MyPE

Community Business Directory, Event Listings, News and Views from Gqeberha, Nelson Mandela Bay

Did someone forget to tell the TNPA?

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Much has been said about turning the Port of Port Elizabeth into many things NOT to do with manganese ore.

Two of which are:

  1. Converting the Manganese Ore Dump into a world class automotive hub and/or
  2. Establishing a PE Waterfront.

Lets deal with the automotive hub idea:

  • After the idea was first mooted and in conversation with the MD of a major exporter of vehicles through the Port of Port Elizabeth a few years ago the question was asked by MyPE; “Has your company been approached by TNPA to provide a forecast of export volumes over the next few years?” The answer; “No”. Why did we ask? Surely a business looking to invest millions will seek the assistance of it’s major clients and stakeholders in order to determine the viability?
  • During the 2017 Port Regulator Tariff meeting in Port Elizabeth and in answer to a question posed by MyPE, a senior TNPA official stated that TNPA had no plans to invest in their automotive export facilities for the next SEVEN years.
  • Port Elizabeth’s newest addition to the automotive manufacturing industry, BAIC, was asked today by MyPE which of Port Elizabeth’s two ports they would be importing their CKD kits in through and through which Port they would be exporting their completed vehicles. The answer? Their preference was the Port of Nqura as it was closer.

So – do we think that we will ever see those grand TNPA plans come to fruition and the back of the Manganese Ore pollution? Methinks not!

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Alan Straton

Chief Cook, Bottle Washer and Broom Mechanic at MyPE
Passionate about Port Elizabeth and definitely NOT packing for Perth. Alan's ethos is epitomised in the words of Nelson Mandela; "I have fought against white domination and I have fought against black domination. I have cherished the idea of a democratic and free society. If need be, it is an ideal for which I am prepared to die." See more articles by Alan.