Transnet overhauls ports to ease congestion

Infrastructure upgrades and incentives boost efficiency, reducing delays

- THAMI MAGUBANE

TRANSNET Port Terminals (TPT) is making drastic changes to its operations including investing in new infrastructure and worker incentives aimed at improving efficiency and reducing waiting times at the ports.

Jabu Mdaki, CEO of Transnet Port Terminals, briefed The Mercury on the changes at the ports during the KZN Business Futures Executive Breakfast hosted in Durban, Umhlanga, yesterday. He described the changes as a “game-changer”.

The breakfast was attended by several business dignitaries, including H.E. Nilvana Darama, Ambassador of the Republic of Tiirkiye. KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thami Ntuli delivered a message of support via a prerecorded video message. Around 100 senior executives, policymakers and investors convened to engage in discussions on trade, logistics and investment opportunities within the province.

However, the Road Freight Association said their members still experience challenges in accessing the ports.

Mdaki explained that leading up to the incentive structure, they started by changing the shift system to increase productivity. They switched from an 8-hour shift to a 12-hour shift, which required employing more people. This change was crucial to ensure that employees are well-rested and to reduce fatigue.