Latest news with #SAMSA
IOL News
5 days ago
- Politics
- IOL News
Inkatha Freedom Party stands by Mayor Myeza amid assault claims
Deputy Transport Minister, and IFP National Spokesperson Mkhuleko Hlengwa Image: SAMSA/Supplied The Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) said it will not fire Inkosilangalibalele Local Municipality Mayor, Mduduzi "Sobholenyoni" Myeza, from his position after he assaulted a female staff member, who is also a party member. Myeza allegedly manhandled Zanele Mazibuko who is a party's official. Speaking to Daily News, Mazibuko said the mayor got agitated after she questioned him about who appointed Fani Fani as the chairperson. She said that irked Myeza which led to the alleged assault. 'The mayor assaulted me because he doesn't want to be questioned. I've opened a case of assault against him and the matter is currently before the court. "We will be going back to court tomorrow (Wednesday) and we will see how it goes,'Mazibuko said. She also expressed her disappointment at the lack of support from the organisation, and said that the party had not done anything to remedy the situation. Mazibuko said she was expected to work with the mayor even though she wasn't comfortable with it. The party's National spokesperson Mkhulekwa Hlengwa told the publication that the party can't fire Myeza based on allegations. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ Hlengwa said although the matter was still in a court of law, it didn't mean that the mayor was guilty. 'We must follow the rule of natural justice. We can't take any decision before the process in court is concluded. "The claims remain allegations (at this stage) and those allegations must be tested in a court of law, so what action would you want us to take?', asked the IFP spokesperson. An IFP member known to the publication, said Mazibuko's situation was testament that the organisation would always be patriarchal and that it was resistant to change. 'Our rights as women in the organisation will never be considered and we have allowed this attitude to be entrenched in the movement as women of this organisation. "Our fellow male party members, don't want to be opposed, especially from women. When you do that, they feel insulted. We can't just say 'yes, baba' all the way. "Women have opinions, we want to be part of the solution,' the member stated. She said it was hypocritical of the movement to say Mazibuko's claims were 'allegations' whereas she was physically assaulted by one of the members and the matter was before the court. Myeza appeared at the Estcourt Magistrate's Court on Monday. The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesperson's in KZN, Natasha Ramkisson-Kara, confirmed that the mayor appeared in court.
IOL News
14-07-2025
- General
- IOL News
SAMSA tasked with removing abandoned vessels following legal notice expiry
Half sunken boats are seen at Hout Bay Harbour. Picture Henk Kruger/ Independent Media FILE Image: Henk Kruger/ Independent Media / FILE The department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment has initiated processes with the South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA) to remove a number of identified shipwrecks and recover costs from the responsible parties. This comes after Minister Dion George directed the urgent removal of wrecked and abandoned vessels that pose significant risks to navigation, marine ecosystems, and the safety of coastal communities, by June 16. The department said George was taking steps to address longstanding environmental and safety complexities in South Africa's proclaimed fishing harbors, including Gordons Bay, Lamberts Bay, Saldanha Bay, St Helena Bay, and Hout Bay. 'A Marine Notice issued to vessel owners expired on June 16, 2025 with no response. The Department has now initiated processes with SAMSA in terms of the Wreck and Salvage Act. Minister George confirmed that SAMSA is required to remove the wrecks and recover costs from the responsible parties. 'The Department is also considering further options, including issuing directives, engaging the Navy for vessels of military interest, and unlocking the Maritime Fund,' the department said. Meanwhile, the department said the revitalisation of South Africa's Proclaimed Fishing Harbours was delivering results with upgrades completed at 15 sites. "These harbours are more than physical structures. They are the engine rooms of local economies, supporting fishers, small businesses and the communities that depend on them. We are now seeing the impact of steady, focused work to restore and secure these public assets," said George. In the 2024 to 2025 financial year, the 12 Proclaimed Fishing Harbours handled more than 1000 vessels. Thirty-three vessels have already been serviced this financial year, and more than 300 currently make use of mooring facilities. Completed work includes full signage installation at 15 sites to improve access and navigation, 24-hour security measures at high-risk locations such as Saldanha and Paarden Eiland, and progress in addressing sunken and abandoned vessels that create safety and environmental hazards. Security interventions in place include real-time monitoring, alarm systems and armed response within ten minutes. Six more harbours, including Lamberts Bay, St Helena Bay, Hout Bay, Kalk Bay, Hermanus and Gansbaai, are scheduled to receive electronic security upgrades. 