Former mayor weighs in on island closure

WHILE calls to reopen Naval Island have mainly come from those seeking to reinstate recreational access, such as the People’s Voice civic organisation, there has also been a serious appeal from the business sector.

In an open letter to Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA), written in his personal capacity, former city mayor Elphas Mbatha has urged the authority to rethink the decision taken at the start of the holiday season.

‘Transnet’s decision to close Naval Island to the public during December and January is a regressive step which will have negative consequences not only for the residents of Richards Bay, but for thousands of tourists that come from different parts of South Africa and abroad to enjoy themselves.

‘It has to be noted that Naval Island offers tourists an opportunity to view or watch the ships entering and leaving the port of Richards Bay, including the waterfront without any obstruction, which is rare in South Africa.

‘For this and many other reasons, Naval Island has a potential to transform Richards Bay from a predominantly industrial town to a city with a diverse economy,’ said Mbatha.

He also criticised TNPA’s decision to almost exclusively designate the Port of Richards Bay as a bulk cargo port.

‘This is the reason why Transnet has not and will not construct a container terminal for use by companies located in Richards Bay

‘They are forced to transport their goods to Durban which is a 400km return journey. Apart from exorbitant costs which these companies incur, there are accidents which trucks cause on our roads which lead to loss of many lives.

‘Representations were made to Transnet by different stakeholders between 1996 and 2000 to build a container terminal in Richards Bay, without any success.

‘Transnet, an organ of state, argues that it will not build a terminal in Richards Bay because of container volumes that are too low, and because the Port of Richards Bay is a bulk harbour. This is not a convincing argument.

‘Available evidence indicates that ports with container handling facilities around the world contribute immensely to the economic growth in their cities, which means if Richards Bay had a container terminal, unemployment in the districts of King Cetshwayo, uMkhanyakude and Zululand would be much lower.’

With regard to the recreational aspect, Mbatha said Naval Island needs to be professionally managed.

‘It is suggested that a partnership involving different stakeholders, namely Transnet, Sharks Board, provincial and local government be established with a mandate to provide infrastructure necessary for a tourist destination, such as ablution facilities, a park, shark nets, a wedding venue, 24-hour security, cleaning services, and so on.’

Mbatha has been supported in his appeal by Chris Mkhize of the uThungulu Community Foundation, which represents numerous civil groupings and small business associations.

‘Indeed, the decision to have Naval Island closed, for whatever reason, runs counter to all our efforts to advertise our region and city as a destination of choice for foreign investors and tourists, as well as to accommodate local young work seekers.

‘Individuals, committees or groups that could have advised the Port of Richards Bay to have Naval Island closed now need to humble themselves and admit that they made a mistake to close it.

‘This decision was certainly wrong, and needs to be rescinded as soon as possible. Our city at the moment appears well poised to attract foreign investments and provide required stability and jobs to mainly young and local unemployed people,’ said Mkhize, who called for a public participation process that includes a broad spectrum of  stakeholders.

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