Operations strategy overhaul

The new OM seeks to improve efficiency and better manage the cost of running TNPA’s ports, as well as support growth and sustainability in South Africa’s economy.

“There is a new blue on the horizon and Senza Kwenzeke (We make it happen),” said Ayanda Mantshongo, TNPA executive manager for corporate affairs and external relations.

Six focus areas

It also includes six focus areas that are receiving priority attention:

1. Improving terminal oversight to enable a competitive environment for port users.

2. Addressing backlog and chronic historical underspending on capital infrastructure and maintenance to ensure appropriate maintenance and timely provision of critical port infrastructure. TNPA has already made significant progress in reforming approving structures, addressing the poorly resourced Infrastructure Delivery Unit, and implementing visible automated project reporting.

3. Addressing port property vacancies, to extract maximum utilisation. TNPA is in the process of reviewing the lease governance process, property management system and property audit plan.

4. Empowering staff by addressing employee morale and in so doing, improve productivity, customer centricity and pride amongst all employees.

5. Implementing a simplified and compliant supply chain management framework to boost efficiencies. TNPA’s Delegation of Authority framework has been reviewed and approved.

6. Introducing effective and efficient automated systems, to provide real-time and reliable data.

TPNA seeks to position Durban as a container hub port and Richards Bay as an enabler for this development.

Transnet manages the ports of Richards Bay, Durban, Saldanha, Cape Town, Port Elizabeth, East London, Mossel Bay and Ngqura (Coega) in the Eastern Cape.