Programme Director,
Minister of Public Enterprises Malusi Gigaba, my comrade, colleague and friend
Members of the Executive Council
Members of the Mayoral Committee
Chairperson of the Board of Transnet
Chief Executive Officers of ACSA and Transnet
Officials from the three spheres of government
Private sector stakeholders
Distinguished ladies and gentlemen.
I am pleased to address you at this event to mark the transfer of the old Durban International Airport from Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) to Transnet. This occasion is an example of co-operation between government departments and enterprise in pursuit of the common goal to accelerate infrastructure development in South Africa.
Government has identified rapid infrastructure development as an enabler for economic growth, job creation and poverty reduction. In His State of the Nation Address at the National Assembly in February 2012, His Excellency President Jacob Zuma unveiled a massive infrastructure programme to stimulate economic growth and social development in our country.
The development of the Durban Dig-Out Port forms part of Government’s Strategic Infrastructure Projects. The new Port will have a positive impact on the national economy, and contribute to regional integration in Southern Africa.
In addition to its direct impact on the movement of goods, the Port will also contribute to the development of the maritime industry. The Department of Transport is working on a strategy to industrialise the country’s maritime heritage.
Through this strategy, South Africa will explore opportunities to improve the country’s competitiveness. Most of the goods into and out of the country are transported through the ports.
This transaction involves the transfer of approximately 641 hectors of land, valued at R1.85 billion. Having concluded the first phase of the transaction between the two departments, the Department of Transport will promulgate the Durban Dig Out Port in terms of the Ports Act of 2005.
As required by the law, the Department of Transport will undertake necessary consultations with the affected communities and the general public, before the Port is promulgated.
We encourage community leaders and the local community to work with government in order to reach an amicable solution concerns.
Honourable Minister, I take this opportunity to hand over the site.
Thank you.
