The new standards were reached via a combination of key performance drivers, including real-time performance reporting systems and strategic equipment replacement program.
South Africa’s ports recorded a remarkable 101,295 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) in a single week in July, a 15% increase above the country’s combined weekly target across all container terminals.
The achievement, recorded in mid July 2025 marks a return to performance levels last experienced during the 2017/2018 financial year, with Transnet Port Terminals (TPT) highlighting it as “demonstrating the effectiveness of our comprehensive recovery plan implemented in 2024/25.”
TPT said the new standards were reached via a combination of key performance drivers, including real-time performance reporting systems, strategic equipment replacement program, introduction of fourth shift operations, new incentive schemes aligned with operational excellence and zero vessel backlogs and delays across all terminals.
“Our integrated approach spans the Durban Container Terminals (Pier 1 & 2), Cape Town, Port Elizabeth and Ngqura facilities, collectively handling over 4 million containers annually,” TPT indicated in a media statement.
In that period, Cape Town Container Terminal (CTCT) made history, surpassing its weekly target by over 60%, by handling a whopping 19,931 TEUs. The terminal is already 28% above target, with most of its key performance indicators tracking well.
Recent equipment acquisitions including straddle carriers, rubber-tyred gantry cranes and reach stackers, Transnet Port Terminals said, have significantly enhanced their operational capacity.
“With National Treasury support, we’ve accelerated our equipment acquisition timeline, with additional deployments scheduled for Cape Town and Durban before year-end.”
TPT operates 16 terminals across South Africa’s 7 ports, with all the teams pulling in one direction to reach the new heights.
“Just like the springboks in chasing the Sun, these teams have demonstrated what it means to stay resilient, collaborate under pressure, and deliver results that make a difference,” said CEO Jabu Mdaki.
In June, Mkhuleko Hlengwa, South Africa’s deputy minister for transport said the Rainbow nation’s ports “must become globally competitive.”
“Our ports must become globally competitive to support inclusive growth. Investments in logistics infrastructure must translate into tangible benefits for ordinary South Africans, especially through job creation, skills development, and improved service delivery,” the minister said.
The achievement reflects South Africa’s responsive governance and ensuring that infrastructure plans are aligned with delivery realities on the ground towards driving sustainable growth in South Africa’s logistics sector.