Framework for PPPs under way – Molefe

As a sidebar to the official briefing on the new cranes at DCT, FTW questioned Public Enterprises Minister Malusi Gigaba on the subject of public/private partnerships (PPPs). We asked whether this was still an expletive – as Cosatu had insisted following previous minister Alec Erwin’s support for the concept some years back. Or whether it was possibly back on the department of public enterprises’ agenda. But Brian Molefe, CE of the Transnet group, took over the answer and told FTW: “We (Transnet and the DPE) are considering a framework for PPPs, and a team at the department is examining the PPP strategies in relation to the financing of the infrastructure roll-out.” At the proposed dig-out port on the old Durban International Airport site, to be built in phases between 2016 and 2039, Molefe added that they were looking at PPPs for financing the port and its facilities. But pushed on whether this might also cover PPPs for terminal operations and management, he would only say: “We can’t rule this out, but we must find strategies that will work for us. We are looking at the framework.” Also questioned on the oft-repeated statement that SA ports were amongst the world’s most expensive, and the accompanying demands that the port charges be reduced, Gigaba said: “We have asked the Transnet board to make port tariffs more attractive and affordable.” CAPTION Cutting the ribbon for the new cranes … Karl Socikwa, CEO TPT; Malusi Gigaba, Minister of Public Enterprises; and Transnet CEO Brian Molefe.