Shipbuilding a potential growth avenue – Minister Davis

For the economy to grow and sustainable jobs to be created, South Africa needs to broaden its industrial base. One of the ways in which this objective can be met is through shipbuilding, Minister of Trade and Industry, Dr Rob Davies, said at the naming ceremony of the offshore supply vessels, Aukwatowa, in Cape Town recently.
According to Davies, the R1.4 billion tender awarded to a local shipbuilding company will assist to create sustainable jobs in the Ocean Economy. The tender will lead to an investment of R 1.2 billion creating more than 500 jobs in order to boost the local shipbuilding industry, he added.
“Government is committed to growing and supporting local manufacturers in the marine industry in order to stay competitive and sustain jobs.
“Further, more focus will be given to the industry standard and accreditation, skills programme and strategic marketing campaign as the private sector has followed through with the decision to support localisation,” Davies pointed out.