Announcing the arrival of a new waterfront

Sod-turning ceremony kickstarts development

SOUTH AFRICA: A sod-turning ceremony in the Port of East London this week announced the arrival of the country’s latest investment in new waterfront infrastructure aimed at boosting maritime tourism in the region and promoting economic growth for the port community.

R147 million has been earmarked for the construction of Latimer’s Landing in the country’s only river port and the

Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) has turned the first sod revitalisation of the quay structure marks a significant step towards the long-anticipated waterfront development.

The structure is a critical port infrastructure asset, which was originally designed for marine operational use but has over the years transitioned into a public recreational area essential for local tourism activities.

The facility is earmarked to foster the development of business operations, including restaurants, leisure outlets, tourism centres, as well as related activities that will draw steady traffic into the precinct.

“This milestone comes at a time when the business is focused on growing and stabilising itself through Transnet’s Reinvent for Growth Strategy. This development charts a new course for the Eastern Cape economy by supporting value-adding industries. The investment aligns with the positioning of the port for the tourism sector, a TNPA strategic objective aimed at expanding the port's service offering by integrating with the leisure market,” said Phyllis Difeto, TNPA Acting Chief Executive.

TNPA’s strategic goals of optimising its real estate portfolio by attracting new ventures such as tourism, whilst fostering private sector participation and unlocking opportunities to stimulate economic growth.

Throughout the entire 24-month construction period ending in April 2027, the project is expected to generate approximately 55 total employment opportunities. According to TNPA, the appointed contractor for the project, Steffanuti Stocks has committed to collaborating with local Small, Medium and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs) to unlock additional business opportunities.

PHOTO: From left to right: Magenthran Ruthanevelu, TNPA Acting General Manager: Infrastructure, Phyllis Difeto, TNPA Acting Chief Executive, Xolile Nqatha, Eastern Cape MEC for Transport and Community Safey and Sphiwe Mthembu, East London Port Manager.