Exporters Western Cape has kicked off its new business year with an endorsement of the Cape Winelands Airport, a new development north of Cape Town expected to provide a boost to airfreight in and out of the city.
Terry Gale, chairman of Exporters Western Cape (EWC), said the new airport was initially focused more on airfreight than passenger flights, but with Cape Town International Airport reaching capacity, there was also considerable interest from passenger carriers.
“This airport can be a game changer for the airfreight market, with the possibility for Cape Town to increase market share. It adds more opportunities for our members, so we are endorsing the airport and keeping that door open,” he said.
The environmental impact assessment process for the airport is currently under way, and the aim is to get it up and running by 2027, according to Gale.
EWC elected its new committee at its annual general meeting on Wednesday, and Gale said their major focus would be to continue close cooperation with management of the Port of Cape Town.
“We are working with them and trying to resolve the issues to get the port to become sustainable as it is vital for exports, because by far most of our exports are by sea freight.”
He said Transnet deserved credit for its turnaround efforts.
At the AGM, Gale highlighted the fact that EWC was probably unique as “we are not aware of any such association globally that has been in operation for 45 years and is completely privately funded”.
The organisation is funded by its members only and therefore can retain the status of being the independent voice of the export industry; it remains non-partisan to this day.
“Even through Covid-19 our members remained on board and loyal to EWC, plus the committee are all volunteers and need to be applauded for the dedication they bring to the industry.
“Working in collaboration with TNPA, the City of Cape Town, Wesgro, Western Cape Government and Cape Chamber, and the department of transport, we look forward to the future and growing the Western Cape economy,” he said.
The new committee comprises Gale from TLFC, secretary Noreen du Rand, vice chair Ilze Rens from Access World, treasurer Greg Williams, Liz Weideman from Saco Shipping South Africa, Deon Theron from Röhlig-Grindrod Logistics, Melonie Grunewald from Wesgro, Gavin Strydom from Pioneer Freight, and Jake Botha, a freight forwarding professional. Grunewald, Botha and Strydom are new members, and the rest of the group were re-elected.
