Citrus Growers Association Welcomes Transnet’s Proposal for Port Improvement

Transnet's request for proposals to develop a multi-purpose terminal at the Port in Maydon Wharf area of Durban, aimed at productive handling of citrus and other fruits, has been cheered by the Citrus Growers Association (CGA) this week. The ambitious move seeks to address the pressing issue of port congestion affecting the export of goods.

Durban Port, the busiest port in South Africa, plays a central role in fruit exportation. However, persistent congestion and other hinderances have impaired the country's output capability, says Paul Hardman, COO at CGA.

Maydon Wharf, sprawling over a massive 145 hectares, houses fifteen common-user berths and has an annual cargo capacity of over 7 million tons. The Transnet proposal to enhance the port facilities will span over 25 years, with the deadline for responses set for January 2024.

South Africa, being the second-largest exporter of citrus products globally, falls only behind Spain. Yet, ongoing delays resulting in slimmer profit margins for farmers means that the high demand for South African produce is not being harnessed to its full economic potential.

The proposed port amelioration is set to bolster citrus export capabilities, with Limpopo, the largest citrus producer in the country, relying heavily on Durban’s port, Hardman elaborated. He enthused, "Steps taken towards public-private partnerships at ports and on the Durban-JHB rail line are a reason for cautious optimism."

The new facility could potentially unlock room for heavy growth in the citrus industry, projecting the potential to create 100,000 new jobs and generate an additional R20 billion annual revenue over the next nine years.