Worrying that govt’s ‘Operation Phakisa’ is seemingly making little progress

Years ago, ocean cruising was regarded as the preserve of retired people who had lots of time and money and who wanted an all-inclusive, all-organised, touring experience. These days, that has changed dramatically, as the profile of cruising clientele got younger and voyage itineraries more adventurous.

That’s been true of South Africa, where the major operator from our ports, MSC Cruises, has taken millions of people on the waves over the past decade.

Apart from the age profile, the race makeup of the MSC guest has also changed from the predominantly white shade it was. The line’s ships have also proved a great societal leveller or mixer, mainly because the one thing we all share is the love of a good time and an even bigger love of a party: the louder the better.

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MSC has shown its commitment to the local market by stationing one of its latest ships, the Splendida, here to cruise the Indian and South Atlantic oceans.

It is worrying, then, that a major global player like MSC – one of the world’s biggest cargo carriers – is disturbed by the lack of progress by the government in unlocking the potential of South Africa’s oceans.

MSC cargo director Innocentia Motau pointed out that “Operation Phakisa” – a government initiative aimed at encouraging and expanding ocean shipping – is seemingly making little progress.

Motau said there appeared to be little “political will” to make the project work and leadership at the top is always changing and milestones keep on shifting.

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Given that this country is already at a disadvantage geographically because it is such a long way from the main markets of the world, it is imperative this initiative gets a jump-start.

It needs to happen soon, because other, far-sighted, African countries could using their ports to sink our maritime sector before it sails.