Question NW3790 to the Minister of Public Enterprises
24 November 2022 - NW3790
Buthelezi, Mr EM to ask the Minister of Public Enterprises
Whether he will furnish Mr E M Buthelezi with an update on the (a) steps that his department has taken to ensure that (i) ports and (ii) railroads remain operational during the strike at Transnet and (b) closed Northern Corridor between Durban and Tongaat; if not, why not, in each case; if so, what are the relevant details in each case?
Reply:
According to the information received from Transnet
(a)(i) Ports
At the onset of the strike, Command Centers were invoked at all operating divisions of Transnet SOC Ltd to ensure that company assets were secured; non-striking employees were protected; and contingency plans were implemented to reduce operational disruptions. While the marine operations of Transnet National Ports Authority were not affected by the strike due to their essential service designation, the Transnet Port Terminal operations were impacted as they do not form part of essential services at the ports. Other measures introduced included the following:
- Employees who were not striking were used as a contingency.
- The Bulk and Breakbulk Terminals were not severely affected. Customer resources were utilised to continue operating in these sectors, together with some employees who were not on strike.
- The Auto Terminals were operating by utilising the existing third-party contracts.
A recovery plan has been implemented and is on track.
(ii)(b) Railroads
The North Corridor does not have a rail line between Durban and Tongaat.
Remarks: Reply: Approved / Not Approved
Jacky Molisane P J Gordhan, MP
Acting Director-General Minister of Public Enterprises
Date: Date: