President’s visit to the Port of Cape Town ushers in new era for TNPA

Cape Town Port stakeholders, notably the Western Cape government, appear optimistic about a new-look TNPA that is now an independent Transnet subsidiary.

During a visit to the port President Cyril Ramamphosa confirmed the long-awaited shake-up, first detailed in the 2005 National Ports Act. “This is part of government’s ongoing effort to reposition and transform state-owned enterprises so that they can be profitable, sustainable and competitive and can play a developmental role in our economy,” Ramaphosa said.

In terms of the Ports Act, Transnet remains TNPA’s sole shareholder, but the Ports Authority will have its own board appointed by Public Enterprises Minister Pravin Gordhan. In effect it means the Ports Authority will be free to generate revenue to be invested in port infrastructure.

The move earned an emphatic thumbs up from Western Cape Premier Alan Winde. ““I welcome today’s engagement with President Cyril Ramaphosa and the announcement of an independent Transnet National Ports Authority,” Winde said during the President’s visit. “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,” Winde said.

An efficient Port would have long term benefits for the province’s key agricultural sector which is heavily reliant upon exports, Winde said. “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.”

The Port shake-up also earned praise from Western Cape Finance and Economic Opportunities Minister David Maynier: “The Port of Cape Town has experienced significant operational challenges as a result of ageing infrastructure and equipment, staffing shortages and weather disruptions,” Maynier said in a statement. “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.”
An independent TNPA would not only be able to invest in infrastructure but also upgrade and expand ports.  Greater independence would also provide private sector opportunities to partner with government, Maynier’s office said in a statement.

Sign In

Register

Reset Password

Please enter your username or email address, you will receive a link to create a new password via email.