The appointment of the first board of directors for Transnet National Port Authority (TNPA) is considered a significant achievement in the government’s efforts to modernise the country’s ports and strengthen their capacity to drive economic growth and development, as stated by Pravin Gordhan.
By Staff Reporter
The Minister of Public Enterprises, Pravin Gordhan, and Andile Sangqu, the Board Chairperson of Transnet SOC Ltd, have jointly announced the appointment of the first-ever board of directors for Transnet National Port Authority (TNPA).
The board of directors consists of seven non-executive directors, namely Zodwa Mlangeni, Valda Gossmann, Nozipho Mdawe, Sue Lund, Velile Dube, Khomotso Phihlela, and Clarence Benjamin. Additionally, there are two executive directors, TNPA CEO Pepi Silinga and CFO Lionel Billings.
Gordhan underscored that the establishment of the board is a crucial measure undertaken by the government to facilitate the transformation of the nation’s ports and enhance their ability to support economic expansion and progress.
“Our objective as government is very clear. We want our ports to be world-class so that we can sustain our economic development and create opportunities for further investment to make our economy more competitive, resilient, and dynamic,” Gordhan said.
Gordhan further elaborated that the new board “represents the excellent skills, the experience, and the strategic minds to help drive a critical element of our Economic Recovery and Reconstruction Plan.”
Gordhan stressed the importance of ensuring that South Africa’s ports are capable of accommodating the growing trade opportunities. He highlighted that this objective is in line with the government’s aim to grant third-party port operators access to enhance South Africa’s capacity for exporting goods.
“Increased trade opportunities require that our ports be fit for purpose. This is consistent with our desire to open access for third-party port operators as we look to harness greater capability for exports,” said.
Sangqu emphasised that the newly established board will play a crucial role in offering essential guidance and supervision to TNPA, particularly during a period when Transnet is actively striving to bolster its capacity to facilitate the growth and advancement of the South African economy.
“We look forward to robust engagement with the new TNPA board on their vision for the future. This is about safeguarding the economic well-being of our country, its competitiveness, and about enhancing the country’s appeal as a viable investment destination,” said Sangqu.