Fruit farmers lose close to R1bn a year due to Cape Town port delays

The ongoing inefficiencies at the Port of Cape Town (PoCT) are costing Western Cape apple and pear farmers an estimated R26 000 per hectare annually, Cape {town} Etc reports.

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According to a Western Cape Government (WCG) media statement, these delays, despite a turnaround strategy, are severely impacting the province’s agricultural sector, with losses nearing R1 billion a year.

Attie van Zyl, managing director of Two-a-Day (TAD), one of Africa’s leading fruit processors, described the financial strain during a recent visit by Dr Ivan Meyer, Western Cape’s minister of agriculture.

Premier Alan Winde further expressed concern that these inefficiencies are damaging the region’s reputation in international markets.

‘We are no longer seen as reliable suppliers because we can’t guarantee delivery,’ said Winde, stressing the long-term economic impacts.

Transnet, the state-run entity managing the port, has acknowledged the challenges but questioned the recent World Bank report that ranked Cape Town’s port as the worst-performing globally.

Transnet raised concerns over the report’s methodology and data accuracy. However, it has since met with World Bank officials and committed to addressing the port’s operational shortcomings.

In an effort to improve the situation, Transnet has rolled out a recovery plan targeting backlogs caused by equipment issues and adverse weather.

The recent addition of 47 new hauliers, along with other equipment, aims to ease congestion and improve efficiency. Transnet’s Western Cape executive, Rajesh Dana, outlined further plans to expand the port’s container terminal and develop a logistics park to support better cargo handling.

These improvements are critical for the Western Cape Government’s ambitious goal of tripling exports to R450 billion by 2035.

Dr Meyer emphasised that operational improvements at PoCT are essential for achieving this target, particularly with the upcoming fruit export season.

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Picture: Andrew Pittaway / Gallo Images