Private sector participation at Port of Cape Town critical for economic growth and job creation in South Africa
15 February 2024
This week, Minister of Finance and Economic Opportunities, Mireille Wenger, together with officials from the Department of Economic Development and Tourism, hosted the Western Cape Government’s fifth annual Port Stakeholder Engagement.
This year’s engagement was clear on the need for the urgent action needed to turn performance around at the Container Terminal in the Port of Cape Town in the short-term, as well as the vital investments and technologies needed over the longer term for the port to reach its full potential as a critical economic node that facilitates exports to boost economic growth and job creation across South Africa.
In attendance were representatives from across the port logistics value chain, experts in logistics, exporters, freight forwarders, senior leadership of the National Logistics Crisis Committee as well as the senior leadership of Transnet, including Transnet Board Chairperson, Andile Sangqu, Acting Transnet Group Chief Executive, Michelle Phillips, Chief Executive Officer at Transnet Port Terminals, Jabu Mdaki, Acting Chief Executive of Transnet National Ports Authority, Adv. Phyllis Difeto , and Acting Western Cape Region Managing Executive for Transnet Port Terminals, Oscar Borchards.
Speaking to the robust discussions at the dialogue, Minister Wenger, shared that “over 55% of the country’s primary agricultural products are exported through the Port of Cape Town. So, the proper functioning of this port is essential for the whole country. Some good progress was shared by Transnet on the acquisition of critical equipment, as well as other intentions to untangle key sticking points which compromise efficiency.