More action needed to make Port of Cape Town a job creation engine

Dear Editor (and Rajesh)

The Western Cape Department of Economic Development and Tourism (DEDAT) has revealed that although certain measures implemented at the Port of Cape Town have increased efficiency, there is still much that can be done to improve the port.

In a reply to a parliamentary question from the DA, DEDAT revealed that short-term interventions, including the addition of a mobile harbour crane, the installation of a hydraulic shore tensioning system, and the extension of operating hours, have had a positive effect on port efficiency.

What is needed for long-term success and improvements is capital investment. While the R5.5 billion of investment over the next 7 years in the Port of Cape Town by the Transnet National Ports Authority is welcomed, DEDAT’s analysis of this investment has however highlighted that many of the proposed projects have been in the pipeline for a considerable time already, with the bulk of capital expenditure planned for the later of the 7 years.

Capital expenditure by Transnet Port Terminals was under budget by R500 million in the 2020/2021 financial year. This clearly shows that investment promised by National Government is not always delivered.

The Western Cape needs a world class port as soon as possible, and smart frontloading of capital investment should be a priority. That is why DEDAT has not stopped advocating for port improvements for one second. The Department has hosted annual workshops, attended by stakeholders in the port logistics chain to identify and discuss priority interventions for improved port capacity and performance.

Furthermore, DEDAT has made itself available as an intermediary to help resolve issues that hamper business between stakeholders and Transnet. The department will also be engaging with the Ports Regulator on best practice container terminal performance indicators, and will engage the Presidency on making the Port of Cape Town an Operation Vulindlela priority.

The DA is committed to putting unemployed citizens to work, and an effective port can act as a multiplier, leading to the growth of industries throughout the province. The people of the Western Cape can rest assured that their Provincial Government will not stop pushing until the Port of Cape Town is world-class, and becomes an engine for job creation.

Reagrds

Gillion Bosman, MPP
DA Western Cape Spokesperson on Finance, Economic Opportunities and Tourism