Durban Port Will Not be Privatised – Ramaphosa

By: Lindelani Mbatha

President Cyril Ramaphosa says government has no plans to privatise the Transnet Durban port.

Earlier today, members of the South African Transport and Allied Workers Union (SATAWU) picketed at the port over fears that it would be privatised.

The fear stemmed from an unverified document, which started circulating three weeks ago and alleged that Transnet’s decision to move its ports division headquarters from Durban to Ngqura in the Eastern Cape, was a precursor for privatising the port.

Briefing media on the Masterplan and efforts to improve the performance of the port, at the Durban harbour, Ramaphosa says the Durban Port will not be privatised but will work with partners.

The President adds that there are plans to make Durban Port a hub for the whole continent.

He embarked on an oversight visit to assess the work that is being done to enhance efficiency as this Port plays an important role as a logistics hub for South Africa and the continent.

Ramaphosa says Durban port is a national asset.

On the current challenges faced by the port,  he says the port’s management is working hard to deal with those raised by the business sector.

Ramaphosa met with the sector who raised issues of congestion and the long waiting period and says he’s impressed with the plans in place to deal with challenges.

“Significant progress has been made to reduce congestion and improve turnaround times at the port, as well as to increase rail utilisation. A multi-party work team has been established together with port users to address key issues related to port performance,” explains Ramaphosa.