Joint Statement By Transnet & Deciduous Fruit Industry
Cape Town – On 8 November 2023 Public Enterprises Minister, Mr Pravin Gordhan, Transnet acting Group Chief Executive, Michelle Phillips, and Transnet Port Terminals (TPT) officials embarked on a visit to Cape Town Container Terminals (CTCT) to understand the challenges currently facing the port and discuss mitigation plans aimed at improving efficiencies, particularly as the deciduous fruit export season ramps up.
During the visit, Minister Gordhan, met with representatives of the fruit industry to gain valuable insights into the fresh fruit export sector and the vital role that well-functioning ports play in maintaining its competitiveness. These discussions provided important context for understanding the needs and demands of the industry as the fruit harvest season recently started.
The CTCT play a significant role in South Africa’s economy, facilitating the export and import of goods both domestically and internationally. As the deciduous fruit season gets underway, it becomes even more critical to ensure efficient operations at the port to prevent any bottlenecks or delays in exporting perishable goods.
Minister Gordhan expressed his concern for the challenges currently facing the port and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to resolving these issues. He emphasized the importance of close collaboration between government, Transnet, and relevant stakeholders to overcome these challenges, and ensure the smooth functioning of the CTCT.
Phillips acknowledged the pressing need to address operational inefficiencies and pledged concrete actions to enhance the port’s capabilities. She underscored Transnet’s and the management of the CTCT’s commitment to working closely with the deciduous fruit industry and other stakeholders to implement targeted improvements that will streamline operations and expedite the movement of perishable goods through the port.
The visit concluded with a commitment by all parties involved to continue engaging in regular discussions to develop comprehensive mitigation plans and strategies to enhance port efficiency. These plans will include measures to address current operational challenges, invest in infrastructure development, optimize processes, and foster closer collaboration between the public and private sectors.
Minister Gordhan, Phillips, and TPT expressed gratitude to the representatives from the deciduous fruit industry for providing valuable insights into the challenges they face and their input in devising effective solutions. They assured the public, the deciduous fruit industry, and stakeholders that concerted efforts will be made to enhance the port’s functionality while maintaining the country’s reputation as a reliable exporter of high-quality perishable goods.
JOINTLY ISSUED BY TRANSNET, HORTGRO, SATI AND FPEF
[ENDS]Press Enquiries:
Ms. Mecia Petersen
Market Development & Communications Manager, SATI
+2721 863 0366 / Mecia@satgi.co.za
Mr Jacques du Preez
General Manager: Trade & Markets, HORTGRO
+2721 870 2900 / Jacques@hortgro.co.za