'Procurement is in progress following the submission of Terms of Reference in June. The remaining five harbours, currently classified as low risk, will be prioritised in the next quarter depending on budget availability,' the department said. Signage upgrades were completed between April and June at all 12 Proclaimed Harbours, along with Elands Bay, Doringbaai and Yzerfontein. Additional signage was added at St Helena Bay on June 19. George said the work is part of a broader effort to build a thriving blue economy that benefits all South Africans. "We are investing in the future of coastal communities by ensuring these harbours are safe, accessible and fit for purpose. This is meaningful progress, and it will continue," the minister said. Cape Times
IOL News
24-06-2025
- IOL News
Nearly 400 commercial fishing deaths recorded in South Africa, says deputy minister
Deputy Transport Minister, Mkhuleko Hlengwa, said that earlier this year, the department directed the South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA) to undertake a comprehensive, nationwide Fishing Vessel Safety Audit. Image: SAMSA/Supplied THE tragedy that befell 11 crew members of the 63-year-old vessel, MFV Lepanto when it capsized off Kommetjie last year and the incident involving its sister vessel, Armana, which went up in flames a few months later, were indictments of systems that must be fixed, says Deputy Transport Minister, Mkhuleko Hlengwa. 'These events shook this nation—and rightly so. These are not isolated tragedies. They are warnings. They are calls to action that we can no longer afford to ignore,' Hlengwa said. He was speaking at a media engagement at the Cape Town Waterfront Jetty on Monday. Hlengwa said that earlier this year, the Department of Transport directed the South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA) to undertake a comprehensive, nationwide audit, which started in Gqeberha and has reached every major fishing port in South Africa. SAMSA identified three key findings so far, including the age of the fleet, which compromises the structural integrity of the vessels. The vessels also have stability-related issues, whereby the ships' intake stability under different loading conditions starts to deteriorate, and one of the last findings is the inefficiency of safety management systems. In his address, Hlengwa said that since 1996, nearly 400 commercial fishing fatalities have been recorded in South Africa, with over half of them occurring in the Western Cape. 'Every life lost at sea is one too many. Every unsafe vessel is a threat not just to a crew, but to the entire social fabric of our coastal communities. Safety is not a privilege for the few. It is a right for all. 'Let us turn this moment into a movement—one that protects life, promotes dignity, and places South Africa at the forefront of maritime safety across the continent,' Hlengwa said. He said the audit was designed not only to evaluate compliance but to restore accountability, especially where lives were at risk. 'We are focusing on small vessels because the data shows they are the most vulnerable to capsizing, collision, and mechanical failure,' he said. Principal Audit Officer for SAMSA in Gqeberha, Thandi Mehlo, said that the age of the vessels causes issues of structural integrity as the 'steel can only survive a limited period at sea'. He highlighted challenges with ship repurpose redesigns, which occur without getting their approval, and also how there was a period a few years ago when not one single dry dock, which is used for vessel maintenance and repairs, was operational in the country. 'We had kept continuously granting exceptions to these vessels…and now if you keep doing that, it is going to come back to bite you, and it has come back to bite us," Mehlo said. 'We're sitting with a couple of these ship repair facilities that are managed by port authorities… and I have evidence to believe that these facilities have since improved, and we are up to date with the management of maintenance.' Mehlo said that they have a longer goal of a complete 100% audit of the vessels in the next three years, and that their current audit, which only looked at 10% of ships, has taught them valuable lessons that they will use going forward. Cape Times
IOL News
23-06-2025
- IOL News
Tragic toll: Western Cape accounts for most commercial fishing fatalities
