THE privatisation of Portnet's operational functions will create tremendous opportunities for various black investment groupings, giving them access to a sector of the economy where they have hitherto been largely excluded.
This is the rationale behind a conference to be held in Durban early in 1998, focusing on opportunities in the maritime industry for black professionals and proprietors.
Called Breaking the Shell, the conference is being managed and presented by Durban-based Maritime Network Consulting International (Marinet), one of the few black-owned businesses specialising in the maritime industry.
Marinet is a stable-mate of Dudula Shipping Co, South Africa's first black shipping company, which recently completed delivery of 2-million barrels of oil for a Durban - based petrochemical multi-national.
Sithembiso Mthethwa, chief executive of both companies, says the conference will seek to remedy the lack of information and awareness on the part of blacks regarding the maritime industry, and attempt to rectify the difficulties that blacks encounter in finding a point of entry to the industry.
He says: Privatisation of Portnet will present numerous opportunities through the various port development projects, Durban's new container terminal, the new procurement policy, and small-scale projects requiring the use and development of SMMEs.
The main objective of the conference will be to get the new black captains of South African industry to cast their vision wider than just mining. We have briefed key players in the industry, including the KZN premier's office and received resounding support. Speakers at the conference include Ben Ngubane, the KZN premier; Phumzile Mlabo-Ngcuka, deputy minister - trade & industry; Prof Trevor Jones, head of economics dept, University of Natal; Saki Macozoma, managing director, Transnet; Ellen Tshabalala, manager, SMME development, Portnet; and Cyril Ramaphosa, deputy chairman, NAIL.
Topics include: trade development in South Africa; the maritime industry - ships, ports, and their functions; ports and the economy; the Portnet restructuring process -prospects and opportunities; And creative finance - gaining entry into the maritime industry.
