Western Cape Government welcomes the corporatisation of Transnet National Ports Authority

We welcome President Cyril Ramaphosa’s visit to the Port of Cape Town today (22 June 2021), which we previously requested, and his announcement that Transnet National Ports Authority will be corporatised and established as an independent subsidiary of Transnet SOC Ltd.

We are particularly pleased by the statement that the establishment of the Transnet National Port Authority will:

-  allow revenues generated by the ports to be invested in port infrastructure, both for the replacement of old equipment and for the upgrading and expansion of our ports; and

-  provide the private sector with the opportunity to partner with government to improve terminal operations and infrastructure at our ports.

During the visit to the Port of Cape Town, Premier Alan Winde said: “I welcome today’s engagement with President Cyril Ramaphosa and the announcement of an independent Transnet National Ports Authority. The Port of Cape Town is among the world’s most popular trade routes, and certainly one of the busiest in South Africa. It has immense potential, and with the right maintenance and investment, it could play a leading role in driving our province and country’s economy forward.

“An efficient and world class port would also go a long way in bolstering the province’s agricultural sector which is a significant exporter in our province. By supporting the port, and this industry, we will unlock a greater number of job opportunities for those who need it most. We must strive to match the outputs of other major port cities and in doing so, bring on board private partners who can assist us in achieving this,” concluded Premier Winde.

Western Cape Minister of Finance and Economic Development, David Maynier, added “The Port of Cape Town has experienced significant operational challenges as a result of ageing infrastructure and equipment, staffing shortages and weather disruptions. And so, we welcome the short-term measures being put in place to improve port efficiencies and we remain committed to working with the management team at the Port of Cape Town. We also welcome the establishment of the independent Transnet National Ports Authority and the opportunities this will create to increase private sector investment in port operations and infrastructure which will grow the economy and create jobs in the Western Cape.”

Statement issued by the Western Cape government, 22 June 2021