Switched on with Cape Chamber CEO, John Lawson: Boatbuilding surplus defies SA deficit

South Africa’s latest recorded trade deficit in January is a cause for concern. The R23.1-billion figure was much larger than expected and highlights the need to broaden our manufacturing base.

If we are to succeed in this endeavour Government should take note of our manufacturing success stories, one of which was in the news last week because it has just been sold – Robertson and Caine.

Those with an interest in recreational boating will know that Robertson and Caine is a remarkable South African success story – a home-grown company born out of local expertise that grew to become the world’s leading manufacturer of mid-size sailing and power catamarans.

Its growth has helped establish Cape Town as a global centre of excellence in recreational boatbuilding, which has in turn spawned an entire value chain of suppliers. Not without good reason is Cape Town now emerging as an up-and-coming regional hub for superyacht repairs and servicing. All of this is thanks to a few pioneers who took a big risk to follow their passion and start building boats.

It comes as no surprise therefore that Robertson and Caine have attracted the attention of a major foreign investment firm that has signed a sales agreement with R&C shareholders.

The deal, likely to be finalised in the second quarter of this year, is further confirmation of South Africa’s global reputation for world-class boatbuilding expertise. It also represents a major foreign investment in South Africa’s marine manufacturing sector and is a reminder that manufacturing success is within our reach.

Also noteworthy is that the growth of local marine manufacturing is also partly thanks to DTIC investment and support, as well as support from other spheres of Government.

The City of Cape Town has partnered with the V&A Waterfront and maritime sector stakeholders to create BlueCape, which is helping to develop skills and remove barriers to marketplace entry.

It all goes to show what is possible when like-minded people come together around a common purpose or commercial interest.

We can only hope for similar initiatives in other sectors that will turn trade deficits back into surplus territory.