SOUTH CAPE NEWS - South African President Jacob Zuma, in reply to a question by Mr AF Mahlalela (ANC) during Parliament's question and answer session in the National Assembly, responded on the implementation of Operation Phakisa, an initiative aimed at fast-tracking the delivery of the priorities outlined in the National Development Plan (NDP).
Mr Mahlalela asked the President to respond on what has been the progress with the implementation of Operation Phakisa and how it benefits the people of South Africa.
The President replied, "We launched Operation Phakisa last year to fast-track the implementation of Government programmes in line with the objectives of the National Development Plan.
"The Operation Phakisa programme, focusing on the oceans economy, focuses on four priority areas, namely marine transport and manufacturing, offshore oil and gas exploration, aquaculture, as well as marine protection services and ocean governance.
"Projections are that we will need more than nine billion rand for infrastructure to support the oil and gas industry and to expand manufacturing within our ports.
"The refurbishment of existing Ship Repair Facilities has already commenced. Contracts have been awarded for work on the facilities in the ports of Port Elizabeth and Durban, while tenders for the remaining facilities are at various stages. Transnet has committed funds for the implementation of a concession model for private sector investment in new marine manufacturing port facilities.
"Engagement with industry in this regard has already commenced."
"In the upstream oil and gas sector, seismic surveys are being conducted on the south, west and east coasts through reconnaissance permits, as well as exploration and production rights. Drilling is also taking place on the south coast.
Gas fields are being developed in the south and west coasts for further gas supply to the Mossel Bay refinery and in Saldanha Bay.
"In respect of aquaculture, fish farming projects have already begun in Doringbaai, Hamburg and Hermanus, creating jobs in these areas. The Environmental Impact Assessment and Biodiversity Regulations have been amended to provide a conducive environment for aquaculture development.
A further review of the Alien Invasive Species Regulations is under way.
"We are also working with international partners to ensure the implementation of some of the projects. In this regard, we are engaging Norway as a partner to develop marine spatial plans.
"We have further launched a five-year programme with Germany, focusing on developing marine spatial plans in the region together with Namibia and Angola, worth 8.9-million Euros.
"In order to successfully implement all the projects, we need to enhance the skills base in the country.
"The People's Republic of China has offered two thousand (200 000) study opportunities for South African students over a period of five years.
Earmarked fields of study include maritime, marine and ocean related areas. Some students have already qualified in maritime studies through the World Maritime University in Sweden.
"We need to work together to create opportunities for these graduates both within the private and public sectors.
"The successful implementation of Operation Phakisa initiatives is changing the way government works in the designated sectors, and will certainly change the way we contribute to economic growth and job creation."
