Ramaphosa to Visit Eastern Cape for Port of Ngqura Briefing and Provincial Talks

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Ramaphosa

Gqeberha, 14 April 2025 – President Cyril Ramaphosa will this week undertake an oversight visit to the Eastern Cape province where he will engage with the Provincial Executive Committee and receive a briefing on the Port of Ngqura. The two-day visit, starting Tuesday, 15 April, underscores the government’s commitment to boosting economic growth and improving service delivery through stronger collaboration between national and provincial leaders.

A Focus on the Port of Ngqura

The President’s programme kicks off with a briefing from Transnet leadership on the Port of Ngqura, one of South Africa’s newest deep-water ports, located 20km northeast of Gqeberha. Designed for “high-efficiency container handling and large vessels,” the port is a vital cog in the country’s logistics network. It serves as a transshipment hub for Southern Africa, handling cargo destined for other regional ports, and is closely linked to the Coega Special Economic Zone (SEZ), a hub for industrial investment.

“During the visit, the President will receive an update on plans to improve operational efficiencies at the port and projects currently underway,” the Presidency said in a statement. Since its opening in 2012, the port has faced challenges like underutilisation, with only 400,000 TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent units) handled annually against a capacity of 800,000. Recent investments, including R3.4 billion for a manganese export terminal, aim to boost its role in global trade. The Coega SEZ, hosting 45 investors with R9.9 billion in projects as of 2024, relies on the port for exports like automotive components and agricultural goods.

Transnet’s turnaround plan, launched in 2023, has shown progress. New cranes installed in 2024 cut ship turnaround times by 15%, and private partnerships are being explored to enhance container terminal operations. Ramaphosa’s visit signals a push to align these efforts with national priorities, ensuring the port competes with hubs like Durban, which handles 70% of South Africa’s container traffic. The Eastern Cape contributes 8% to national GDP, and Ngqura’s growth could add 5,600 jobs by 2030, especially in logistics and manufacturing.

Strengthening Intergovernmental Ties

On Wednesday, Ramaphosa and his Cabinet will meet Eastern Cape Premier Oscar Mabuyane and his executive council to discuss the province’s challenges and opportunities. “The national and provincial executives will discuss various approaches to improving service delivery at local government level,” the Presidency noted. This meeting aims to align provincial goals with the 7th Administration’s focus on inclusive growth, as outlined in the District Development Model (DDM).

The DDM, introduced in 2019, promotes coordinated planning across government spheres to tackle issues like unemployment (32% in the Eastern Cape) and infrastructure backlogs. For instance, 60% of the province’s roads remain gravel, hindering rural access to markets. The talks will likely cover funding for projects like the Mthatha Dam upgrade, which could supply water to 200,000 households, and renewable energy initiatives, with the province hosting 20% of South Africa’s wind farms.
This visit marks Ramaphosa’s fifth provincial engagement since 2024, following meetings in Mpumalanga, KwaZulu-Natal, Limpopo, and Gauteng. Each has focused on local priorities—KZN’s port expansion, Limpopo’s mining growth—while reinforcing national goals like job creation. In the Eastern Cape, where 45% of municipalities face financial distress, Ramaphosa’s team will explore solutions like public-private partnerships, which have attracted R1.14 trillion in investments nationwide since 2018.

Eastern Cape’s Economic Potential

The Eastern Cape holds untapped potential, with its ports, renewable energy, and agriculture driving growth. The Coega SEZ has secured investments like Beijing Automotive’s R11 billion plant, employing 2,000 people. Ngqura’s strategic location makes it ideal for exports to Asia and Europe, markets that absorbed R200 billion of South African goods in 2024. The province’s oceans economy, including ship repair at East London, could add R10 billion to GDP by 2030 if rail links improve.
However, challenges persist. Power outages cost the province R5 billion in 2023, and water shortages affect 30% of households. Ramaphosa’s visit may address Transnet’s R1 billion plan to upgrade rail from Ngqura to Gauteng, cutting freight costs by 10%. Community voices, active on platforms like X, have praised the focus on jobs but urged faster action on basics like roads and clinics, where 40% of facilities need repairs.

A Collaborative Approach

Accompanied by Ministers and Deputy Ministers, Ramaphosa’s visit emphasises teamwork across government. “It is also strategically aligned with the Coega Special Economic Zone (SEZ) and positioned as a key transshipment hub for Southern Africa,” the Presidency said of Ngqura, highlighting its role in regional trade. The joint Cabinet meeting will include metro mayors, ensuring local issues—like Gqeberha’s housing backlog of 80,000 units—get attention.

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