Operation Phakisa

Date: 06-06-2016

Location: Rotterdam / The Netherlands

“The African continent is looking to have a dose of punctuality,” according to various economists, hence the reason the South African president and his government decided to introduce: Operation Phakisa, an initiative that seeks to speed up high-impact government projects in the country efficiently and effectively.

 

The Operation Phakisa Seminar organized by SANEC under our Port & Corridor Cluster Programme in partnership with The South African Embassy in the Netherlands, took place at the STC Group Holdings B.V offices in Rotterdam, surrounded by many world class Dutch ports, was well attended by the Dutch business community looking to gain insight and knowledge into the project details and what it would offer in terms of investments and partnership opportunities.   The Ambassador of the South Africa in the Netherlands invited a delegation which consisted of, The South African Infringement Agency, The South African presidency and the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality representatives to present their willingness to work and collaborate with Dutch companies in the future.

 

Ambassador H.E Mr. Vusi Bruce Koloane, welcomed guest and participants, and noted the importance of foreign Dutch companies to partner up with local South African firms to be able to play a role in operation phakisa. He also explained the role of the project and its aim to be inclusive for all investors and aimed at stimulating economic growth and job creation. Presentations were done by Mr. Albert Bos, Director at STC Group Holdings B.V , who spoke briefly about the history, challenges and opportunities for restarting operations in South Africa in the near future; Mr marc Verbrugghe, African Regional Manager as Royal Boskalis highlighted on activities of his organizations operation in South Africa as well as 6 other regions of the world.

 

The Deputy Director General from the South African Presidency, Mr. Thulani Masilela in charge of rolling out Operation Phakisa, unpacked on the goals and objectives of the project and stated that, it aims to strengthen public accountability and transparency through the creation of a consistent monitoring of progress and could provide great opportunities for partnerships between private and public, civil society as well as communities to develop solutions together. His presentation was then followed by Mr. Jhap Chuwe, CEO of the Transport Infringement Agency, highlighting the opportunities of road safety policy and procedures, of which his organization aims on profusely maintaining.

 

A important and progressive Memorandum of Agreement was signed on the day between the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality and Breda University of Applied Science (NHTV). This was seen as construction of a long lasting relationship between the University of Breda and the municipality in South Africa. This will see 20 students from South Africa, pursuing their dreams of getting a four year education at the University of Breda. This will strengthen the ties between the Netherlands and South Africa, the agreement sees the town of Breda and Ekurhuleni Municipality have engaged in collaborative efforts under the Association of Dutch Municipalities (VNG International) on areas of development. The agreement was signed by a representative from the Mayoral Committee, Dr. Nkosidinphile Xhakaza and Mr. Hein van Oorschot, Director at NHTV.

Please click here for the pictures.