For me, Thursday was a day of contrasts. It started with a breakfast at La-Colline, hosted by Transnet which was followed by lunch at Ginger Restaurant, hosted by FNB.
At the outset I need to say that my ‘relationship’ with Transnet has always been one of wary, at a distance, observation. I can personally attest to spending many years of sweat, toil and cash as a result of certain dirty Transnet clients within the Port Elizabeth harbour. But, on the positive side, being told by security; “We know who you are and watch where you go whenever you enter the harbour!” has certainly given me peace of mind and security when moving within the harbour precincts. Sometimes Big Brother can be a blessing in disgiuse.
Of course the question on everyone’s lips is; “When will the Manganese Ore and Tank Farms be uprooted and moved to another place so that we can pretend they will not pollute anymore?” All I can confirm is that the various speakers at the breakfast re-iterated that the moving of these facilities are still on track PROVIDED that suitable alternatives are found/in place by the deadlines of 2014/16. It appears that negotiations with suitable construction firms, tenants and stakeholders are still on track.
Trying to listen between the lines I see Transnet being ‘forced’ to invest more in this region as Port Elizabeth has the lion’s share of harbours within the Transnet stable. The 2800 kilometre South African coastline has a total of 8 harbours – two of which are situated in Algoa Bay; the deepwater transhipment port of Nqura and the Port of Port Elizabeth. A source of pride for Transnet I am sure but also a potential source of conflict with environmentalists.
Around 150 stakeholders attended the breakast and my cynic’s ear picked up on these soundbites;
- One of Transnet’s core philosophies is to; “Treat each other with dignity and respect”
- The Port Elizabeth Port is well positioned and customer centric.
- The car terminal is the pride of the Port Elizabeth Port.
- The demand for manganese outstrips supply.
- The Tank Farm is a critical storage node.
- The Southern precinct (Tank Farm and Manganese Ore Berth) of the Port Elizabeth port is earmarked for an expanded car terminal.
- An expansion of fishing and leisure is required.
- The Charl Malan Quay will only handle containers.
Forgive me for saying, Transnet, there was actually nothing new to report from your side except for a rehash of going forward projections peppered with a sales pitch, each of which hung on a subject to clause.
In fact I heard a lot of words prepositioned with RE; REthink, RElook, REact, REdo, REattract, REplace, REvitalise, REdefine, REbreathe, REcover, REpeat, REturn and REtalk.
Careful guys – less talk and more action please, otherwise we may have to; REce, REcof, REtire and REtransnet.
Transnet Breakfast Bonus – the view from La-Colline is superb.
Alan Straton
Latest posts by Alan Straton (see all)
- Josh Maraney Launches a Free, Searchable Library of More Than 700 Short-Form Videos - 24 July 2026
- FirstRand Volunteers Mobilised 2,500 Employees Nationwide to Honour Mandela’s Legacy Through Action - 23 July 2026
- Vital Questions to Ask an AV Client Needing Web Site Development - 22 July 2026
- Canon EOS Mirrorless Cameras – Which One Should I Choose? - 22 July 2026
- Why Is Month-End Still a Fire Drill? - 22 July 2026
It would be great to finally see timelines associated with Transnets plans. At least then we would have some type of idea of when things will start happening. I will never forget sitting on the beach at the end of last year on a particularly windy day and watching the black ore blowing out to sea, certainly can’t be good for us who consume the fish and breath the ore dust into our lungs.
Come on Transnet, you certainly can do better!