Ngqura: International hub or white elephant?

According to Transnet Port Terminal’s CEO Solly Letsoalo, approval has now been given for Ngqura to be expanded by up to five times its opening capacity, and the number of container berths increased from two in Phase 1 to four in phase 2 with construction already underway) and eventually to total 20 berths. Expansion will take place on the western side of the port beyond the existing container berths – moving in the direction of Port Elizabeth some 20km away and will be achieved in five-year stages.

Letsoalo says that Ngqura has been earmarked as Southern Africa’s international hub port ahead of Durban, Cape Town or Richards Bay and “It will be the biggest port in South Africa and handle the most containers in the most efficient and cost-effective manner,”

Despite the hopes, after more than ten years after the announcement of a new port for the Eastern Cape and the establishment of an adjacent Coega Industrial Development Zone (IDZ), the only significant company to sign up for the IDZ and port region is the proposed PetroSA refinery – a state-owned company.