Thabo Mohlala
President Cyril Ramaphosa has officially inaugurated the R330 million Nelson Mandela Cruise Terminal at Durban’s main port in time for the start of the holiday season.
Injecting billions into the economy
KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) is one of the country’s major tourist destinations and the introduction of the new terminal will undoubtedly boost its tourism numbers and add to its vast portfolio of attractions. According to Tourism KwaZulu-Natal (TKZN), 520 000 domestic tourists and 51 000 international tourists visited KZN during the 2022 festive period, injecting R2.4 billion into the provincial economy. The project also created 10,000 construction jobs locally in Durban and the rest of South Africa (SA).
The opening ceremony saw various dignitaries including the executive chairman of MSC Cruises, Pierfrancesco Vago, the chairman of KZN Cruise, from the Nelson Mandela Foundation, port officials, government ministers and leaders from SA’s main travel agencies. Ramaphosa thanked the Nelson Mandela Foundation “for partnering with this massive infrastructure project that will boost tourism to Durban, the province and the country, and contribute positively to the economy”.
Other Projects in the Pipeline
The President congratulated the Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) and the Africa Armada Consortium on the launch of this world-class facility which has already contributed significantly to the expansion of the local tourism sector. He also indicated that the National Ports Authority, through the KZN Logistics Hub Programme, has lined up other vital infrastructure projects in the Durban port. These will specifically focus on the precincts of Island View, Container, Bayhead, Maydon Wharf and the Point. The projected investment in this project is approximately R157 billion with a plan to create over 570 000 employment opportunities over the next 15 years.
Public-private partnership
The terminal was conceived and funded by MSC Cruises and its black economic empowerment partner, African Armada Consortium and also partnered with the Transnet National Ports Authority, creating the first public-private partnership in SA’s cruise industry. The facility is operated by KwaZulu Cruise Terminal Limited and the terminal measures 6,000 square metres, is energy-efficient and has the capacity to handle 4,000 passengers a day.
“Nelson Mandela was an incredible statesman and leader who continues to inspire progress around the world and we are honoured that the Nelson Mandela Foundation Vago said while highlighting the new cruise terminal will provide access to passengers of more than 100 nationalities who will enjoy the unique experience MSC offers on board. Passengers can also expect to visit other beautiful destinations such as Portuguese Island and Pomene in Mozambique.
Training youth in hospitality skills
MSC Cruises’ parent MSC Group is the world’s largest container shipping company and has operated in SA for more than five decades. More than one million MSC containers pass through the country’s ports each year via 750 ship calls. In 2019, the MSC Group set up the Shosholoza Academy to educate young South Africans and train them in hospitality skills used on board MSC’s fleet of 22 ships. The academy will see 5,000 new crew members employed on MSC Cruise vessels upon completing their training.
“We are fully committed to help drive the country’s tourism industry and create employment opportunities along the way which has and will continue to have a positive economic impact on the nation. This will be typified with the start of the local cruise season and the arrival of MSC Splendida, MSC Cruises’ largest and most modern ship to serve the South African market,” concluded Ross Volk, managing director of MSC Cruises SA.
