Port of Richards Bay celebrates in style

THE Port of Richards hosted a glittering dinner on Friday at the Cubaña waterfront restaurant to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the opening of the harbour.

Many of the ‘old timers’ who were part of the port’s establishment in 1976 were present and tributes were paid to past and present management and staff who have put the port on the world map.

Current Port Manager, Preston Khomo, referred to the occasion as ‘a remarkable milestone, and a tribute to all who have made the port a local, national and international success’.

He made special mention of ‘anchor tenant’ RBCT.

‘A sleepy fishing village was turned into the industrial city it is today from 1 April 1976.

‘We must acknowledge the Transnet board of directors and port management – even parliament – for sound decisions made over the years that led to projects and development,’ said Khomo.

‘Lots of thought and effort went into planning the port, which besides the promotion of maritime business has also stimulated growth of local business, schools and society as a whole.

‘The construction cost of R700-million in 1976 would not even build a single quay today.

‘From a modest 136 vessels in 1976 the figure grew to 2 000 vessels in 2015, and from 6.9m tonnes handled then to 99.2m now.

‘During that time, employee skills have been raised, while attention has increasingly been given to the natural environment and eco systems.

‘We are continually innovating and adapting as we develop a smart people’s port.’

Opportunities
King Cetshwayo District Mayor, Nonhle Mkhulisi linked the establishment and growth of the port to the local, provincial and national economy.

‘We are serious about kick-starting economic development, investment and creation of job opportunities.

‘The tourism and agricultural sectors have special potential to become pillars of the economy.

‘The link between King Cetshwayo, Zulu history and the liberation route gives birth to many tourism opportunities.

‘In addition, promotion of the ocean economy through Operation Phakisa is an urgent imperative.

‘We need to see the port fulfilling its total potential for the region and we also need to see more women and young people working in the maritime industry,’ said Mkhulisi.

Acting CEO of Transnet National Ports authority, Hamilton Nxumalo, said the Port of Richards Bay had become the benchmark for Africa.

He said Transnet will continue to deliver infrastructure and inject projects to enable growth and employment.

‘Through our Market Demand Strategy, we will collaborate with and learn from China.

‘We have started the rolling out of training centres in all our ports to ensure the necessary skills are available,’ said Nxumalo.

Skills development
Keynote speaker was MEC for Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs, Sihle Zikalala, said the province’s economy showed sluggish growth against what was expected, but it is growing nevertheless.

‘We are strategically located and with two ports we handle 60% of the cargo moving in and out of the country.

‘The question is: are we using the coastline and ports to maximum advantage?

‘Until recently, very little was done to grow the ocean economy.

‘Our coast lends itself to containerisation, oil and gas exploration, ship building and aqua culture.

‘The KZN Maritime Institute is being founded and we aim to employ 50 000 people in the maritime industry which presently only employs 1 500,’ said Zikalala.

‘The ports must also lead in motivating social cohesion. The workplace shapes the orientation of society and promotes harmony.

‘Ports must also be used to enhance skills development and must integrate with industry, local business, government institutions and the private sector.

‘For example, the Port of Richards Bay can work together with the University of Zululand in terms of research and innovation.’

HAVE YOUR SAY

Like our Facebook page and follow us on Twitter.

For news straight to your phone invite us:

WhatsApp – 072 069 4169

Instagram – zululand_observer