Question NW4213 to the Minister of Public Enterprises
03 January 2023 - NW4213
Marais, Mr EJ to ask the Minister of Public Enterprises
Whether the Government considers shifting more economic functions from the Cape Town harbour to the Saldanha Bay harbour in the long term; if not, why not; if so, what (a) will the specified economic functions include and (b) are the relevant details? NW5279E
Reply:
According to the information received from Transnet
(a) The role of ports in South Africa as transport nodes is of strategic regional and economic importance. TNPA operates eight (8) commercial ports spread across different provinces in South Africa as outlined below:
Western Ports: Saldanha Bay, Cape Town, Mossel Bay
Central Ports: Port Elizabeth, Ngqura, East London
Eastern Ports: Durban, Richards Bay
Ports serve their hinterland and neighbouring landlocked countries, thus fulfilling an important role within the economy of the local and hinterland region along South Africa’s coastline to accommodate major economic zones served by adjacent ports. Complementary ports such as the Port of Cape Town must work in unison with the entire port system to reduce the cost of doing business.
In line with the Transnet Segment Strategy, the Port of Cape Town will continue its existing role as primary container and general cargo port for the Western Cape region, with the Port of Saldanha Bay playing a complementary role as the region’s primary dry bulk and liquid bulk port. The port system’s complementary and regional integration results in integrated development with the following benefits: Connected and efficient logistics corridors that are economically active which support regional communities;
A vibrant, borderless regional economy;
Encouraged regional specialisation;
Stimulated economic activity; and
Catalyst for growth.
(b) Not applicable.