Transport Deputy Minister presides over high-level Search and Rescue Conference
The South African Search and Rescue Organisation in association with the South African government, the national Department of Transport through the leadership of Transport Deputy Minister, Ms. Sindisiwe Chikunga will host a high-level, three-day Search and Rescue (SAR) Conference in Durban from Monday, 27 February to Wednesday, 01 March 2023.
The three-day round table discussion will see approximately 100 marine and aviation experts and stakeholders converge and address maritime and aeronautical search and rescue commitments made by the country, existing gaps in delivering upon these commitments and challenges faced.
Furthermore, the conference will seek to benchmark with international bodies in better dealing with challenges posed by search and rescue services and develop feasible mechanisms to finance new aerial technologies which are also aimed at improving upon the already existing resources.
Deputy Minister Chikunga will be joined during the conference by National Transport Director-General, Advocate James Mlawu, Acting CEO of the South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA) Mr. Ndzimeni Ramugondo, Air Traffic and Navigation Services (ATNS) CEO, Ms. Nozipho Mdawe and experts and key stakeholders in the search and rescue space.
The details of the 3-day Conference are as follows:
Day 1;
Date: Monday, 27 February 2023
Time:
08:30 Conference Delegates and Media Registration and Proceedings
18h00: 8TH SOUTH AFRICAN SEARCH AND RESCUE (SASAR) BIENNIAL MERITORIOUS AND SERVICE AWARDS (to honor brave men and women in search and rescue)
Venue: Premier Splendid Inn Hotel, Cnr Herwood Drive and Umhlanga Boulevard, Umhlanga Ridge, Durban.
NB: Details of the programme for Day 2 and Day 3 will be made available during the official opening of the Conference.
Members of the media attending the Conference are requested to confirm their attendance with Mr. Tshegofatso Maake on 063 281 9453 or maaket@dot.gov.za
Media enquiries:
Collen Msibi, Head of Communications
082 414 5279
