Are you ready to lead the South African maritime sector?

SAMSA advertises for a CEO position

SOUTH AFRICA: After a protracted period without a permanent Chief Executive Officer in place, the South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA) is advertising to fill the position with applications closing on 10 March.

Tau Morwe is the current Acting CEO, having taken over from a line of predecessors in October last year after then Acting CEO, Zamachonco Chonco handed in her notice. Morwe is also the current Deputy Chairperson of the Board of SAMSA.

SAMSA has been without a permanent CEO since Tsietsi Mokhele vacated the position in 2016. Sobantu Tilayi, who stepped into the void at that time, was the longest serving Acting CEO – leading the authority for five years.

The industry will be keen to see the position attract the right type of leadership to ensure SAMSA’s strategic governance of the maritime sector.

SAMSA’s advert for the position calls for someone who can provide strategic leadership, regulatory oversight, and operational management to ensure the effective and efficient functioning of the maritime regulatory body.

“Your role will be crucial to the success of SAMSA and will require a deep understanding of maritime regulations, industry dynamics, and the ability to collaborate with stakeholders to promote safety, compliance, and sustainable solutions within the sector the development and execution of the overall business strategy and success.”

Maritime stakeholders will be pleased to note that the stated requirements include the need to possess proven understanding and knowledge of the maritime sector and industry trends as the candidate will be responsible for formulating and executing the Authority’s long-term strategy, vision, mission, and objectives to align with the broader goals of maritime regulation and broader industry development.

Given the ongoing financial instability that has dogged the balance sheet over the last couple of years, the new CEO will also be tasked with the important mission to oversee the financial health of the body and implementing strategic interventions to ensure sustainability.

Perhaps key too, is the need to foster a cohesive culture within the SAMSA that translates into a conducive relationship with the Department of Transport as well as other governmental structures that are operate within the maritime environment.