Port of CT in the firing line for poor communication

The Cape Town port community has called on Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) and Transnet Port Terminals (TPT) to improve communication and its attendance at stakeholder engagements. Communication between the port and industry has been described as fragmented while officials are increasingly not attending engagements or events. According to a spokesman for the Cape’s Port Liaison Forum (PLF), an initiative of the Cape Chamber of Commerce and Industry, neither the ports operator nor
authority have been attending the monthly meetings. “There is no indication as to why they are no longer attending these engagements and we also no longer receive any detailed reports from them.” Several stakeholders told FTW that communication out of Cape Town was “fragmented” or often nonexistent. “Considering that the Port of Durban sends out daily reports and all port stakeholder events always have TPT or TNPA officials present, it is concerning what is happening in Cape Town,” said a source.
“It’s also important to note that this has not always been the case. Reports used to be sent out regularly and they would attend meetings to give feedback and engage with industry.” According to PLF chairman Mike Walwyn, the forum was started with the sole purpose of generating improved communication and feedback between the private sector and the port. Pamela Yoyo, acting executive manager for containers and auto at the Port of Cape Town, said participation at events was important for TPT.
“The Port Liaison Forums are very significant for Transnet Port Terminals. Over the last four months, our participation in the Cape Town Port Liaison Forum has been limited to the sharing of weekly terminal
performance reports and  one-on-one customer engagements. Our commitment for full participation from February onwards has reference,” she told FTW.