The ‘interventions’ proposed in the roadmap include operations and rolling stock improvements, security enhancements, and a capital investment programme
To bolster operational efficiency and support its turnaround plan, Transnet’s Cape Town Container Terminal (CTCT) recently welcomed the delivery of seven pre-used rubber-tyred gantry cranes (RTGs).
This acquisition is seen as a strategic move by the state-owned entity to enhance equipment availability, a key priority in its efforts to revitalise operations.
Andiswa Dlanga, the managing executive of Western Cape Terminals, expressed optimism about the impact of these additional RTGs on service reliability, emphasising their significance for the growth of both the Western Cape and South Africa’s economies.
Dlanga underscored the commitment to delivering on promises to customers and the industry, highlighting the core focus on equipment availability and reliability to improve operational performance and ensure timely vessel turnarounds.
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Transnet Port Terminals issued a statement explaining that the introduction of these new cranes would bring the total number of rubber-tyred gantry cranes operating at CTCT to 27.
This augmentation comes at a crucial time, preceding the peak of the busy season when the terminal experiences its highest levels of activity.
On Monday, government announced its approval for the publication of the Freight Logistics Roadmap, a comprehensive initiative aimed at salvaging the struggling freight logistics sector.
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Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni offered a stark assessment of the industry during a post-cabinet briefing, acknowledging the “significant constraint” it poses to the country’s economy.
The immediate focus of the Freight Logistics Roadmap is on stabilising and improving the operational performance of the freight rail network, a critical element to alleviate the strain on exports.
The roadmap outlines interventions, including operations and rolling stock improvements, security enhancements and a capital investment programme.
These proposed measures seek to address the systemic challenges embedded in the sector.
Despite the positive tone surrounding Transnet’s acquisition of gantry cranes, questions linger about the substantive impact on the broader issues affecting the industry.
The rhetoric of offering a “reliable service” and a “boost for the economy” appears to some as an attempt to mask the underlying pessimism surrounding the current state of affairs.
Dr Juanita Maree, CEO of the SA Association of Freight Forwarders, injected a sense of urgency into the discourse, stressing the pivotal role of the Transnet recovery plan in the national economy.
She highlighted that the world was closely observing and seeking signs of competency and reassurances from the South African government, emphasising the imperative nature of government’s action in mitigating risks at this juncture.
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Maree sees this moment as a defining opportunity for South Africa to showcase itself as a fast-maturing, developing economy by addressing governance issues and applying lessons learnt in the reconstruction of Transnet.
She envisions this action as the initial step in building a transformed logistics system, fostering collaboration between the private sector and Transnet for the collective benefit of South Africa.
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