City Sets Up Joint Forum with Port of Cape Town

In a major boost for Cape Town's port operations, the City of Cape Town has set up a pro-active planning and co-operative framework with the National Port Authority (NPA), leading to the establishment of a Port City Forum.

The Forum will consist of the Executive Mayor and her executive team, and the Port Manager and his executive team. In addition, a second tier of officials will meet regularly to discuss matters of mutual concern, such as planning, development, financing, the environment, transportation, special projects, security and services (water, rates, electricity, waste removal, etc).

"The Port of Cape Town is historically the sea entrance to the City of Cape Town. As the hub of all sea-bound import and export of goods to Cape Town and the Western Cape, it plays a crucial role in the economic development, competitiveness and global market access of Cape Town and the broader Western Cape region," says Councillor Elizabeth Thompson, Mayoral Committee Member for Transport and Roads.

"Cape Town's economy is heavily reliant on the efficiency and optimal functioning of the port, which contributes significantly to the city's income and Growth Domestic Product (GDP). By developing sound intergovernmental relations, the City of Cape Town and the NPA are able to synergise their efforts to optimise developmental benefits for the region.

"The Memorandum of Understanding provides an excellent opportunity to develop a pro-active planning and co-operative framework for Cape Town's port operations," says Councillor Thompson.

According to Port Manager, Sanjay Govan, the Port City Forum will enable the City of Cape Town and Port of Cape Town to jointly plan, finance and where possible execute programmes, projects and policy to the mutual benefit of both parties. "Any strategic policy decision should be transparent and where possible, in concert with either party," he says.

Councillor Thompson says that the joint planning and implementation of transport strategies form the foundation for sustainable economic growth.

"A sound transport system is the catalyst to propel our regional economy on the path of higher and sustained growth, enabling us to meet our developmental goals," says Councillorr Thompson.

The Memorandum of Understanding was signed at the Cape Town Civic Centre on 1 June 2006, by City Manager Achmat Ebrahim and Port Manager, Sanjay Govan.

At the inaugural meeting of the Port City Forum, Mayor Helen Zille was appointed Chairperson for the first six months. Thereafter it will be chaired by the Port Manager, Sonjay Govan.

Issued by:
Lisle Brown
Media Liaison Officer
Tel: 021 400 3065
Directorate: Communication and Marketing
City of Cape Town
Email: media@capetown.gov.za
Tel: 021 400-2201
Fax: 021 957 0023

Media queries:
Kemal Omar
Manager: Intergovernmental Relations
City of Cape Town
Tel: 021 400-1302