Chairperson, I move without notice:
That the Council -
1) notes the announcement by the Minister of Public Enterprises, Mr Malusi Gigaba, that the East London and the Ngqura ports are set to benefit from a multimillion rand cash injection which will see both ports operating optimally;
2) further notes that these ports will play a crucial role as catalysts for the economic development of the Eastern Cape, as East London harbour will provide additional capacity for the automotive sector and Ngqura harbour will be a trans-shipment hub between the east and west coasts of Africa, taking advantage of major shipping lines from southern and northern countries;
3) acknowledges that these developments will contribute towards the broader economy and will position South Africa as a well organised exporter, particularly in the automotive industry; and
4) takes this opportunity to welcome this announcement by the Minister and calls on the Eastern Cape government to work to improve co- ordination between all spheres of government to ensure that these ports are fully functional by the end of 2011.
Motion agreed to in accordance with section 65 of the Constitution.