Monthly Archives: December 2017

Weekly Press Review – 11 December 2017

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The rapid development of the ocean economy could grow the South African economy and create jobs. So said President Jacob Zuma at the inaugural Terminal Operator’s Conference held in Durban this week.

According to the press the two day conference brought together experts and investors involved in logistics, liner shipping, ports, terminals, inland transport and equipment manufacturers with the aim of discussing improving trade flows across the African continent.

“In 2015, the ocean contributed about R60 billion to South Africa’s gross domestic product and accounted for about 397,000 jobs. We believe that the future potential of the ocean economy is highly concentrated with the maritime industry.

“To grow intra-Africa trade, we need to see many coastal African countries investing in their ports and connecting infrastructure to link with inland countries,” said President Zuma.

What to do with the drunken sailors is the question being posed by some very unhappy residents in Simon’s Town.

According to the press the City of Cape Town has said that its legal and health departments have been called in to speak to the navy regarding the conduct of hundreds of cadets at Waterfall barracks in the once quiet suburb of Mount Pleasant, Simon’s Town.

To date, attempts by law enforcement officials to shut down huge weekend parties held by cadets at Waterfall have proved useless, with barrack management claiming that they do not fall under the city’s jurisdiction.

Friction between cadets and residents has resulted in screaming matches and even threats of violence.

“It would appear that the navy command are powerless to keep their own cadets under control,” said Simon’s Town ward councillor Simon Liell-Cock.

Navy spokesman, Commander KS Khasuli responded by saying, “The probabilities of members making noise cannot be disputed. To neutralise the noise level at the barracks the Military Police are conducting random rounds to ensure that members do adhere to domestic rules.

“Any act of ill-discipline will not be tolerated and decisive action will be taken against the perpetrator.”

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Weekly Press Review – 4 December 2017

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A call by the Committee for Economic Opportunities has been made for further investigation into the sinking of the Tandi, which nearly sank off Robben Island on 15 September with 60 passengers on board.

According to the press, this is after an initial investigation conducted by the South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA) released their initial findings stating that the boat had taken on water causing the engine to fail, adding that the weather had had an impact on the incident.

Beverley Schafer, LLP and DA spokesperson, said that questions must be asked as to how a ferry boat like the Thandi can be allowed to operate when the tender requirements of SAMSA had not been completed on the vessel.

The West Coast rock lobster season officially opened on Saturday.

According to the press the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (DAFF) has allocated a total of 69.2 tons of West Coast rock lobster for the season.

Fishermen will be allowed to catch from 08.00 to 16.00 each day, with a limit of four lobster per person.

The season officially closes of 2 April 2018.

“Egypt is an example of what African countries can do for themselves without European influence.”

So says an article in the Cape Times this week commenting on the New Suez Canal constructed in response to increased world trade in 2014.

Taking only a year to build and running parallel to the original one, the project cost $8 billion, an amount raised by the Egyptian people in only eight days with the help of a bank opened especially for these contributions. Citizens of the country contributed to the project from their own pockets.

The New Suez Canal is aimed at increasing the Egyptian national income in foreign currency – an idea which South Africa could certainly take on board.

According to the press this week South Africa is leading the way in tuna fishing. Thus far little attention has been paid to the well-managed tuna fisheries sector amongst the many other activities that DAFF manages.

According to the article, in the world of tuna management, South Africa is fast emerging as a leading light and a role model looked up to by many developing nations.