Transnet anticipates that it will take close to two weeks to clear backlog at the Ngqura Container Terminal which has been hit by the unprotected industrial action. Operations have improved at the Durban Container Terminal and Port of Cape Town.

The unprotected strike was over payment of a short-term incentive and other related matters such as equipment failure and transport. To date, thirteen employees have been suspended for misconduct that took place during the strike. Following a court interdict, productivity is returning to normal.

The illegal industrial action has had a negative impact on customers, in particular the agricultural and automotive industries. To this end, Transnet is engaging continuously with customers to address backlogs. Similarly, vessel owners and operators servicing the container industry have also been impacted and Transnet continues to engage with them to prioritise cargo.

Transnet’s Acting Group Chief Executive Mohammed Mahomedy is conducting sessions at Ngqura, Cape Town and Durban addressing and highlighting the need to improve operational performance.

The company has set up national and regional command centres to monitor ports operations and improve operational efficiencies.
Transnet remains a key cog in the South African economy and our role cannot be emphasized enough. Performance challenges however continue to persist in certain critical areas.

Issued on behalf of Transnet SOC Ltd