Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) and the City of uMhlathuze in KwaZulu-Natal have renewed the memorandum of understanding (MoU) between the two entities first signed in 2018 to strengthen collaboration in promoting economic growth, infrastructure development, and sustainable urban and port planning in Richards Bay.

The strategic partnership between TNPA and uMhlathuze supports a common platform to promote shared objectives and advance mutually beneficial initiatives. The agreement was envisioned to create mechanisms for executive-level collaboration, effective dispute resolution, and coordinated project implementation, helping both entities to identify and collectively secure funding for essential projects.

TNPA acting CE Phyllis Difeto welcomed the continuation of the partnership, emphasising its importance in aligning national port priorities with local government development goals.

“The MoU with the City of uMhlathuze reinforces our joint commitment to creating a thriving regional economy through collaborative planning and infrastructure delivery. Together, we are shaping a more integrated and efficient development landscape that benefits both the port and the city, while unlocking new opportunities for investment and community growth,” she said on November 18.

The renewed MoU builds on the recently concluded five-year agreement, which crossed several milestones.

Between late 2021 and the end of 2023, TNPA and uMhlathuze addressed truck congestion in and around the port precinct. This paved the way for the development of the city’s truck staging facility in 2024 and the initiation of critical road construction projects within the port later that year – interventions that have improved traffic flow, enhanced safety and supported more efficient logistics operations.

The collaboration also facilitated the joint beach replenishment campaign. In addition, TNPA and the city concluded a lease agreement for the Alkantstrand beach parking area, which will serve as a casting yard for the North Breakwater Upgrade Project, which is scheduled to begin in mid-2026.

There are other mutually beneficial projects in the pipeline pending finalisation, which are expected to deliver economic benefits to both uMhlathuze and the broader region, with the surrounding communities being the primary beneficiaries.

The MoU focuses on key areas, such as economic growth, infrastructure development, operational efficiency and governance structures that will ensure coordinated execution of strategic projects.

“We welcome the objectives that are in the MoU. The city fully embraces the cooperation and commitment in collaborating on strategic operational catalytic development, safe and security environmental infrastructure of mutual significance. Therefore, the city commits to work within the guidelines of this MoU,” uMhlathuze mayor Councillor Xolani Ngwezi said.

The MoU is valid for five years and supports strategic initiatives such as collaboration on the Ports Master Plan, upcoming investments including the Container Handling Facility and liquefied natural gas projects currently in the pipeline.

These projects are expected to enhance Richards Bay’s role as an economic hub in the province.