We have detected that the browser you are using is no longer supported. As a result, some content may not display correctly.
We suggest that you upgrade to the latest version of any of the following browsers:
close notification
Date
: 26/09/2003
Source: Department of Transport
Title: Stander: World Maritime Day
SPEECH BY THE DIRECTOR-GENERAL OF THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORT, MS
WRENELLE STANDER, WORLD MARITIME DAY 2003, Durban ICC, 26
September
Honourable Ministers, distinguished guests, captains of industry
and labour, ladies and gentlemen, it is indeed a privilege for me
to address you on World Maritime Day 2003. What makes this event
even more significant is our focus for the day: the Black Economic
Empowerment Maritime Charter.
I have been requested to say a few words about the challenges
facing the maritime industry, as well as update you on some of the
measures government has put in place or is planning to put in
place.
As you already know, Transport is an enabling industry and the role
of the National Department of Transport (NDOT) is to provide the
means to ensure that the transport system delivers against the
goals of national development and the needs of the Transport
users.
A number of challenges and opportunities face our industry. The
challenges include a lack of cost competitiveness in relation to
global economies, a lack of investment in research and development,
technological under provision, a mismatch of skills in the
workforce, as well as high tariffs, which impedes the efficiency of
the supply chain. These factors all serve as impediments to growth.
We need to find ways of removing the obstacles.
It is not all doom and gloom. It is worth noting that over the last
three years the economic growth of African countries has exceeded
the average growth rate of the last decade. Similarly export
volumes of African countries have grown by 2.5% over the last three
years, during a period when the volume of world exports actually
contracted by 1.5%.
The maritime industry comprising all forms of transport by sea,
inter-modal links and inland ports (dry ports) is critical,
especially since it primarily caters for the freight market. It is
now common knowledge that the currently freight transport in
general is not meeting the needs of customers in terms of cost and
service.
The impact of these challenges are especially experienced by those
customers who are central to the growth strategy of the nation i.e.
the exporters of value added and manufactured products.
Cabinet has recognised this strategic challenge and has established
an Inter-Ministerial Committee under the leadership of the Minister
of Transport. The outcome required from the this taskforce is a
framework that seeks to improve multi modal transport and logistics
services including infrastructure technology and operations, as
well as to develop and implement logistics and corridor strategies
- linked to industrial or sector development strategies.
A further set of challenges include amongst others the serious
accidents on inland waterways that have caused injuries and
fatalities, the loss of life on our fishing vessels, the need to
grow the South African Ships Register; the protection of South
African seafarers; the role of maritime in trade and tourism
promotion; the rights of landlocked states in the SADC region, the
shortage of surveyors, the lack of interest generally among South
Africans to take up seafaring as a career and SMME's development in
the maritime industry.
Government has already embarked on a number of processes including
a full review of policy, a review of current legislation, and the
promulgation of new legislation.
The policy review has already resulted in the compilation of the
Consolidated Maritime Issues Document, better known as COMIDO. We
are expecting to deliver a White Paper in the first quarter of next
year.
Furthermore a Gap Analysis is being undertaken to address the gaps
in the body of Maritime Legislation.
The Honourable Minister Omar has already mentioned the process
around the National Ports Authority Bill process.
The ultimate objective for the ports restructuring is to improve
the competitive position of the commercial ports in our country so
that they are supportive of the broader national economic
interests.
I am also pleased to say that in the wake of the NPA Bill reaching
finality, the Department of Transport has already begun the process
of setting up the Independent Ports Regulator, which has been
established to:
* prevent abuse of power by the Ports Authority
* ensure equality of access to the provision of port services
* monitor the business relationship between Transnet and the
Authority to ensure that Transnet does not derive an unfair
advantage over other transport companies
* ensure that revenues generated by the Authority are used to the
benefit of the Authority and its customers.
New legislation will be promulgated for Inland Waterways in South
Africa. A tender has been advertised for an overall assessment in
relation to identification, ownership, navigation, and the current
safety regime, as well as to ascertain the viability of Inland
Waterways in South Africa.
I would now like to turn my attention very briefly to safety and
security.
Safety is paramount and is a non negotiable. The Shipping and
Maritime Safety Authority has been delegated with the authority to
oversee the maritime industry from a safety perspective.
The statistics are showing that the no of injuries are declining,
while the number of deaths is increasing.
It is encouraging to note, that members of the Fishing Vessel
Safety Working Group travelled around the country to key fishing
communities in order to start a process of inculcating a culture of
safety.
Their mission was to educate Fishing Boat owners, Skippers and
Fishers themselves on issues of fishing vessel safety, the
implementation of new legislation, and alcohol and drug
abuse.
They have also undertaken to assist the families of fishers who
have lost their lives with necessary provisions.
They are also providing the families with emotional support and
counselling during their time of tragedy.
I think this is a very good opportunity pay tribute to SAMSA for
the manner in which they handled the Sealand Express that ran
aground a few weeks ago.
Furthermore, we have institutionalised the South African Search and
Rescue organisation, previously a voluntary organisation, to
execute the SAR function on behalf of the Department of
Transport.
During the 2003/2004, the Department has set aside an amount of
R3.5 million for the establishment of a dedicated Maritime Rescue
Co-ordination Centre (MRCC). To this end, I am advised that the
process is at an advanced stage, the posts within the MRCC have
been advertised.
We will continue to pursue the conclusion of bilateral search and
rescue agreements with countries bordering on our search and rescue
region in support of the global maritime community's quest for
economical and effective SAR systems.
September 11 has no doubt drawn everybody's attention to the
importance of security in transport.
The Department of Transport, in line with the IMO is committed to
enhancing measure of maritime security.
I am happy to announce the IMO Maritime Security Workshop took
place in South Africa for the first time during 8 - 12 September,
which was two weeks back, here in Durban.
Training in our industry is critical! We are short of surveyors and
seafarers. It is imperative that our training institutions be
refocused to address these challenges. This is also an opportunity
for us to train and facilitate the entrance of black people and
women into the industry.
It is pleasing to note also the presence of the South African
Maritime Training Academy (SAMTRA), which was formally opened on 9
September 2003. Congratulations to Safmarine on this fine
achievement. Please be assured of government's continued support
and commitment.
The Department of Transport will relentlessly seek to improve the
position of historically disadvantaged individuals with regards to
training in maritime careers. Together with the TETA we need to
grasp the nettle!
Maritime Awareness is another project that is being given urgent
attention within the Department. We need to make black people and
women aware of the benefits.
Ladies and gentlemen, allow me to conclude, by congratulating the
NDOT team, who are so committed to moving South Africa forward as a
world-class maritime nation through the various projects.
But importantly, allow me to congratulate you, ladies and gentlemen
in allowing yourselves to be part of the positive initiative the
government of South Africa is making in ensuring a fair and
equitable distribution of wealth and opportunities to all South
Africans.
Map
