Pretoria – South Africa views its representation on the Council of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) as a major step towards the realisation of the country and the African continent’s potential in the maritime sector.
South Africa’s election to the 20-member “Category C” Council of the IMO comes as Deputy Minister of Transport Sindisiwe Chikunga leads a delegation to the 29th session of the IMO Assembly in London, in the United Kingdom.
Transport Deputy Minister Sindisiwe Chikunga said the voice of African countries on maritime would be strengthened by South Africa’s presence in the influential global council of the United Nations multilateral body.
“We stand to benefit immensely as the African continent from South Africa’s election to the IMO council. This is where critical decisions are made with regard to global maritime affairs, ranging from the Oceans Economy, rescue initiatives and safety and security matters at sea,” Deputy Minister Chikunga said.
About 80 000 vessels pass through the South African coastline annually of which a large number are laden tankers.
She said South Africa election to the council comes at a time when the country is embarking on a new ambitious chapter of unlocking the country’s maritime potential through the Blue Oceans’ Economy strategy and Operation Phakisa.
“With a coastline totalling 3900km, we believe there’s plenty of untapped potential at sea. Through Operation Phakisa we have identified projects that will ensure that the Oceans’ Economy is realised,” the Deputy Minister said.
Through Operation Phakisa, South Africa aims to create one million jobs. – SAnews.gov.za
