In leading the formulation for The South African Commercial Ports Policy , the National department of Transport recognise that transport ,trade, distribution, and logistics are among the most vital facets of the South African economy and should play a crucial role in the realization of sustainable economic development, both as a link in the value chain of businesses and because of their own economic significance.
Ports are integrated and crucial nodal points in a transport system, and play a strategic role in the country’s economic growth and social development.
In order to deliver on the South African Ports’ vision , a number of broad goals need to be pursued. These are:
To invest in port infrastructure, equipment and system in ways which satisfy social and economic investment criteria;
To improve the safety, security, reliability, quality and speed of port operations and services;
To enable port users to access the port system in the most efficient way possible; and
To achieve the above goals in a manner which is economically and environmentally sustainable.
INSTITUTIONAL ARRANGEMENTS AND GOVERNANCE OF THE COMMERCIAL PORTS SYSTEM
The Ministry and Department of Transport bears the responsibility of ensuring that efficient and effective, seamless inter-modal transportation is achieved in the national interests of South Africa.
The Ministry and Department of Enterprise will facilitate the smooth transformation and implementation of this policy.
Transnet Limited currently owns the real estate of South African ports.
The National Port Authority is a body that is responsible for the landowner, control, utility and quasi-regulatory functions (e.g. Land Planning , marine environment) of the national commercial port system.
NATIONAL COMMERCIAL PORTS SYSTEM
| Consultations: | It is necessary for the National Commercial Ports System to be guided by the Consultative committees. |
| IDPs: | Port development cannot be considered in isolation, but should be integrated into any national, provincial and local economic and spatial development initiatives, and also support the RDP |
| Competitiveness: | In order for our ports to truly become globally competitive, and thereby enhancing the competitiveness of South African enterprises, the economy and the region, the port system must be encouraged to develop and progress to the status of the most modern ports internationally. |
| The Environment: | The Environmental Impact Assessment ( EIA ) regulations list ports as an activity for which an EIA will be compulsory for environmental sustainability. |
| Human Resource Development: | The Government will, through the Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETA), move towards a culture in which labour is seen as a resource and not merely a production cost. |
| Legislation: | The National Department of Transport will be responsible for national policy, legislation and strategy formulation with regard to the national port system. |
The transport sector is a key contributor to South Africa’s competitiveness on the global markets and also acknowledge various export sectors as a major thrust for growing the economy. The Ports Policy supports this commitment in laying out a broad but decisive policy for the future governance of commercial ports in South Africa.
JOIN US IN THE PROCESS OF DRAFTING A SOUTH AFRICAN PORTS POLICY
Collect your copy and respond in writing to the National Department of Transport not later than 31 October 2001.
Written comments on the Draft White Paper should be sent to:
Attention : Ms Grace Senyatsi (Room 4003)
National Department of Transport
159 Forum Building
Cnr Struben and Bosman Streets
PRETORIA
0001or
Fax no: 012 328 5102
E-Mail: senyatsi@nodt.pwv.gov.za
For further enquiries phone:Mr Sinethemba Mngqibisa at (012 ) 309 3933
Or
Grace Senyatsi at (012 ) 309 3298