After having been established on 1 April 1998, the country’s preferred custodian of all matters maritime – the South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA) is celebrating 10 years of existence on 1 April 2008.

Promulgated into law through the passing of the SAMSA Act 5 of 1998, SAMSA continues to champion and promote South Africa’s maritime interests which include the diligent management of a 2, 798 Kilometre wide coastal area.

True to the organisations value proposition: “the authority leading the advancement of South Africa’s maritime safety and industry development agenda through service excellence” SAMSA continues to diligently regulate and promote an industry accounting for well-over 95% of South Africa’s total trade.

Planned celebrations marking SAMSA’s 10^th birthday coincide with the organisation’s newly revised/launched strategic intents which aims to place a renewed focus on SAMSAs core mandate inclusive of: ensuring the safety of life and property at sea, prevention and combating of maritime pollution from ships and contributing to the release of the full potential of the maritime industry in South Africa.

SAMSA’s Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Tsietsi Mokhele notes that “with the vast socio-economic, growth and development implications and potential it bares; SAMSA’s role has had to be re-oriented so that it can seminally contribute towards the development and promotion of the nation - much in line with government’s Accelerated and Shared Growth Initiative of South Africa (ASGISA) and related policy pronouncements.”

Besides the scheduled nationwide celebrations across all ports and regional offices under SAMSA’s management, on 1 April 2008 SAMSA will commemorate the day at head office, all ports and regional office. As well, the organisation will be contributing to the further development of the local maritime skills pool through the donation of over R 5 000.00 to the South African Sea Cadets in Port Elizabeth – one of the country’s few institutions striving to provide good quality maritime qualifications.