The South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA) is proud to have witnessed the re-election of South Africa to the IMO Council under Category (C) with the leadership of the Deputy Minister of Transport, Hon Mkhuleko Hlengwa.
Category (C) is dedicated to States that have special interests in maritime transport or navigation and whose election to the Council will ensure the representation of all major geographic areas of the world.
South Africa had previously been a member of the council for 22 years since 1999 but was however out of the council since 2021 after not being re-elected to the council.
It is important to note that South Africa is the only country in the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region elected to the IMO Council.
“This position guarantees the voice for the region in the global maritime platform. South Africa’s strategic maritime location, notably the Cape Sea Route also plays a vital role in facilitating maritime traffic, especially when alternative routes such as the Suez Canal are disrupted.” said Hlengwa
Minister Creecy and Deputy Minister Hlengwa expressed their gratitude to all the member states that supported South Africa’s candidature and ultimately voting in favour of the country.
The newly elected Council will meet for its 136th session on Thursday, 04 December and will elect its Chair and Vice-Chair for the next biennium.