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Parliament, Friday, 20 June 2025 – The Select Committee on Public Infrastructure and the Minister in the Presidency undertook an oversight visit to the Port of Cape Town on Wednesday. This visit was crucial in assessing the operations, infrastructure and strategic projects underway at one of South Africa’s most vital ports, which plays a significant role in international trade and the national economy.
During the visit, the committee received briefings from Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) regarding its mandate and operational strategies. Highlighting the importance of maintaining a competitive edge in global trade, TNPA outlined its commitment to enhancing port efficiency through various initiatives, including the Port Efficiency Improvement Plan and the Integrated Traffic Management Plan. The committee was also briefed by the Harbour Master to get assurance about the safety of vessels entering and exiting the port in line with international standards and to discuss expertise deployed to reduce ship turnaround times.
Key highlights from the oversight visit included an overview of the Port of Cape Town, which has total assets valued at R15.8 billion, covering an area of 9,350 hectares and operating 42 berths. The port serves as a critical hub for various commodities, including fruit exports, petroleum products and agricultural goods. The committee reviewed performance metrics, such as ship turnaround times and truck operations, identifying key areas for improvement. Challenges related to equipment breakdowns and adverse weather conditions were acknowledged, impacting on operational efficiency. Port management reported improvements made to reduce down-time, including commissioning new rubber-tyred gantries that can operate during periods of higher wind speeds than previously possible and introducing short tension units to minimise vessel sway during unfavourable weather.
A primary concern raised was the lack of helicopter capacity for pilot transfers, essential for ensuring 24/7 vessel berthing, especially during high swells or adverse weather. Committee Chairperson Mr Rikus Badenhorst expressed frustration, stating, “We were told years ago a helicopter service was imminent. Why has Transnet not finalised the award process for this critical service, and what is the plan to restore operational continuity during poor weather conditions?” He further questioned, “How is it that ports across the world operate pilot transfers safely in challenging conditions, yet in Cape Town, we delay ships due to a lack of weather-safe options?”
While TNPA briefed the committee on capital upgrades and the Culemborg precinct project, Mr Badenhorst stressed that pilot transfers cannot be left to luck and calm seas. “Helicopters are not a luxury; they are a productivity multiplier and a safety necessity, also enabling coastal search-and-rescue assistance,” he added.
The committee acknowledged the limited space for expansion inland and noted ongoing back-of-port projects aimed at increasing haulage to and from the Belcon Transnet site in Bellville. Furthermore, the committee was briefed on ongoing and future projects aimed at expanding capacity and improving logistics, including the Cape Town Container Terminal Phase 2B expansion, due for completion during the 2029/30 financial year and the development of the Culemborg Intermodal Logistics Precinct with Phase One due for completion in 2028. These projects are expected to drive economic growth by creating jobs and enhancing connectivity between the port and surrounding areas. TNPA reaffirmed its commitment to sustainable development, ensuring that port operations align with environmental standards while fostering socio-economic benefits for local communities.
The committee recognises the critical role of the Port of Cape Town in facilitating economic growth and trade. The committee was pleased to hear port management commend its various stakeholders, including business forums and platforms that have actively engaged with Transnet on recommendations for improvements at the port, providing expertise and resources, such as power units for reefer containers. The committee will continue to monitor progress on the strategic projects discussed and looks forward to further engagements with Transnet and relevant stakeholders to ensure the successful implementation of these initiatives.
The committee was briefed on several other key planned interventions, including:
- Upgrade of EM1 access bridges to improve cargo operations, which is set for completion in 2027
- Improving traffic management in and around the port. This will include Implementation of an integrated traffic management plan in collaboration with the City of Cape Town and other stakeholders with planned traffic management solutions outlined in the plan being implemented by February 2026.
- Trials have already commenced on an integrated Transnet Ports Terminal Booking and TNPA security operations system.
- Acquisition of a new helicopter (initially targeted for the 2024/25 financial year) is now included in the capital plan for the 2027/28 financial year.
“These dates are not aspirational; they are commitments made to Parliament,” said Mr Badenhorst. “This committee will hold Transnet to each and every one of them.”
ISSUED BY THE PARLIAMENTARY COMMUNICATION SERVICES ON BEHALF OF THE CHAIRPERSON OF THE SELECT COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC INFRASTRUCTURE AND MINISTER IN THE PRESIDENCY, MR RIKUS BADENHORST.
For media inquiries or interviews with the Chairperson, please contact the committee’s Media Officer:
Name: Yoliswa Landu (Ms)
Cell: 081 497 4694
Email:ylandu@parliament.gov.za
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