Durban - Opportunities exist at the massive proposed dig-out port and it is up to local businesses to demand a slice of the pie, eManzimtoti tourism owners have been told.
It was a R200-billion project and they would never get a share of the opportunities unless they put a strategy together and spoke to Transnet with one voice, said Mark van Wyk, chairman of the Prospecton Business Forum.
Addressing a tourism business networking session with members of Sapphire Coast Toti Tourism and their guests, including members of other community tourism organisations, Van Wyk said although there was a view that the dig-out port would not happen, it was a reality.
“We know it is coming: it’s a process,” he said.
“Have you begun to brainstorm around the opportunities that will and do exist?
“Are you going to sit back when this massive project comes or are you going to get something out of it? What legacy do you want for Toti? You either position yourselves and take advantage of it or lie down.”
Jobs
Transnet was going to set up a tourism bureau for the dig-out port, he said, asking the meeting: “Where are you in this?”
The dig-out port was a 17-25 year project from start to finish and there would be 64 000 construction jobs and 28 000 permanent jobs.
“Where are those 64 000 people going to be staying? There is no way there are sufficient beds for those people.”
The money earned at the dig-put port should stay in the area, he said. Perhaps local people could become shareholders in a new hotel in Toti.
“Talk to the city about land. Talk to Transnet: tell them that you want a hotel,” he suggested.
“What strategy have you got to engage the chief executives of construction companies? You should be wining and dining them. Are you talking to transport companies about bringing people in? Opportunities exist. There is time. You can make the system work to the benefit of everyone. You have to look at who you joint venture with.”
Van Wyk said later that the Prospecton Business Forum (it has 50 member companies) was positive about the dig-out port but needed to work with the city and Transnet to resolve some of the challenges.
His suggestions have been taken to heart.
Sapphire Coast Toti Tourism will be holding a meeting today to come up with a long-term strategy based on the impact of the dig-out. - Daily News