SOUTH AFRICA: Coastwise Connect, a new virtual community for South African maritime professionals, has opened applications for 35 Founding Connector seats ahead of its public launch later this year. The recruitment funnel went live this week, with selections being made on a rolling basis until the cohort is filled.

SOUTH AFRICA: The South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA) has confirmed that intensified efforts are underway to manage the maritime safety and environmental risks posed by the wreck of the fishing vessel FV De Fu No 2, currently located offshore of the Western Cape.

LIBYA: A study financed by the African Development Bank (AfDB) will provide a situational and gap analysis of Libya’s transport sector aimed at supporting the country’s economic recovery.

TANZANIA: The Government of the United Republic of Tanzania has formally informed the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) that operational management of the Tanzania Zanzibar International Register of Shipping (TZIRS) has been entrusted to a newly designated entity, drawing a clean line under a turbulent period for the East African flag.

TANZANIA: The Minister for Transport, Prof Makame Mbarawa, has called for accelerated adoption of integrated digital systems in the maritime sector to improve efficiency and facilitate trade.

SOUTH AFRICA: Acknowledging World Penguin Day, it’s worth celebrating the work being done to help save the African penguin which faces extinction and threats to its habitat that includes a shortage of food.

SEYCHELLES: Seychelles has taken a decisive step to fortify its economic resilience and sharpen its trade competitiveness, with Cabinet approving a suite of reforms that signal a clear pivot toward a more agile, rules-based, and business-friendly economic framework.

December 2023. That was the expected deadline for the completion of the corporatisation of the Transnet National Ports Authority at the outset of Operation Vulindlela (OV). It’s now April 2026 and, while the latest OV Quarterly Report merely hints at the issue, two tenders released by TNPA this week indicate that there is some traction. Editor, Colleen Jacka, delves into the scope of the tenders and outlines what the industry can expect over the next 12 months.