In a bid to reintegrate the ports with their communities, Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) is rolling out port festivals across the country’s facilities. The latest such event – the Cape Town Port Festival – will be a two-day event running from Saturday, 30 April to Sunday, 1 May.
TNPA chief executive Richard Vallihu said: “It’s been well documented in recent months that we as the port authority are pursuing the concept of ‘smart people’s ports’ with a focus on development as well as technology. To us, progressive and sustainable ports are those that co-exist and evolve with the communities where the commercial ports are. These port festivals therefore offer a platform and a workable solution to make our ports community friendly and to expose the public to the opportunities available in this sector, but in a fun and innovative way.”
He said plans were afoot to open the ports up to promote tourism, leisure, recreation, career and business opportunities and community engagement.
TNPA’s Cape Town port manager Sipho Nzuza,commented: “With the introduction of the ISPS code of safety and security for ports, the people and the ports have – over time – become separate entities. We want the communities around our ports to feel a sense of belonging and ownership.”
