The Department of Transport joined the global maritime community today to commemorate the International Day of the Seafarer 2026, a day dedicated to recognising the invaluable contribution of the men and women who keep global trade moving across the world’s oceans.
Under the International Maritime Organization (IMO) theme, “Carrying World Trade, Carrying the Risks”, this year’s observance shines a spotlight on both the essential role seafarers play in sustaining global supply chains and the growing personal and professional risks they face at sea.
Hosted at the Bon Hotel Empangeni in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal, the event brought together key stakeholders from across the maritime sector, including the South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA), Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA), shipping companies, port operators, maritime training institutions, industry leaders, and most important the seafarers themselves.
The day began with a tour of the Port of Richards Bay, one of South Africa’s busiest commercial ports, before moving into a full programme , panel discussions, and an exhibition showcasing the maritime sector’s contribution to the national economy.
Delivering the keynote address, Deputy Minister of Transport, Mr Mkhuleko Hlengwa paid tribute to the dedication, resilience and sacrifice of South Africa’s seafarers.
“Every day, millions of people wake up expecting food on supermarket shelves, fuel at service stations, medicines in hospitals, vehicles in dealerships, and goods delivered to businesses and homes. Few stop to ask a simple question: How did it all get here? The answer is simple. Because somewhere, often thousands of kilometres away from home, a seafarer made that possible.”
He called for continued investment in maritime education, skills development, and youth participation, particularly encouraging more young South Africans—especially women and young people from coastal and inland communities—to pursue careers in the maritime sector.
The programme also featured messages of support from SAMSA, TNPA, and the South African International Maritime Institute (SAIMI), as well as a video message from the IMO Secretary-General. An interactive Q&A session allowed Seafarers to share their experiences and concerns directly with industry leaders and stakeholders present.
In his closing remarks, the Deputy Minister reaffirmed the Department of Transport’s commitment to strengthening South Africa’s maritime economy as a pillar of inclusive economic growth, through initiatives to modernise ports, improve logistics performance, enhance maritime safety, develop maritime skills, and unlock opportunities within the Ocean Economy.