Business Unity South Africa (Busa) has voiced its support for yesterday’s announcement by President Cyril Ramaphosa of the establishment of Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) as an independent subsidiary of Transnet. (See article in today’s line-up).
“It is well known that South Africa’s ports are currently beset by numerous challenges, and are ranked poorly in international comparisons, including when compared to ports on our continent,” said CEO Cas Coovadia. “While it is common cause that these constraints
significantly impact on the competitiveness of South Africa’s exports, the impact on the broader economy is equally significant.”
He said innovative reorganisation was necessary, and the announcement constituted a significant step in the right direction.
“To the extent that this will unlock investment and increase opportunities for cooperation with the private sector – the users of our ports infrastructure – this can only be in the national interest.”
The announcement comes on the back of the lifting of the ceiling for embedded generation to 100MW. “It is a welcome trend in which the president is taking decisive steps necessary to instil confidence amongst investors and to signal SA is on the road to economic growth.
“Whereas business has been concerned about the underperformance of our ports for some
time and has been vocal in its interactions with social partners on the topic, the establishment of an independent TNPA will allow the collective focus to move away from challenges towards innovative solutions,” he concluded.