07/09/2023

A notable takeaway from the Cabinet meeting was the appointment of Non-Executive Directors to the South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA) Board for a period of three years.

Acting CEO Sobantu Tilayi was suspended in April 2021, and SAMSA anomalies were the subject of a formal investigation. The report by Morar Incorporated was sent to Ms. N. Minyuku, the then-Chairperson of SAMSA, one year later, in April 2022.

However, since Tilayi’s resignation, there have been no fewer than three interim CEOs, and the marine industry may probably anticipate the release of another call for applicants to fill the top job following the announcement of a new board and Minister of Transport.

Before an official announcement can be made, the new board must come to an agreement on a candidate and forward them for approval to the Minister of Transportation. The necessity for a permanent installation is overdue and should be pushed with some haste, according to numerous sources in the maritime industry.

Mahesh Fakir, who served as the CEO of the Ports Regulator of South Africa, has been named chairperson and offers a wealth of expertise from the port industry. He conducted industry research, contributed to the publication of articles in the field, and held a position on the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) board. With three women and three men chosen by the Cabinet, SAMSA’s new board is fully gender balanced.

The Deputy Chairperson, Tau Morwe is no stranger to the sector having served within Transnet in leadership positions across a number of entities including the National Ports Authority and Port Terminals.

Maritime consultant, Adv Aurelia Nosipho Sobekwa, is also part of the new board alongside Dr Natalie Skeepers,  Nogolide Feziwe Nojozi and Sihle Nguse.