Govermate logoGovermate
Back to opportunities
DocumentClosedother

Commemoration of the 2026 International Day of the Seafarer

TransportRef: https://www.transport.gov.za/?p=3517

Official source

Source domain: transport.gov.za

Collected on 8 July 2026

Always confirm details on the official source before acting.

Our copy (archived 21 July 2026)Official source

What this means

This document is a news-style page from the South African Department of Transport about the Department’s participation in commemorating the International Day of the Seafarer in 2026. It describes an event hosted at the Bon Hotel Empangeni in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal, including a Port of Richards Bay tour, panel discussions, and an exhibition. The Deputy Minister of Transport, Mr Mkhuleko Hlengwa, delivered the keynote address and called for continued investment in maritime education, skills development, and youth participation, while reaffirming commitments to modernise ports, improve logistics, enhance maritime safety, and develop maritime skills.

Facts

Places

uMhlathuze Local Municipality, KwaZulu-Natal

Reference

https://www.transport.gov.za/?p=3517

Key Takeaways

  • International Day of the Seafarer 2026 commemorated by the Department of Transport
  • IMO theme: “Carrying World Trade, Carrying the Risks”
  • Event hosted at Bon Hotel Empangeni, Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal
  • Event included tour of the Port of Richards Bay, panel discussions, and an exhibition
  • Keynote address by Deputy Minister of Transport Mr Mkhuleko Hlengwa
  • Calls for investment in maritime education, skills development, and youth participation (including women and young people from coastal and inland communities)
  • Messages/support from SAMSA, TNPA, and SAIMI; video message from IMO Secretary-General
  • Interactive Q&A session with seafarers and industry stakeholders
  • Closing remarks: commitment to modernise ports, improve logistics performance, enhance maritime safety, develop maritime skills, and unlock Ocean Economy opportunities
  • Department of Transport (South Africa)
  • International Maritime Organization (IMO)
  • South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA)
  • Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA)
  • South African International Maritime Institute (SAIMI)
  • IMO Secretary-General
  • Deputy Minister of Transport Mr Mkhuleko Hlengwa
  • Port of Richards Bay
  • Bon Hotel Empangeni
  • Transnet