Cape Town may soon add ’20 000 new jobs’ – thanks to THESE ambitious plans
Tens of thousands of new jobs could soon be made available in Cape Town - after local government officials laid-out their billion-rand plans.
The Western Cape Government has promised to bring ‘new jobs by the bucketful’ to Cape Town over the next few years. That’s *if* they can maximise the potential of the city’s sprawling port. There have been huge improvements at the sea terminal in 2022. But is there more to come?
Inside the plan to create 20 000 new jobs in Cape Town
A research report led by provincial politicians has identified ways to unleash the Port of Cape Town‘s potential. Rapid expansion, more work opportunities, and a march towards higher export levels all form part of the WCG’s ideas for ‘the best possible outcome’.
If successful, officials believe they can raise another R6 billion in revenue – and create an additional 20 000 jobs…
- The figures were presented in the Western Cape Government’s ‘high-growth scenario report’ for the Port of Cape Town.
- Those behind the plans believe that ‘unlocking partnerships’ with the private sector can ramp-up exports, and create tons of new jobs.
- The local Transnet terminal has BEATEN its average turnaround time for vessels ‘for the last four weeks running’.
- It is believed that enabling non-state-affiliated businesses to invest in the port could raise BILLIONS in revenue.
- This development has been made ‘a top strategic priority’ – and collaboration is needed to achieve these lofty targets.
Port power? Western Cape officials look for billion-rand opportunities
Mireille Wenger is the Western Cape’s Minister for Finance. She has heartily endorsed these ambitious plans, and wants to emulate the business model of Durban’s flagship port Port. All in all, there’s now a real desire to turn Cape Town into a ‘super-terminal’ for sea-faring trade.
“An efficient Port of Cape Town with sufficient capacity and investment in key infrastructure, has the potential to contribute an additional R6bn in exports. We want roughly 20 000 jobs, and over R1.6bn in additional taxes by 2026. This would create an additional 0.7% contribution to the Western Cape’s GDP.”
“To achieve this high-growth scenario, the Western Cape Government is committed to working together with all levels of government and the private sector to unlock the Ports full potential. It remains a top strategic priority and collaboration will be essential.”
“We also believe that enabling private sector participation at the Port of Cape Town, as is currently the case for the Port of Durban and Ngqura, will be key. But we must find a way to increase efficiency. We must realise the FULL potential of the entire port eco-system.” | Mireille Wenger
