[Durban, 23 February 2024] – The Premier of KwaZulu-Natal, Nomusa Dube-Ncube today met with Transnet Pipelines (TPL) Acting Chief Executive (CE), Sibongiseni Khathi in a pivotal engagement aimed at presenting TPL’s operations and highlighting the critical role of its strategic fuel pipeline in ensuring energy security.
 
The meeting forms part of several engagements that the Premier has undertaken with various stakeholders in different sectors ahead of the State of the Province Address on Wednesday, 28 February at 9am.
 
The primary focus of the meeting was to provide Ms Dube-Ncube with a comprehensive understanding of TPL's operations, emphasizing the strategic significance of the fuel pipeline in safeguarding energy supply.
 
The session also familiarised the Premier with the upcoming capital projects scheduled for commencement in KwaZulu-Natal, specifically the liquefied natural gas (LNG) Terminal in Richards Bay and TM1 Accumulator Tanks in Island View. These projects are poised to make a substantial economic impact in the province.
 
During the engagement, TPL presented challenges related to fuel theft from the TPL pipelines and encroachments along the pipeline servitude. The organisation also underscored the importance of securing necessary licenses and approvals such as Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) timeously for the upcoming projects. These challenges were transparently presented to Ms Dube-Ncube, seeking collaborative solutions to overcome them.
 
“Building strong relationships with the KZN government is fundamental to our commitment to sustainable development and community engagement. The discussions today were insightful, and we are excited about the opportunities that lie ahead for collaborative efforts to growing the economy of the region,” said Mr Khathi.
 
In response to the issues raised, Ms Dube-Ncube expressed her commitment to supporting TPL in implementing effective interventions to address the challenges faced by the organisation. The collaborative spirit demonstrated during the meeting signifies a shared commitment to the success of TPL's operations and the realisation of the upcoming capital projects.
 
“We have a vested interest in the resolution of these challenges because we appreciate that the province’s economic performance which translates to job creation and addressing unemployment, is determined by how well strategic entities like TPL operate,” said Ms Dube Ncube. 
 
TPL remains dedicated to fostering strong partnerships with key stakeholders, and the engagement with Ms Dube-Ncube marks a significant step towards mutual understanding and cooperation.
 
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For more information contact Head of Provincial Government Communication Bongi Gwala on 072 793 4757 / Acting Media Liaison Joseph Cubai on 061 421 5853

ISSUED BY KWAZULU-NATAL PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENT
 
 
About Transnet Pipelines
 
Transnet Pipelines, an operating division of Transnet SOC Ltd, owns, manages and controls South Africa's network of 3114km of high-pressure petroleum and gas pipeline network in South Africa. We maintain and operate the largest multi-product pipeline in Southern Africa, with our primary strategic mandate being to ensure security of supply for the inland market using environmentally responsible methods while ensuring optimum efficiencies. On average we transport approximately 16 billion litres of product per annum which includes crude oil, diesel, petrol, jet fuel and methane rich gas through our network. Our network commences in Durban, KwaZulu Natal and traverses 5 provinces i.e. KZN, Free State, Gauteng, Mpumalanga and North West.