Stakeholders in the export-oriented fruit value chain, together with the Western Cape government and Transnet Port Terminals (TPT), announced that the successful Public Sector Partnership (PSP) project implemented during the 2024/25 deciduous fruit export season will be renewed this year to support operational readiness at the Cape Town Container Terminal (CTCT).
In a statement issued by Agbiz, Hortgro, the South African Table Grape Industry (SATI) and the Fresh Produce Exporters’ Forum (FPEF) said that for the 2025/26 deciduous fruit export season, the PSP will include the deployment of two additional 500kVA generators from week 52 to week 11, each equipped with 60 dedicated reefer plug points, creating an extra reefer stack during peak weeks.
This additional capacity will assist the terminal in managing high-volume export periods more effectively and provide exporters with improved cold-chain stability during a critical phase of the season.
Critical partnership bears fruit
“A key objective of reinstating this project is to ensure that both the terminal and the fruit industry remain fully prepared for unforeseen operational disruptions, such as multiple windbound days,” said Piet de Jager, CEO of the FPEF.
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By having additional plug points available throughout the peak season, CTCT can maintain cold-chain integrity regardless of such disruptions.
“This preparedness is essential to preserving fruit quality, preventing losses, and ensuring that South Africa continues to uphold its reputation as a trusted global supplier of consistent, high-quality fruit,” De Jager said.
The generators are funded jointly by the Western Cape government, FPEF, Hortgro, SATI, Santam, the KAL Group, and coordinated by Agbiz.
SATI CEO Mecia Petersen said the continued collaboration between industry, the Western Cape Government, and Transnet Port Terminals represents a significant milestone in PSP initiatives at the port.
“The agricultural sector remains fully committed to working alongside government and other public sector stakeholders to strengthen critical export infrastructure. This partnership reflects the industry’s proactive approach to safeguarding South Africa’s international competitiveness.
“By investing collaboratively in practical solutions such as additional reefer capacity, we are protecting export markets, supporting jobs, and contributing to long-term economic growth,” Petersen said.
Strengthening port efficiency, job creation
Western Cape minister of agriculture, economic development and tourism, Dr Ivan Meyer, reaffirmed alignment with the province’s Growth for Jobs strategy.
“The Port of Cape Town is a strategic economic asset for the Western Cape and South Africa, with its efficiency directly linked to job creation, investment, and global competitiveness.
“This Public Sector Partnership demonstrates how collaboration and innovation can deliver practical solutions. Efficient port operations are non-negotiable for economic growth, and through partnerships like this, we are strengthening the port’s capacity to support our Growth for Jobs vision and deliver real economic and social benefits for the people of the Western Cape,” Meyer said.
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