Gov to build SA’s first new harbors since 1994

South Africa will construct its first small harbor facilities since the end of apartheid as part of an infrastructure program targeting underserved coastal communities. Deputy Minister Sihle Zikalala from Public Works and Infrastructure announced the project on Friday in Port Shepstone, where officials presented spatial development plans identifying construction locations. The government intends to address historical disparities, given that most existing harbors were built before 1994 and are concentrated in the Western Cape province.

Port Shepstone will host the initial facility less than one kilometer from the town center near Oribi Plaza. Additional sites under consideration span multiple provinces, with Port Edward and Hibberdene selected in KwaZulu-Natal, while Port St Johns in the Eastern Cape and Port Nolloth in the Northern Cape await approval. Economic projections suggest construction activity in KwaZulu-Natal alone could generate approximately 4.41 billion rand in business activity and support nearly 5,808 employment positions.

The program follows a three-step process covering feasibility assessments, design development and actual building phases. Officials expect the harbors to stimulate fishing industries, trade operations and tourism while keeping revenue within local areas.