The United National Transport Union (UNTU) would like to congratulate each employee working for Transnet Port Terminals (TPT) who made history amidst extreme challenges and fierce criticism during the global COVID-19 pandemic.
“TPT employees proved their enemies wrong by recording a 29,4% increase in the citrus volumes it handles across all terminals.
The citrus volumes were 20,2% higher at the Cape Town Container Terminal, the Ports which were hit the hardest by the impact of the virus,” says Steve Harris, General Secretary of UNTU.
The Durban Container Terminals handled a 31,2% higher volume and the terminals at Ngqura, and Port Elizabeth had an 32,2% higher volume.
“UNTU is delighted with the news and is exceptionally proud of all our members working on the frontline to keep the South African economy going 24/7 in these exceedingly difficult times.
“The Port of Cape Town was heavily criticised after being hit with the perfect storm when its operational and technical personal fell ill and teams had to self-isolate due to the pandemic.
Never had Transnet experienced such a severe blow to its operations.
“TPT was one of the Transnet divisions that was declared essential services since the start of the lockdown on 26 March 2020. Employees had to continue working on the forefront of this pandemic and exposing themselves and their loved ones,” says Steve Harris, General Secretary of UNTU.
Of the more than 1 000 positive cases in Transnet, more than 400 were recorded at our ports nationwide. The Cape Town Container Terminals were flooded with the exports from citrus farmers and wine farmers and struggled to maintain between 40% to 60% of its normal capacity.
2
“But as always Transnet employees puts the interest of South African’s and especially the clients of the company first by walking the extra mile to ensure that no stone is left unturned to get the job done,” says Harris.
UNTU represents most employees working for Transnet.
Issued on behalf of UNTU by Sonja Carstens, Deputy-General Secretary: Media, Liaison and Communication. For UNTU press releases phone Sonja on 082 463 6806 or e-mail sonja@untu.co.za
TRANSNET PORTS MAKES CITRUS HISTORY AMIDST GLOBAL COVID-19 PANDEMIC
