General statement of the Deputy Minister of Transport for the Republic of South Africa, Hon. Sindisiwe Chikunga (MP) delivered at the International Maritime Organisation during The 30th Regular Session of Assembly
Mr President
Secretary-General
Honourable Ministers
Your Excellencies
Distinguished delegates
Ladies and gentlemen
Introduction
It is an honour and the privilege for South Africa to be given this opportunity to address you today.
Firstly, I would like to congratulate the President, the First and the Second Vice Presidents, and Chair of the Committees of the 30th Regular Session of the IMO Assembly.
I also wish to commend the Secretary-General of the IMO for his indelible contribution and leadership role he has demonstrated in advancing the objectives of the IMO.
We also want to send our heartfelt condolences to the Governments and peoples of Egypt, Iran, Iraq and Argentina for the recent catastrophic events.
IMO’s role
South Africa stresses the importance of shipping as it continues to plays a very critical and prominent role in connecting people from different corners of the world though global trade. This phenomenon places the IMO at the epicentre to ensure that such global activities are accomplished seamlessly and without unnecessary hindrances.
We also commend the IMO’s role in its contribution towards the achievement of the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) especially on climate change and gender equality.
In that regard, South Africa will continue to play her meaningful role in addressing some of the maritime related challenges facing the global community. We will continue to put together our collaborative efforts and work with all relevant stakeholders in contributing towards the sustainable green economy.
South Africa’s candidature
South Africa is the only country in the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Region of Africa standing for being re-elected in the IMO Council. Against this background, South Africa appeals to IMO Member States in Africa, Europe, the Americas, Asia and Oceanic states for support in her quest to retain her position in Council. The re-election of South Africa to the Council will ensure that the developing countries in general and the African continent in particular gets a fair voice in the international maritime affairs.
Port activities
South Africa’s 3 000km coastline, strategically located on one of the major vital lanes popularly known as the ‘Cape Route’ connecting east and west seas puts her among critical role-players in world maritime affairs.
South Africa has 8 commercial ports which handle in excess of 13 100 international ship traffic per annum and approximately 300 million tonnes of cargo annually.
Operation Phakisa
Our vast ocean carries the economic potential of the Oceans Economy which South Africa has planned to explore through the Operations Phakisa - Oceans Economy Project launched by our government in 2014.
This Project identified the 8 priority areas to ensure the successful implementation of the Project, notably Maritime Transport and Manufacturing, Offshore Oil and Gas Exploration, Aquaculture, Marine Protection Services and Ocean Governance, Maritime Tourism and Small Harbour Development, Training and Skills Development, Innovation, Science and Technology.
To that extent, South Africa has recently launched the Comprehensive Maritime Transport Policy Document (CMPT) which seeks to provide the country with the guidelines in the pursuit to explore the Oceans Economy.
African Union Maritime Agenda
International trade is very central and critical to many African countries, whether landlocked or coastal states.
In that regard, the Africa Union took a conscious decision to adopt the 2050 African Maritime Integrated Strategy (AIMS) which seeks to provide a broad framework for the protection and sustainable exploitation of the African Maritime Domain for wealth creation. On that note, South Africa is actively operationalising the provisions of that Strategy.
Maritime Safety and Security
In support of international efforts to bring security and stability in the broader Indian Ocean under the Djibouti Code of Conduct, South Africa adopted a Strategy intending to curb acts of piracy and armed robbery of ships. In that regard, South Africa deployed her navy vessels along the Mozambique Channel as a deterrent to acts of piracy and armed robbery of ships in the southern Indian Ocean area.
Maritime Rescue Co-Ordination Centre (MRCC) and Regional Maritime Rescue Co-Ordination Centre RMRCC
As part of our coastal State obligation, we continue to provide reliable Search and Rescue services to international shipping in our region which extends to the Antarctica.
Furthermore, South Africa, through partnership with the IMO, has converted her highly reliable Maritime Rescue Co-ordination Centre (MRCC) to the Regional Maritime Rescue Co-ordination Centre
Cape Town to assist ships in distress in the Region.
Maritime Training and Skills Development
As part of our sector specific skills development drive we have offered marine training to our neighbouring African countries under the IMO Technical Cooperation Program. These skills are in the areas of incident management, port state inspections and seafarer training, etc.
This year, South Africa hosted a successful Workshop for the region on the implementation of the 2012 Cape Town Agreement on Safety of Fishing Vessels.
2020 World Maritime Day Parallel Event
In an effort to grow existing relations with the IMO, South Africa will host the World Maritime Day Parallel Event in 2020 which seeks to highlight the significant role of global shipping and the role of the IMO.
Conclusion
In conclusion, South Africa will continue to play an active and supportive role in the affairs of the IMO, and wishes to retain her seat in the IMO Council.
Merry Christmas and prosperous New Year to all.
Thank you.
