Concessioning takes a step forward at Ngqura

Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) has given a strong signal that it is ready to concession the operations of one or more of the Ngqura terminals with the appointment of Mpumi Dweba as port manager. Dweba, who takes the helm on October 1, has a strong background in the port regulation process and application of the Port Act in South Africa. Announcing her appointment, TNPA general manager operations, Herbert Msagala, said it was “an asset to have someone from a policy and regulatory point of view, in order to ensure that we fulfil the mandate of the Port Act.” Describing it as “not far-fetched that we will see private operators in the port,” Msagala said Dweba’s appointment came at a time when the licences of terminal operators were being finalised, and performance agreements and measurements would be put in place. Any new terminal – such as the breakbulk and liquid bulk terminals at Ngqura – would have to go through a “Section 56” tendering process to select an operator. TNPA is currently waiting for direction from the Department of Transport as to whether the additional two berths at Ngqura constitute an extension of the existing facility, or a new quay. In its original configuration, Ngqura only had two berths, he pointed out. Before her appointment as port manager, Dweba was employed by the National Department of Transport as acting director: maritime industry development and economic regulation. She was part of the team that set up the Ports Regulator, and currently chairs the Port Consultative Committee meetings. Dweba holds a BA degree from the University of Transkei, a BEd degree from Unisa, a BPhil in Maritime Studies (Honours) from the University of Stellenbosch, and is currently finalising a master’s dissertation towards the MPhil in Maritime Economics, which is an economic evaluation of the port of Ngqura. She has presented papers on the role of women in the maritime industry and has also attended several maritime conferences, including an international seminar on port logistics in Antwerp. According to Msagala, the new port manager has been given four focus areas: the expansion of the container terminal from two to four berths (or one to two quays), the migration of the manganese terminal from Port Elizabeth to Ngqura, the moving of the tank farm from the Port Elizabeth harbour to Ngqura, and the establishment of a general cargo terminal by 2016. CAPTION New Ngqura port manager Mpumi Dweba … can’t wait to get the port in her hands.