Pretoria – South Africa’s oceans have the potential to create between
800 000 and one million direct jobs, which will be realised through
Operation Phakisa.
Briefing the media on Thursday following Cabinet’s regular meeting,
Communication Minister Faith Muthambi said the executive had welcomed
the launch of Operation Phakisa, which is set to contribute up to R177
billion to the country’s GDP by the year 2033.
Operation Phakisa is aimed at fast-tracking the delivery of the
priorities outlined in the National Development Plan (NDP), which is
the country’s blueprint for eliminating poverty and reducing inequality.
Minister Muthambi said the Department of Environmental Affairs will
lead collaboration with the industry, labour, civil society and
academia to unlock the economic potential of the country’s oceans.
“The ocean also has the potential to create between 800 000 and one
million direct jobs. These growth levers reflect at least 4% annual
growth in both Gross Domestic Product (GDP) contribution and job
creation.
“In 2010, the ocean economy contributed about R54 billion to South
Africa’s GDP, and accounted for approximately 316 000 jobs,” said
Minister Muthambi.
She added that marine aquaculture, marine transport, offshore oil and
gas exploration and marine protection have been identified as focus
areas of the ocean economy.
