Q: What are the major challenges he faces? Creating awareness and understanding of the strategic importance of matters maritime to the economy of South Africa and ensuring greater emphasis, focus and delivery on the key issues in shipping and allied services. The importance of global shipping to the South African economy is reflected in the fact that we have a 3500 km coastline and that 90% of all imports and exports are carried by sea. The latter needs to be fully exploited towards achieving the status of a truly maritime nation. Moreover, he must drive greater co-operation between Ministries such as DTI, DPE, Labour and Finance. Q: What is his first priority? Review the various committees/working parties/ task teams and rationalise such entities to enable greater emphasis on specific outputs. Q: If you had his ear for a minute, what would you say? Please expand the passion you displayed for shipping in Kwa-Zulu Natal (and Durban) to a national level. We will fully support you and your department to establish South Africa as a truly maritime nation. Q: What is the one regulation that impedes your ability to do business? It would be unwise to point at a particular regulation in this regard. We would however appreciate speedier resolution of issues such as shipping register (including tonnage tax, mortgage ranking etc) which require closer working relationships with other government departments.
