Port St Johns: Public Works and Infrastructure Deputy Minister Sihle Zikalala will engage in a stakeholder consultation in Port St Johns in the Eastern Cape on Friday, marking a significant step towards the development of a small harbour in the region.
According to South African Government News Agency, Zikalala will be accompanied by Eastern Cape Public Works and Infrastructure MEC Siphokazi Lusithi, Port St Johns Local Municipality Mayor Cebisa Mazuza, and Eastern Cape Chair of the House of Traditional Leaders Mpumalanga Gwadiso. The initiative is part of the department’s strategy to enhance small harbour development, which aims to create employment opportunities and stimulate economic growth in the identified areas of Port St Johns in the Eastern Cape, Port Shepstone in KwaZulu-Natal, and Port Nolloth in the Northern Cape.
Last month, a similar commitment was made by Public Works and Infrastructure Minister Dean Macpherson and Saldanha Bay Mayor Andr© Truter to revitalize the St Helena Bay and Saldanha Bay small harbours. These harbours in the Western Cape, under the department’s ownership and management, have faced neglect, leading to increased criminal activities and a decline in local investments. The redevelopment efforts are expected to reverse these trends and promote community development.