Cape Town Port Struggles Spark Urgent Calls for Action on Backlog
Bheki Mahlobo
– December 5, 2025
1 min read
The fruit industry in South Africa is facing a severe crisis following operational disruptions at the Cape Town Container Terminal (CTCT), worsened by challenging weather conditions, systems failures, and staffing constraints.
These issues culminated in a major short-shipment event involving the M/V One Resilience, where approximately 350 containers were left behind, costing the industry an estimated R224 million. The disruption has led to growing concerns within the sector as it nears peak export season.
In response to the escalating situation, industry associations including the Fresh Produce Exporters’ Forum escalated the matter to Transnet’s Group CEO, Adv. Michelle Phillips, and the ministers of transport and agriculture. The letter, sent on 30 November, highlighted the operational shortcomings, the lack of contingency measures, and the negative impact on the fruit export industry’s global reputation.
The industry called for immediate action, requesting a formal contingency and recovery plan, the reinforcement of planning and operational teams, transparent performance indicators, and a clear timeline for backlog clearance. The letter also underscored the urgency of addressing the systemic failures that have left the fruit sector vulnerable to such disruptions.
In response, Transnet has acknowledged the gravity of the situation and outlined several recovery measures to mitigate the impact of the disruptions, including the deployment of expert staff and more resources.
Despite these measures, the fruit industry remains wary, with concerns about the slow pace of progress and the potential for similar failures to occur in the future. Industry leaders emphasised the importance of sustained improvements, particularly as the busiest weeks of the export season approach.
Industry insiders told The Common Sense that there were concerns that too little was being done and that the direct intervention of the relevant ministers was necessary to stave off a disaster.
