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By African News Agency 
7h ago
DURBAN – KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs Nomusa Dube-Ncube assigned a team of officials to meet with the management team at the Engen refinery in Bluff following reports that the plant could close.
A report in The Mercury on Friday said the plant could become a storage facility for imported products.
“Engen has initiated consultations with employees on a billions of rand proposal to increase its import and supply capacity in Durban. Engen can also confirm that it is considering various options regarding the Engen refinery, ”the South African oil giant said in a statement Thursday.
Dube-Ncube has appointed Trade & Investment KwaZulu-Natal (TIKZN) CEO Neville Matjie to discuss the matter with Engen.
The MEC also informed the KwaZulu-Natal Economic Council about the department’s efforts to redeem the situation.
“Engen continues to be a key player and leader in the South African oil market. Importantly, as KZN we have potentially access to the ocean’s abundant resources, including offshore fishing, oil and gas, and maritime tourism, “Dube-Ncube said in a statement Friday.
Dube-Ncube said Engen’s recovery will be part of the government’s economic transformation and reconstruction plan.
Additionally, with the support of the KwaZulu-Natal Executive Council, under the leadership of Prime Minister Sihle Zikalala, TIKZN has embarked on a corporate “retention and extension” program that aims to support companies that “are weak but they have solid foundations. “
“Our ports of Durban and Richards Bay handle more than 60% of the country’s ocean cargo.
“We remain determined to work with companies like Engen to increase the participation of previously disadvantaged communities in sectors such as oil and gas, the maritime industry.
“We have no doubt that when oil rigs start visiting our coast on a regular basis, this industry will grow exponentially,” said the MEC.
Dube-Ncube also reiterated the department’s determination to allow the Richards Bay Industrial Development Zone (RBIDZ) to become a site for energy infrastructure.
Before the national Covid-19 shutdown, the MEC said the oil and gas industry was responsible for some 7,500 jobs and an estimated annual turnover of more than R196bn.
Another 90,000 jobs are also the result of industry, and the employment is on the marketing and distribution side of the business.
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