Revitalisation of St Helena and Saldanha Harbours Set to Boost Local Economies

Both St Helena Bay and Saldanha Bay harbours, currently owned and managed by the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure (DPWI), have suffered years of underinvestment.

In a significant step towards rejuvenating coastal economies and restoring essential maritime infrastructure, Public Works and Infrastructure Minister Dean Macpherson and the Executive Mayor of Saldanha Bay, André Truter, have pledged a collaborative effort to redevelop the long-neglected small harbours of St Helena Bay and Saldanha Bay.

The announcement was made following a joint oversight visit to both harbours on Tuesday morning. The visit served as a fact-finding mission to assess the current state of disrepair and to lay the groundwork for strategic redevelopment aimed at transforming these underutilized assets into thriving economic hubs.

“These harbours have immense potential,” Minister Macpherson stated. “Our aim is to turn them into engines of economic growth for their surrounding communities by focusing on key sectors such as fishing, tourism, and associated industries. This redevelopment will also play a critical role in tackling unemployment and driving local development.”

Both St Helena Bay and Saldanha Bay harbours, currently owned and managed by the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure (DPWI), have suffered years of underinvestment. The lack of adequate maintenance has led to the deterioration of infrastructure, which in turn has allowed for increased criminal activity, discouraged private investment, and hindered economic growth in the region.

Recognizing the urgent need for revitalization, Minister Macpherson committed to instructing departmental officials to begin developing a comprehensive master plan for the two harbours. The plan will focus on upgrading facilities, improving safety, encouraging investment, and unlocking the potential of both the fishing and tourism sectors to stimulate job creation.

Macpherson emphasized the importance of drawing inspiration from successful models like Cape Town’s V&A Waterfront, which has become a vibrant mixed-use development known for its tourism, retail, and business opportunities. “The V&A Waterfront has contributed to the creation of over 60,000 jobs. While we’re not trying to replicate it exactly, it serves as a powerful example of what’s possible when public infrastructure is properly leveraged.”

Mayor Truter echoed the Minister’s sentiments, highlighting the importance of strong intergovernmental cooperation to bring meaningful change. “The engagement with Minister Macpherson has been extremely encouraging,” Truter said. “His clear focus on tangible outcomes and deadlines reassures us that this will not be just another promise, but a project grounded in delivery. We are eager to begin this journey with the Department and play our part in ensuring its success.”

The redevelopment of the harbours is expected to include not only physical infrastructure upgrades, such as jetty repairs, improved security, and the enhancement of marine services, but also the creation of enabling environments for local entrepreneurs and small-scale fisheries. There are also plans to explore partnerships with the private sector to stimulate long-term investment.

Local stakeholders, including fishing cooperatives, tourism operators, and small business owners, have welcomed the announcement. Many hope the redevelopment will bring sustainable job opportunities, particularly for young people and women in the region, and restore community pride in these once-vibrant maritime centers.

The Department of Public Works and Infrastructure is expected to begin stakeholder consultations and feasibility assessments within the coming months, with the goal of finalizing the master plan by the end of the year.

As South Africa continues to grapple with high unemployment and stagnant economic growth, initiatives like the redevelopment of St Helena Bay and Saldanha Bay harbours highlight the potential of infrastructure-led development to spark transformation in historically underserved communities.