Latest news with #TransnetPortTerminals
Zawya
6 days ago
- Business
- Zawya
South Africa: Govt backs citrus exports with $2.8bln Transnet guarantee
The South African citrus industry has welcomed the government's recent approval of a R51bn guarantee facility for Transnet, viewing it as a vital step to support the logistics giant's recovery and improve export capabilities ahead of the 2025 citrus season peak. The Citrus Growers' Association of Southern Africa (CGA) highlighted that the guarantee comes alongside encouraging developments in Public Sector Partnerships (PSPs), which are seen as essential to reshaping South Africa's logistics infrastructure. According to Transnet, a critical part of their recovery strategy is 'strong collaboration with customers and industry partners,' a sentiment echoed by the CGA, which said that export growth depends on effective cooperation between Transnet and private sector players. Peak citrus export season preparation As oranges begin moving to export markets, the CGA appreciates the preparational steps taken by Transnet Port Terminals (TPT), including recruiting 256 additional fixed-term staff, maintaining all refrigerated container plug points, and adding 100 new pieces of equipment. "There are challenges on the horizon, but if all goes well, Southern Africa is expected to export 171,3 million 15kg cartons of citrus, according to the latest figures," says Boitshoko Ntshabele, CEO of the CGA. He adds: "Shifting produce in an efficient and timely way is essential to the profitability of our industry. The season has started smoothly, but the real test will be the peak over the next two months." Private sector partnerships key to logistics efficiency The CGA emphasises that long-term solutions to logistics inefficiencies and costs lie in large-scale Public-Private Sector Partnerships (PSPs) at ports and within the rail network. While recent policy changes are promising, the industry has yet to see tangible benefits from operating PSPs. "Partnering with business brings faster upgrades, specialised knowledge, a performance-driven culture, and constant innovation, which almost immediately stimulates employment growth," says Ntshabele. Rail access and Durban terminal PSP projects On rail transport, Ntshabele highlighted recent progress: "The progress made over the past few months in opening the rail network to private players is encouraging. Urgency on this front, as well as ensuring attractive options for the private sector, will unlock growth opportunities in the citrus sector, which currently only moves 10% of its citrus to the ports by rail." However, the CGA also pointed out that the PSP project, poised to be a game-changer for citrus—the upgrading and management of Durban Container Terminal Pier 2—is still "tied up in a court battle." Looking ahead, Ntshabele expressed optimism about the industry's future, saying, "As we look towards the future, and our industry's ability to create 100,000 jobs by 2032, we appreciate Transnet's commitment to PSPs and we hope the momentum is kept and that more projects are urgently pursued." All rights reserved. © 2022. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
IOL News
12-05-2025
- Business
- IOL News
Transnet Port Terminals stabilises operations and positions for future expansion
Transnet Port Terminals (TPT) CEO Jabu Mdaki speaking at the Transport Forum in Durban on Tuesday. Image: Supplied Transnet Port Terminals (TPT) is shifting into a growth trajectory following the recent stabilisation of its business operations, as CEO Jabu Mdaki revealed at the Transport Forum in Durban on Tuesday. This rally comes after the terminal operator adopted a multifaceted approach, which is now beginning to yield significant results in the freight and logistics sector. TPT has earmarked a substantial R3.4 billion for new equipment acquisitions in the 2025/2026 financial year, demonstrating its commitment to modernising infrastructure and enhancing operational efficiencies. Key initiatives include a thorough review of loading cycles in the container sector, upgrading rail infrastructure and agricultural capacity at the Cape Town Multipurpose Terminal, and the anticipated delivery of a third tippler to Saldanha's Bulk Terminal operations by October 2025. Historically, underinvestment in equipment alongside adverse weather conditions and strict policies has hampered TPT's operational efficiency. However, the company has embarked on an ambitious plan to refurbish its current fleet across 16 terminals, which handle various cargo types including agricultural, mineral bulk, breakbulk, containers, and automotive. 'We have also had to employ newtechnologies, automate some of our processes and maximise data analytics in order to predictmaintenance and obtain business intelligence for effective planning and performance,' saidMdaki. To further drive recovery, TPT has introduced new technologies, automated key processes, and leveraged data analytics to predict maintenance needs and derive business intelligence for effective planning and performance improvement. Recent preliminary figures for the 2024/2025 financial year indicate that TPT has surpassed volume targets at five of its 16 terminals, including remarkable achievements at the Richards Bay Terminals, Durban Container Terminal Pier 1, Durban Multipurpose Terminal, and the Port Elizabeth Container Terminal. Despite these successes, Mdaki emphasised the operator's ongoing focus on improved efficiencies, increasing volume growth across sectors, and expanding its market share. While TPT faces challenges such as the impact of US tariffs on South African exports, Mdaki reassured stakeholders of ongoing collaborations within the industry aimed at mitigating potential repercussions on operational plans and annual forecasts. The citrus fruit season, which commenced in April, has further spotlighted TPT's initiatives. New equipment, including ship-to-shore cranes at the Port Elizabeth Container Terminal, rubber-tyred gantry cranes, straddle carriers, rail-mounted gantry cranes, haulers, forklifts, trailers, reach stackers, and additional cranes at the Durban and Cape Town container terminals, have been commissioned and deployed, amplifying the terminal's operational capabilities. BUSINESS REPORT
