The specialised nature of the maritime logistics industry has seen Transnet Port Terminals (TPT) commit significant resources to the inclusion and participation of youth annually. Through its continued investment in youth empowerment, TPT is developing future industry professionals while creating procurement opportunities for young entrepreneurs to participate meaningfully in the maritime logistics value chain, contributing to a more inclusive and sustainable industry.

Beyond talent development and career initiatives like Engineers in Training, Young Professionals in Training, learnerships, work-integrated learning opportunities and sector-specific trainee programs which reach an average of 100 graduates annually, TPT has already spent R142.8 million on black youth-owned businesses in the first quarter of 2026/2027 ending in June 2026. The spend is underpinned by Transnet’s Procurement Policy, which targets youth as a specific goal for all contracts under R500 000. Youth-owned companies are further included as a specific goal, along with black women-owned businesses and those of differently abled persons in all contracts valued between R500 000 – R5 000 000.

According to TPT Chief Procurement Officer Bhekani Cele, ”Transformation and inclusion remain important priorities for the business”. He added that TPT had invested an additional R18 million in the 2025/26 financial year to support the growth and sustainability of black-owned SMMEs through the Siyathuthuka Accelerator Program. “The program provided business support vouchers valued at R450 000 each to seven black youth-owned businesses,” said Cele.

TPT employs about 8 300 people across its 15 sea-cargo terminals nationwide, with a quarter of its employee population constituting youth aged below 35 years in varying disciplines including operations, engineering, commercial and planning, information communication technology, and corporate support functions. “We have noted with concern that in seeking opportunities within

the company, many people fall prey to criminals that promise them jobs for cash, and we wish to advise the general public – and especially young people, to access our platforms directly” said Cele. He added that all available opportunities at TPT are only available through the company’s owned platforms which included the website and not through third parties.

The main areas for career opportunities at TPT include scarce skills like operators of lifting equipment, planners, articulated vehicle drivers and cargo coordinators. TPT said it would be embarking on roadshows per region and campus activations to share information on available career and tendering opportunities at the company during the course of the year