1. RATIFICATION OF THE AFRICAN MARITIME TRANSPORT CHARTER
PRESENTATION TO PORTFOLIO COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORT
22 SEPTEMBER 2015

2. OUTLINE OF THE PRESENTATION
PURPOSE
BACKGROUND OF THE AFRICAN MARITIME CHARTER
OVERVIEW OF THE CHARTER
STRATEGIC FOCUS OF THE CHARTER
ISSUES OF INTEREST TO SA
DEPARTMENTS AND PARTIES CONSULTED,RESPONSES AND COMMENTS
OTHER IMPLICATIONS
RECOMMENDATIONS

3. PURPOSE
To brief Portfolio Committee on Transport on the African Maritime Transport Charter
To request Portfolio Committee on Transport to recommend the AU African Maritime Transport Charter for tabling to Parliament in terms of section 231 (2) of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996

4. BACKGROUND
The Organisation for African Unity (OAU), as early as July 1994, adopted the African Maritime Transport Charter
Maritime transport was recognised to be essential for the economic development of the continent that Africa needs to collaborate to find solutions
The African Union (AU) subsequently adopted the updated and expanded Charter, which included provisions for the security and protection of the marine environment, in June 2010.
Charter falls within the scope of international law encompassing maritime transport and related activities in the coastal, inland waterways, territorial seas including the Exclusive Economic Zones of States Parties.
Furthermore it seeks to promote cooperation between State Parties, regional and international organisations

5. OVERVIEW OF THE CHARTER
The Charter is aimed at strengthening cooperation among Member States of the African Union in maritime transport, inland waterways navigation, ports and related activities.
The Charter is an instrument of cooperation amongst African Nations and embraces virtually every major issue that Africa is confronted with amongst other the following:
Lack of cooperation in Maritime Administration and Port Operations
Lack of cooperation in Maritime and Inland Waterways
Lack of cooperation between Landlocked States and Transit States
Lack of cooperation in infrastructure development , Ship Building and repairs
Poor coordination in Transit Agreements and Policies
Maritime Safety and Security
Research, innovation and development, competitiveness and job creation;
international trade; transport,
communication and logistics.
Gender Balance and participation of Women

6. STRATEGIC FOCUS OF THE CHARTER
The strategic focus of African Maritime Transport Charter is on strengthening co-operation among African countries in the maritime transport sector.
The Charter is also in line with Government Priorities and Policies i.e NDP which acknowledges the challenges in the maritime particularly, low level of corporation among African Maritime Administrators in the areas of safety, security and environmental management.
15th session of the AU Assembly resolved that Member States should accelerate the ratification of the Charter so that it come to force
The Charter is a deliverable of objective 18 of Operation Phakisa Initiative aimed at unlocking the potential of South Africa’s Oceans

7. ISSUES OF INTERESTS TO SA
SA’s recognise a need for the generation of the comprehensive maritime transport policies and strategies for Africa.
A collective Continental and Regional ownership and support of all issues pertaining to maritime governance as prescribed in the Charter
Harmonisation of laws, policies and institutions to facilitate co-operation and collaboration to ensure Continental and Regional maritime security.
Enhancement of cooperation among State Parties in the areas of maritime safety , marine environment protection management and Search and Rescue
Promotion of national and regional Cabotage to encourage intra-Africa trade to facilitate economic and socio-economic integration in the Continent
Port reform and efficiency for port services to ensure competitiveness of the African Ports

8. CONSULTATION
Legal opinion obtained from Chief State Law Advisers from Department of Justice and Constitutional Dev and DIRCO indicated that the Charter is not in conflict with domestic and international laws
The Charter was widely circulated to other governments department and maritime industry stakeholders and the Department did not receive any adverse comment.
The Charter was approved by Cabinet on the 5th of May 2015 for submission and ratification by Parliament

9. OTHER IMPLICATIONS
IMPLEMENTATION PLAN The Department will continue to work together with all relevant stakeholders to ensure appropriate implementation of the Charter that balances SA’s maritime interests IMPLICATIONS FOR VULNERABLE GROUPS Article 37 of the Charter encourages State Parties to adopt policies that creates opportunities for the advancement of Women in the maritime sector FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS None at this stage SECURITY IMPLICATIONS The Charter was presented to the JCPS Cluster and to the Navy

10. RECOMMENDATIONS
It is recommended that Portfolio Committee on Transport:
Supports ratification of the AU African Maritime Transport Charter
Recommends that the AU African Maritime Transport Charter be tabled to Parliament in terms of section 231 (2) of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996.