On 06 November the Ministry of Finance released the following Media Statement:
The Deputy Minister of Finance, Dr David Masondo, today met with the South African Revenue Service (SARS) and Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) officials at the Durban port as part of his work on Operation Vulindlela. He was accompanied by Dr Sean Phillips who heads the Vulindlela unit’s technical team.
The Vulindlela unit is a joint initiative of National Treasury and the Presidency set up to ensure that structural reforms are implemented efficiently, effectively and expeditiously.
During his visit, the Deputy Minister underscored the need for various stakeholders to improve the leadership and co-ordination process of port efficiencies. Some of the identified stakeholders included SARS, SAPS, TNPA, Transnet Port Terminals (TPT), Department of Agriculture, and terminal operators.
“While there is currently good coordination at an operational level, there is a need for stronger leadership and coordination to achieve a common strategic vision for a competitive and efficient port,” Dr Masondo said.
SARS officials noted that the Durban Port was losing some port traffic to more efficient ports in neighbouring countries, highlighting the need to reverse this trend.
“This is the kind of issue that Operation Vulindlela will be focusing on, because improving port efficiencies is one of the key reforms required to enable economic growth, and we will be engaging with the Ministers and Departments of Transport and Public Enterprises about how this strategic leadership and coordination can be strengthened,” Dr Masondo said.
Story by: Riaan de Lange