Port efficiency improves as private operators and reforms unlock investment: Godongwana

MINISTER of Finance Enoch Gondongwana said in his 2025 Medium Term Budget Policy Statement on Wednesday that in recent years, port efficiency is improving, with vessel waiting times down 75 per cent, while container handling is faster.

- YOGASHEN PILLAY

MINISTER of Finance Enoch Godongwana has said that South Africa's ports have seen significant efficiency gains in recent years.

This comes as vessel waiting times are down 75%, while container handling has become faster, a trend confirmed by industry experts.

Gondongwana last week noted that freight movement within the country had faced serious challenges, including congestion caused by a shift from rail to road transport

"This led to an overall decline in the volume of goods and exports transited. Reforms in freight logistics are gaining speed. Eleven private train operators now have slots on 41 routes across six corridors," he said.

"Port efficiency is improving, with vessel waiting times down 75%, while container handling is faster."