With a large sector of the deciduous fruit industry now approaching peak export season, logistical challenges at the Port of Cape Town remain the industry’s biggest problem, according to industry body, Hortgro.
However, the body welcomes Creecy’s “engagement and drive to rectify the various issues in the port at a quicker pace, also the new equipment that is already available and the ones ordered”.
Creecy met stakeholders at the port earlier this month and outlined the state and Transnet’s efforts to improve the situation in the port, including new equipment and a plan to fly pilots to ships by helicopter when the sea is too rough for pilot boats during the fruit season.
“We have been working hard with the port users over the past couple of months to try to make sure this season is a better season for the export of deciduous fruit and related products,” she was quoted by Financial Mail, adding that port authorities had been working with the fruit industry to “understand the value chains”.
“We understand the concerns and the priorities of growers, packers and freight forwarders. We think that, as a result of that research, we’re likely to see a much better relationship this year.”
Hortgro is heartened by Creecy’s attitude.
“We are seeing incremental improvements but these need to be expedited,” the body said in a statement. “We are, however, realistic that there is no silver bullet or quick fix, and that the next six to 12 months will remain challenging. We need the Minister and Transnet to continue adding urgency and execution to the plans.”
The escalating logistical problems of the past four years led to “substantial losses” in the industry.
“Some producers have sold their farms and that had a knock-on effect on job losses. So, the impact has been massive, but we are not dwelling on the past and are rather looking to the future and how we can work together with Transnet to fix the problems as soon as possible.”
Hortgro says Creecy and Transnet “are much more transparent and honest about the challenges and shortcomings and take ownership of these”.
“Transnet communication with the industry has also improved, although there is still room for improvement. As a deciduous fruit industry, we are working together with Transnet to further improve communication.”
