Investors query SA land policy, tenders

Cape Town - Concerns about land ownership and procurement processes were among those raised by delegates attending a department of transport international investor conference in Cape Town.

"These were issues that were raised by participants and investors... (including) what was the position on land ownership," transport director general George Mahlalela told delegates on Tuesday at the end of the two-day event.

He said investors - who the department is hoping will partner with the government in key road, rail and maritime infrastructure projects to the tune of R200bn - had also asked questions on "local content requirements".

He did not elaborate. His wrap-up of the conference's outcomes was shortened after delegates indicated they were in a hurry to go for lunch.

Mahlalela invited them to communicate with the department "as from Monday" should they have any queries about the multi-billion rand investment opportunities on offer.

He gave no indication of the extent of investor interest in the 11 key strategic investment areas his department has identified.

The areas focus mainly on rail and road infrastructure, including plans by the Passenger Rail Agency of SA to acquire new commuter coaches at an estimated capital cost of R86bn.

The list also includes five projects by the SA National Roads Agency - including work on various national route toll roads and the upgrading of other roads around the country - at a total cost of about R85bn.

Earlier on Tuesday, Transport Minister Sibusiso Ndebele signed a further bilateral air service agreement with his Cameroon counterpart Bello Bouba Maigari.

It is understood the agreement will see South African Airways operating return flights to Cameroon four times a week.

"Long live air transport cooperation between South Africa and Cameroon," Maigari said at the signing ceremony.