Transnet will be invited to appear before the Standing Committee on Finance, Economic Opportunities and Tourism to provide feedback on the Port of Cape Town’s challenges during the table grape and stone fruit export season.
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The port’s performance has been significantly below par in the last month, with delays of up to three weeks reported in getting produce to ships. This means that fruit spends too much time in cold chambers, potentially affecting its quality and rendering it unsuitable for foreign markets.
According to Hortgro, which represents various fruit industry organisations, the total volume of apricots, cherries, peaches, plums, apples, and pears shipped through the Port of Cape Town in November and December decreased by approximately 35% compared to the same period last year.
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Important stakeholders impacted by the port will also be invited to brief the committee, including the South African Table Grape Industry Association, the South African Association of Freight Forwarders, the Western Cape Department of Economic Development and Tourism, and the Port of Cape Town Container Logistics Chain.
‘The goal of this meeting will be to compile a report that can be submitted to Transnet and assist them in fixing the Port. A world-class Port of Cape Town will hasten broad economic development and job-creation in the province,’ said DA Western Cape spokesperson for finance, economic opportunities and tourism, Cayla Murray. ‘It is thus of the utmost importance that the issues at the Port are urgently addressed.’
‘The DA will make every effort to assist Transnet in getting the Port up to speed, as the knock-on effects of a world-class Port are necessary for the Western Cape to fully reach its economic potential. The date of the Standing Committee meeting will be communicated in due course.’
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