Inland Waters Strategy promotes safe and responsible boating in South Africa
The national Department of Transport (DoT) has the responsibility to ensure that South Africa’s inland waterways are safe for public use. There are hundreds of dams in the country that have a potential to be used for boating activities. However, unregulated actions resulted into accidents that led to the loss of lives in the past. Environmental pollution from such activities has also triggered the invasion of some of the country’s dams by aquatic hyacinth plants.
The department has therefore put in place the Inland Waters Strategy (IWS), which it will launch on Friday, 22 October 2021 as part of October Transport Month (OTM). This strategy will ensure that all boating activities are done safely and responsible in the future. It will also help to protect our inland waters from pollution.
Transport Deputy Minister, Ms. Sindisiwe Chikunga will preside over the launch of the IWS. The national Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS), national Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE), as well as the South African Police Service (SAPS) play a key role in the implementation of the Inland Waters Strategy.
The details of the launch are as follows:
Date: Friday, 22 October 2021
Venue: Lake Deneys Yacht Club, 183 Union Street, Deneysville, Vaal Dam
Time: 09H00
Members of the media attending the launch should confirm their attendance with Mr Tshegofatso Maake on 063 281 9453/maaket@dot.gov.za
Media enquiries:
Collen Msibi
082 414 5279
Head of Communications
