The Nelson Mandela Bay Metro rolled out the red carpet on Wednesday to welcome Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) Executives who are relocating to its new R255 million headquarters at the Port of Ngqura.
NMB Executive Mayor, Nqaba Bhanga was joined by Economic Development MEC, Siyasanga Sijadu, in welcoming the first group of employees to make the move from Johannesburg and Durban.
The state-of-the-art eMendi building is equipped to house at least 380 people, and if reconfigured can house 400 employees.
The month of April however, will see 15 Executives and 10 other employees who are at a managerial level, stationed at the facility.
Mayor Bhanga said the relocation of the headquarters to the Metro is a revolutionary move.
He said it will help transform the economy of a province with high levels of unemployment and will provide hope where there is little economic growth.
Bhanga said, "Our duty is to make sure that we provide you with a platform for you to be able to work in assisting not only Nelson Mandela Bay but to impact our regional economy."
Meanwhile, TNPA Acting General Manager in the office of the Chief Executive, Phillis Difeto, said the relocation will have a major impact on the Eastern Cape's economy which will create job opportunities and investment attraction.
TNPA is the first State-Owned Entity to relocate its head office to the Eastern Cape, however, the move has not been welcomed by all.
Shortly after the announcement, Moneyweb reported that organised business bodies in Durban, including the Durban Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI), the KwaZulu-Natal Growth Coalition and the South African Association of Shipping Operators and Agents (Saasoa) had expressed shock and disappointment at the move, saying the industry was not consulted.
