Durban Chamber of Commerce pushing for privatisation of port

"Not only is it a serious constraint in terms of delaying manufacturing equipment, it is really causing a lot of instability in the economy, because what we currently is we have a lot of manufacturers that are literally putting their stuff on slow time or simply closing their factories because they don't have components.

"Other manufacturers are actually currently looking at other places in which they can manufacture, such as China."   

CEO Palesa Phili says the backlog at the port is having a negative impact across crucial economic value chains and sectors.

The chamber says operations being disrupted by the lack of maintenance and ageing equipment has been an ongoing challenge.

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Transnet says it's working around the clock to clear a backlog of an estimated 70,000 containers on at least 60 ships anchored off Durban.

It's warned it will take around 15 weeks.

Phili says the business community and the economy cannot wait too long for the state-owned logistics company to fix the issues.

"As organised business, here's the first thing. Local chambers, especially ones that are by the ports, then we need to be included in the national logistic crisis committee opposing the privatisation of the container terminal.

"And the third point that we would like to see is the appointment of an independent engineering consulting firm with very strong project and programme management expertise to make sure the equipment that the equipment is maintained is run efficiently, and everything runs well."