New transport policy prioritises development in maritime sector
South Africa's new Maritime Transport Policy has been launched in Durban.
The Transport Ministry hopes the guidelines, rolled out within government's Operation Phakisa programme, will open doors to more investment and boost employment.
Minister Joe Maswanganyi addressed the media last night.
The policy encourages growth in the maritime sector and more South Africa-owned vessels importing and exporting goods though our ports.
Malte Kerston who's with the SA Association of Ship Operators and Agents says the shipping industry needs growth and young people for survival.
"SA needs growth by supporting socio-economic transformation. We want black females as captains of industry," he says.
Meanwhile, Mahesh Fakir - who's with the SA Port Regulator - says previously an over-arching policy had been missing in the sector.
"We note that the implementation planned and two projects within this comprehensive maritime policy includes the review of the implementation of the National Commercial Ports Policy and the National Ports Act. The Department and Minister has the regulator's support in these processes," he said.