Transport Minister Barbara Creecy welcomed the re-election of South Africa to the International Civil Aviation Organization (Icao) Governing Council at the weekend.
The announcement was made at the organisation’s 42nd General Assembly, which is taking place in Montréal, Canada, until October 3. The election took place on Saturday, when the country was re-elected in Part II of the General Council.
Creecy is leading the South African delegation, which comprises technical and legal experts from across the local aviation sector. These include delegates from the South African Civil Aviation Authority, the Airports Company South Africa, Air Traffic and Navigation Services, the Departments of Transport and Home Affairs, as well as representatives from the South African National Space Agency and the South African Weather Services.
“The re-election result reaffirms the mandate that South Africa has held since 2003 and demonstrates the confidence of member states in the Republic and its ongoing contribution in shaping the global aviation agenda,” she said.
“The re-election also reaffirms South Africa’s instrumental role in advancing Icao’s agenda on safety, security, sustainability and environmental matters, while ensuring the African continent’s priorities remain firmly on the global stage.”
Creecy said that the role and leadership of the African Civil Aviation Commission (AFCAC), the African Union’s specialised civil aviation agency, needed to be acknowledged as it was instrumental in placing Africa’s aviation priorities at the centre of Icao’s agenda. Nigeria and Egypt were also elected to the council.
Africa had put forward candidates in both Part II and Part III of the Icao Council elections, with Part III signifying an equitable geographic representation for the continent. Part III elections will take place at a later stage.
Africa, through AFCAC, has tabled Working Papers that highlight broader strategic priorities. These include the Single African Air Transport Market initiative, which aims to open the African skies, boost connectivity and reduce costs, while unlocking trade and tourism opportunities.
The Icao’s 42nd Assembly is being held under the theme “Safe Skies, Sustainable Future”, focusing on its strategic goals of ensuring safe and secure flights, advancing environmental sustainability and enabling seamless, accessible and efficient air transport.
