The issuing of a permanent operating licence to Transnet Ports Terminal to operate the manganese container terminal at the Port of Ngqura has been approved by Cabinet.
The port is located on the east coast of South Africa, about 20km north-east of Port Elizabeth and midway between Durban and Cape Town. In a statement on Thursday, the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) said the approval of the issuing of a permanent operating licence was in line with government priorities relating to Operation Phakisa on growing the oceans economy. This will result in relocating manganese operations from the ports of Port Elizabeth and Saldanha to the Port of Ngqura. This vast ocean space is relatively unexplored in terms of its economic potential. In 2010, the ocean contributed approximately R54 billion to South Africa’s gross domestic product and accounted for approximately 316 000 jobs. The ocean has a potential to contribute to the Gross Domestic Product up to R177 billion. It also has a potential contribution of between 800 000 and one million direct jobs.
Operation Phakisa was first launched in Durban in July with a segment focusing on unlocking growth and jobs in the country’s ocean economy.
National Rail PolicyMeanwhile, Cabinet approved the release for public consultation of the Green Paper on National Rail Policy which addresses freight and passenger rail transportation. This policy, which is aligned to the work of the Presidential Infrastructure Coordinating Commission, enables the revitalisation of the railway industry through strategic investment-led policy interventions that are aligned to the National Development Plan (NDP). The aim is to create an efficient transport system that is able to compete locally and internationally and reduce transportation costs, according to Cabinet. This will encourage the use of appropriate technologies to increase productivity and acquisition of much-needed skills in the economy. It also improves rural access, increased mobility and job creation. – SAnews.gov.za