Deputy Transport Minister, Mkhuleko Hlengwa, said that earlier this year, the department directed the South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA) to undertake a comprehensive, nationwide Fishing Vessel Safety Audit. The SA Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA) has undertaken a nationwide audit that has reached every major fishing port in South Africa to identify, among others, the age of the fleet, which compromises the structural integrity of the vessels. Briefing vessel owners who gathered at a media engagement at the Cape Town Waterfront Jetty on Monday to hear the keynote address from Deputy Transport Minister Mkhuleko Hlengwa, Hlengwa said that since 1996, nearly 400 commercial fishing fatalities have been recorded in South Africa, with over half of them occurring in the Western Cape. He touched on the tragedy of the MFV Lepanto, a 63-year-old vessel, that capsized off Kommetjie, taking 11 crew members to their deaths in minutes last year. He also noted its sister vessel, Armana, which went up in flames a few months later. 'These events shook this nation—and rightly so. These are not isolated tragedies. They are warnings. They are indictments of systems that must be fixed. And they are calls to action that we can no longer afford to ignore,' Hlengwa said. 'The audit is designed not only to evaluate compliance but to restore accountability, especially where lives are at risk. We are focusing on small vessels because the data shows they are the most vulnerable to capsizing, collision, and mechanical failure,' he said.
IOL News
23-06-2025
- IOL News
Small commercial fishing vessels vulnerable to capsizing, collision, and mechanical failure
Deputy Transport Minister, Mkhuleko Hlengwa, said that earlier this year, the department directed the South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA) to undertake a comprehensive, nationwide Fishing Vessel Safety Audit. Image: SAMSA/Supplied While the National Fishing Vessel Safety Audit report is still being compiled, vessel owners gathered at a media engagement at the Cape Town Waterfront Jetty on Monday morning to hear the keynote address from Deputy Transport Minister, Mkhuleko Hlengwa. Hlengwa said that earlier this year, the Department of Transport directed the South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA) to undertake a comprehensive, nationwide audit, which started in Gqeberha and has reached every major fishing port in South Africa. SAMSA identified three key findings so far, including the age of the fleet, which compromises the structural integrity of the vessels. The vessels also have stability-related issues, whereby the ships' intake stability under different loading conditions starts to deteriorate, and one of the last findings is the inefficiency of safety management systems. Hlengwa said they are not simply gathering for ceremony or symbolism, but instead for oversight, accountability, and leadership. 'We are here to take decisive steps to change history,' he said. In his address, Hlengwa said that since 1996, nearly 400 commercial fishing fatalities have been recorded in South Africa, with over half of them occurring in the Western Cape. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad loading He touched on the tragedy of the MFV Lepanto, a 63-year-old vessel, that capsized off Kommetjie, taking 11 crew members to their deaths in minutes last year. He also mentioned its sister vessel, Armana, which went up in flames a few months later. 'These events shook this nation—and rightly so. These are not isolated tragedies. They are warnings. They are indictments of systems that must be fixed. And they are calls to action that we can no longer afford to ignore,' Hlengwa said. 'The audit is designed not only to evaluate compliance but to restore accountability, especially where lives are at risk. We are focusing on small vessels because the data shows they are the most vulnerable to capsizing, collision, and mechanical failure,' he said. Principal Audit Officer for SAMSA in Gqeberha, Thandi Mehlo, said that the age of the vessels causes issues of structural integrity as the 'steel can only survive a limited period at sea'. He highlighted challenges with ship repurpose redesigns, which occur without getting their approval, and also how there was a period a few years ago when not one single dry dock, which is used for vessel maintenance and repairs, was operational in the country. 'We had kept continuously granting exceptions to these vessels…and now if you are going to keep doing that, it is going to come back to bite you, and it has come back to bite us," Mehlo said. 'We're sitting with a couple of these ship repair facilities that are managed by port authorities… and I have evidence to believe that these facilities have since improved, and we are up to date with the management of maintenance.'
