MOSSEL BAY NEWS - Hundreds of state properties along South Africa’s coast are to become sites of new business opportunities and catalysts for economic growth and job creation.
This was one of the messages from Nico Walters, General Manager: Strategy at Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) who spoke at the recent Garden Route Investment Conference.
Despite being the smallest of the commercial ports along the coast, the Port of Mossel Bay is an important contributor to the economy of the Garden Route and the Southern Cape, Walters said. He acknowledged the important role of ports in the local economy.
The Garden Route Investment Conference was attended by delegates from countries including Sweden, China and Singapore and showcased the investment potential and opportunities within the Garden Route area to an audience of national and international investors.
“The immense potential of small ports and harbours to contribute to economic growth is acknowledged in government’s pursuit of using small harbours to attract investment in the state coastal maritime industry, to develop infrastructure and properties, grow businesses, create jobs and redistribute wealth,” said Walters.
“Transforming our ports into People’s Ports, where local communities and businesses have access to and are able to participate in port activities is a goal of TNPA. The Port of Mossel Bay is among the ports earmarked for investment under Operation Phakisa.”
Ship repairs
ranslates into skills development, jobs, innovation, entrepreneurship and changing the country for the better,” says Walters.
Sites for business development
The development of The Small Harbours and State Coastal Property Development unit (SH&SCPD), within the National Department of Public Works, is part of the Oceans Economy strategy within Operation Phakisa.
“TNPA prioritises the promotion of Radical Economic Transformation, localisation and supplier development through our procurement programmes,” says Walters.
“We aim to create a smart, safe and secure port system with the infrastructure and capacity to promote economic growth, job creation, transformation and sustainable benefits for port communities.
"Training people to join the marine and dredging divisions is part of the organisation’s transformation agenda and a supplier development aspect is integral to every tender awarded by Transnet. Contractors are committed to supplier development initiatives that include encouraging local small business, capacity generation, IP transfer and training/bursaries for local South Africans,” he added.
Leasing programme
TNPA’s Section 56 programme and leasing policy also support transformation, opening up participation in port activities to businesses owned by historically disadvantaged individuals. This promotes access to new entrants, ushering in a new era where ports are able to serve communities more inclusively and sustainably.
Developmental plans
Developmental plans for the Port of Mossel Bay will ensure that it continues to create economic growth in the region. These include the establishment of a mixed-use waterfront development that will include retail, commercial and industrial facilities.
This, in addition to the cruise vessel facility that brings in thousands of tourists to the Garden Route, and the fact that the Port of Mossel Bay is the only port operating two off-shore mooring points providing underwater vessel inspection, hull cleaning and salvage. The slipway upgrade in the pipeline will also support the local fishing and other industries.
“The Port of Mossel Bay holds a special place in South African maritime history as the first recorded harbour used regularly along the South African coast by European seafarers journeying to the East.
"We want to ensure that it continues to take its rightful place in the South African ports system,” said Port of Mossel Bay Manager, Shadrack Tshikalange.
Partnership
He said the Mossel Bay Dias & Port Festival, held in partnership with the Mossel Bay Municipality, aimed to bring the public into the port, grow awareness of the role the ports play in the economy and promote career and business opportunities among local communities.
Learnerships exist and TNPA has an "adopted schools" programme that fosters the development of maths and science in learners from historically disadvantaged primary and high schools, with a view to creating a pipeline of students that qualify for tertiary education for careers in the maritime and engineering fields.
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