Nelson Mandela MSC Cruise Terminal a boon for KZN’s economy
The terminal came about as a result of a public-private partnership entered into between Transnet and Mediterranean Cruise Company (MSC) in 2019.
PRESIDENT Cyril Ramaphosa has praised the newly launched Nelson Mandela MSC Cruise Terminal in Durban as an important step towards restoring the position of the city as a premier cruise tourism destination.
It is also a testament that despite challenges, Transnet has recorded progress.
The President was speaking at the launch of the terminal on Wednesday in KwaZulu-Natal.
“The launch of the Nelson Mandela MSC Cruise Terminal is more than a milestone. It’s much bigger than just launching a terminal… it’s about taking a journey into the life of Nelson Mandela in part. It is also an important step in positioning the city of Durban as a premier cruise terminal and tourism destination, alongside the finest in the world,” he said.
President Ramaphosa spoke of the terminal’s potential to place Durban firmly at the forefront – alongside Cape Town – as a destination of choice for cruise ships, as well as a boon for the local economy.
“The latest cruise season injected… an estimated R1.2 billion into the economy of the Western Cape alone and we want to see… bigger numbers for here in KwaZulu-Natal. This terminal will play an important part in doing so.
“As more cruise liners visit this city, more tourists come. As part of their homeport itineraries, passengers visit local attractions, shop and spend, and more money is injected into the local economy. As a result, more jobs are created for South Africans and more local businesses supported, especially small businesses.
“According to the Cruise Lines International Association, the vast majority of cruise passengers are inclined to revisit a destination they initially visited during a cruise. So beyond being an investment in brick and mortar, this terminal is also an investment in the future of the South African tourism industry,” he said.
The terminal came about as a result of a public-private partnership entered into between Transnet and Mediterranean Cruise Company (MSC) in 2019 with an investment of some R298 million.
This year, a further R30 million has been invested for further expansion of the terminal.
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