Western Cape Government Strengthens Logistics Sector to Create Jobs and Enhance Trade
The Western Cape Government has reaffirmed its commitment to building a globally competitive logistics ecosystem to drive economic growth and job creation in the province.
Speaking at a recent South African Association of Freight Forwarders (Saaff) meeting, Agriculture, Economic Development and Tourism MEC Ivan Meyer emphasized the critical role of logistics in the economy. “Logistics is the lifeblood of trade, and trade is the heartbeat of economic growth,” he said.
Meyer announced progress on a digital logistics planning platform for container freight through the Port of Cape Town, designed to reduce delays and lower costs.
He acknowledged that delays at any point in the logistics ecosystem significantly increase operational expenses.
“For this reason, we have adopted a zero-tolerance approach towards delays, whether in the container terminals or at any cargo transfer point. We appeal to all logistics agencies for their collaboration, including Saaff in the Western Cape,” Meyer stated.
He commended Saaff for its leadership in freight forwarding and its contribution to the national logistics policy.
The MEC highlighted recent improvements in port efficiency, including the delivery of nine new rubber-tyred gantries (RTGs) that will be operational next month.
An additional ten RTGs are expected by February to further enhance container handling capacity.
Reflecting on the latest Quarterly Labour Force Survey (Q3 2025), Meyer noted that the Western Cape had added 65,000 jobs year-on-year and 70,000 quarter-on-quarter, with unemployment dropping to 19.7%, well below the national rate of 31.9%. The Transport and Trade sectors contributed 37,000 and 34,000 jobs, respectively.
The province’s Growth For Jobs Strategy aims to build a R1 trillion economy by 2035, targeting sustained annual growth of 4–6%. Strategic partnerships are central to achieving this vision.
Recent successes include R50 billion in investment commitments announced at the Western Cape Investment Summit and new market access to China for stone fruit exports, enhancing shipping connectivity.
Meyer concluded, “The future belongs to those who build bridges, not barriers. In logistics, every efficient link is a bridge to prosperity.”
Western Cape Provincial MEC of Mobility, Isaac Sileku, echoed the importance of a strong and reliable logistics network. “When goods and services move efficiently, businesses grow, jobs are created, and communities prosper.
Together with our partners in the freight and logistics sector, we are building a system that keeps the Western Cape and South Africa moving forward.”
