DRAFT WHITE PAPER ON NATIONAL COMMERCIAL PORTS POLICY

16 October 2001

The National Department of Transport has issued its Draft White Paper on National Commercial Ports Policy in line with the recommendations of the White Paper on National Transport Policy (1996). The National Transport Policy suggests among other things, the separation of Ports Operations from Port Authority. It also suggests a Port Authority with specific responsibilities for the maintenance and development of port infrastructure, be established.

The National Department of Transport as mandated by Cabinet had to take a lead in the development of this policy. Important Stakeholders in the form of the Steering Committee were involved in the development of this policy. They included the relevant Government Departments i.e. Department of Public Enterprises, Department of National Treasury, Department of Trade and Industry and Department of Transport. In developing this Policy, the following documents were taken into consideration: National Transport Policy, Social and Economic Policies of Government, the restructuring Policy Framework, Trade and Industrial Policy on IDZ’s and SDI’s and the Constitution of the RSA.

This document outlines a long-term policy framework for government and also an interim/transitional institutional arrangement. The vision is to have a seamlessly integrated port system in the National Transport network that is jointly and individually self-sustainable, delivering quality service to its users, enhancing South Africa’s global competitiveness and facilitating the expansion of the South African economy and creating a better life for all.

The main objectives of this policy are:

• To promote the development of an efficient and productive South African Port system.
• To support the facilitation of international trade in general, and export trade in particular.
• To establish an effective and responsive regulatory framework.
• To establish institutional arrangements and legislation to support the governance of ports.
• To improve investor confidence in regard to South African port infrastructure projects.
• To promote a port system that will be complementary to the macro economy of the country as a whole.
• To promote private sector involvement especially, in the operations.

To this end then, the following policies are recommended:

• Ministry of Transport be responsible for policy, strategy and regulatory frameworks.
• Ministry of Public Enterprises facilitate the implementation of the policy.
• There should be synergy in Port Development strategies inclusive of all levels of government and users of the system.
• The National Port Authority to ensure that the national strategy on Ports development is attained.
• The Policy encourages a culture of HRD in the transport sector.
• The principle of user pay or cost recovery from direct users to be applied.

The document has been published in the Government Gazette No 22704 dated 26/09/2001, and the public has been requested to send in the written inputs not later than 31/10/2001. It is also available on the Departmental Website; www.transport.gov.za and www.gov.za

National Department of Transport is further embarking on a programme of public consultations during the month of October up to early November 2001. The purpose of public consultations is to have close interactions with the Port stakeholders and other communities affected by ports.

The programme to be followed is:

• 19/10/2001 Seaview Hotel Port Elizabeth (10h00-15h00)
• 23/10/2001 The Breakwater Lodge Cape Town (10h00-15h00)
• 26/10/2001 Palm Beach Hotel Durban (10h00-15h00)
• 06/11/2001 (To be confirmed) Pretoria/JHB (10h00-15h00)

The Minister of Transport urges everyone to make a contribution in this process of shaping the South African Ports System for the benefit of every South African.

ISSUED BY
Mike Mabasa
HEAD: Media Liaison and Corporate Communication
MINISTRY OF TRANSPORT