Implementing elements of privatisation at the Port of Cape Town is essential to boost efficiency and improve export cargo-handling operational turnaround times.
This was the view expressed by City of Cape Town Mayoral Committee Member for Economic Growth, James Vos, when he addressed members of the Exporters Club Western Cape at a recent networking event.
Industry stakeholders, local and provincial government officials and members of port management attended the event, which focused on insights and solutions regarding the current challenges facing the export market.
Vos highlighted the importance of fixing inefficiencies at port operations, which have a severe effect on businesses and the economy at large.
“The city is keenly aware of the port’s necessity to local and national business and urban development. It is a key piece of infrastructure for the metro and province, and critical to job creation and economic growth.”
Vos said Public Enterprises Minister Pravin Gordhan had acknowledged his correspondence concerning a lack of investment in the harbour as well as his request for a meeting to discuss proposals to improve the situation.
Highlighting Transnet’s recent announcement of a special-purpose vehicle that comprised its employees and private companies to manage container terminal operations at the Ports of Durban and Ngqura, Vos said a similar private-public partnership was also needed at the Port of Cape Town.
He said this was particularly important as manufacturing and agricultural exporters had indicated that they would be producing significantly greater volumes for export in the coming months.
Transnet also provided the meeting with its latest updates on its plans for the port, a move Vos said was headed in the right direction.
“There are significant export opportunities that we as a city and country can capitalise on right now. South African businesses can generate a further R840 billion if they take full advantage of the EU-SADC Economic Partnership Agreement.
“The city is a proud funder of the Cape Trade Portal, which serves as a digital marketplace for Cape-based exporters, connecting them directly to buyers. In order to fully realise the possibilities presented by these, we need a fully functioning port. I look forward to working with private and government partners to make this happen,” he added.
