Question NW22 to the Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition
29 February 2024 - NW22
Cebekhulu, Inkosi RN to ask the Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition
What measures has his department put in place to ensure that logistical woes, such as operational challenges and equipment failures at ports, do not impede the ability of the Republic to trade and export products, as was the case across three provinces in 2023?
Reply:
A well-functioning transport and logistics system is vital to unlock the opportunities presented by trade, to grow the SA economy and create jobs.
The Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic) supports efforts by the Department of Public Enterprises (DPE) to address challenges at ports and find permanent and systemic solutions. A workstream has been put in place by DPE and the Presidency with the private sector, which enables skilled personnel to assist with improving the country’s logistics systems. the dtic attends the oversight meetings convened by the Presidency.
Companies from time to time approach the dtic with specific challenges relating to a shipment of cargo. the dtic engages Transnet on these in order to resolve them.
The DPE will be best placed to provide information on the measures taken to date to address the challenges and the progress made.
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