By Sicelo Fayo
Sandton, Johannesburg 25 October 2013:
South Africa’s transport department has confirmed that it is to forge ahead with plans to acquire as well as open an own register of international trade shipping vessels.
Deputy Transport Minister, Sindisiwe Chikunga told scores of delegates to a two-day Africa Maritime Indaba in Sandton Johannesburg on Friday that the country had no option but to go this route in order to strengthen its maritime economy.
She described the move as part of a broader strategy to fast track economic development in the country encompassing especially the maritime economic sector.
Seated to the far right, South Africa deputy Minister of Transport, Sindisiwe Chikunga, with (from Left), Tsietsi Mokhele (CEO: SA Maritime Safety Authority), Dr Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma (Chairman: African Union) and Ipeleng Selele (CEO: Khumo Group)
Addressing an indaba delegates from more than a dozen African countries, and among which was also African Union chairman, Dr Nkosazana Zuma, Chikunga said: “We are aware that transport is an enabling sector which impacts on growth and development in other sectors of the economy and we are in agreement that a balanced investment in transport infrastructure will effectively lead Africa to efficient and sustainable growth, mobility and market access.
“As a government with a developmental state agenda we have all the intention to enter the international shipping market, build, maintain and repair ships.”
Listen to the full deputy minister’s speech below:
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