The rapid development of the ocean economy could grow the South African economy and create jobs. So said President Jacob Zuma at the inaugural Terminal Operator’s Conference held in Durban this week.

According to the press the two day conference brought together experts and investors involved in logistics, liner shipping, ports, terminals, inland transport and equipment manufacturers with the aim of discussing improving trade flows across the African continent.

“In 2015, the ocean contributed about R60 billion to South Africa’s gross domestic product and accounted for about 397,000 jobs. We believe that the future potential of the ocean economy is highly concentrated with the maritime industry.

“To grow intra-Africa trade, we need to see many coastal African countries investing in their ports and connecting infrastructure to link with inland countries,” said President Zuma.

What to do with the drunken sailors is the question being posed by some very unhappy residents in Simon’s Town.

According to the press the City of Cape Town has said that its legal and health departments have been called in to speak to the navy regarding the conduct of hundreds of cadets at Waterfall barracks in the once quiet suburb of Mount Pleasant, Simon’s Town.

To date, attempts by law enforcement officials to shut down huge weekend parties held by cadets at Waterfall have proved useless, with barrack management claiming that they do not fall under the city’s jurisdiction.

Friction between cadets and residents has resulted in screaming matches and even threats of violence.

“It would appear that the navy command are powerless to keep their own cadets under control,” said Simon’s Town ward councillor Simon Liell-Cock.

Navy spokesman, Commander KS Khasuli responded by saying, “The probabilities of members making noise cannot be disputed. To neutralise the noise level at the barracks the Military Police are conducting random rounds to ensure that members do adhere to domestic rules.

“Any act of ill-discipline will not be tolerated and decisive action will be taken against the perpetrator.”