PRESIDENT CYRIL Ramaphosa has signed into law several crucial bills that will improve the safety of navigation in South Africa’s territorial waters, professionalise the country’s diplomatic Foreign Service, and give citizens access to information about funding for political parties.

According to a statement issued by the Presidency, the Hydrographic Act provides for the establishment of the Hydrographic Office as a unit within the South African Navy, with responsibility for the safety of navigation in South Africa’s exclusive economic zone and the internal waters of the country.

The Hydrographic Office will ensure that hydrographic surveying is done in accordance with international specifications and will issue sailing directions, notices to mariners and nautical publications, in addition to other services. 

This is vital for the safe use and economic management of the marine resources along South Africa’s 3 000km coastline, which is at the centre of an important global shipping route.

Ramaphosa