The City of Cape Town is increasing its call for a private sector partner at its embattled port. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Although the Port of Durban is set to get a private sector partner (Philippines\u2019 International Container Terminal Services) in April, Cape Town is yet to hear from the national government on a timeline for a private sector partner at its own port. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Amid ongoing reports of extreme inefficiencies at the Port of Cape Town, the City calls for a clear deadline on introducing a private sector partner here, as will be the case at the Durban port from April,” said James Vos, Mayoral Committee Member for Economic Growth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“The urgency of reform is underscored by a major shipping company recently announcing plans to bypass Cape Town\u2019s port in certain respects.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“We are still awaiting the publication of the Freight Logistics Roadmap, which is being kept under wraps by national government despite our repeated requests for transparency from Public Enterprises Minister Pravin Gordhan.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“The City will continue to actively mobilise stakeholders, including the private sector, to pressure the government into clear timeframes and deadlines for a private partner for the Port of Cape Town.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The World Bank’s container port performance index for 2022 ranked Cape Town’s port at 344 out of 348. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
According to the World Bank\u2019s container port performance index 2022, Cape Town ranked 344 out of the 348 ports surveyed.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n “The World Bank\u2019s recent low global ranking of the Cape Town port underscores a pressing concern for our trade capability. This should be a stark wake-up call for the national government to take urgent and decisive action to ensure a thriving trade environment for our city,” Vos said. <\/p>\n\n\n\n According to the Western Cape\u2019s Department of Economic Development and Tourism, allowing private sector participation at the Cape Town port could add R6 billion in exports, roughly 20,000 direct and indirect jobs and over R1.6 billion in additional taxes over the next five years. <\/p>\n\n\n\n “While we welcome the proactive steps taken by the Port of Cape Town manager to address the persistent technical challenges hampering port deliveries, we will only properly solve these inefficiencies when the private sector has a direct stake in managing port operations,” Vos added. <\/p>\n\n\n\n “\u2018This monumental task necessitates collaboration and interdependence, tapping into the expertise, knowledge, strategies, and innovation of various stakeholders.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n “Logistical obstacles at the port cast a ripple effect on the city’s overall economy and require urgency from the state. As a city, we are dedicated to working closely with the national government and private players to foster successful collaboration. By leveraging each other’s strengths and resources, we can chart a sustainable course for growth and development in our city.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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