Question NW3445 to the Minister of Public Enterprises
24 November 2023 - NW3445
Cachalia, Mr G K to ask the Minister of Public Enterprises
Whether, noting that trade unions under the Congress of SA Trade Unions, gathered in Durban to protest the privatisation of Transnet (details furnished), it is the policy position of his department that public private partnerships lead to job losses and retrenchment; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details; (2) Whether he, along with the Transnet board, presented the public with their plan to reap the benefits of public-private partnerships, while addressing union concerns which may otherwise derail the specified initiatives; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
According to the information received from Transnet:
1. Private sector participation that Transnet has incorporated in its Reinvention and Growth Strategy is not intended to result in job losses. Rather, the involvement of private sector is to attract capital required to fund expansion programs and unlock growth in exports for key sectors such as manganese, chrome, and iron ore; and accordingly, growth in the overall economic activities in the country.
Transnet is also able to attract skills and competencies to accelerate efficiencies in its ports and terminals operations, which have been identified as one of the areas of concerns by the customers and shipping lines, as reflected in poor rankings of South African ports, especially in the container segment.
2. Transnet Management continues to engage with labour representatives, particularly addressing concerns around employee protection in implementation of the PSPs, such protection is also translated into agreements with the potential partners.
Remarks: Reply:Approved/Not Approved/Comment
Jacky Molisane P J Gordhan, MP
Acting Director-General Minister
Date: Date: