JOHANNESBURG - After bowing out in 2021, South Africa is back at the International Maritime Organization Council.
The country was re-elected under category C at the 34th session in London.
Category C is a group of nations with interests in maritime transport or navigation.
Deputy Transport Minister Mkhuleko Hlengwa said, of the election, "South Africa is a maritime nation and with the instabilities that have characterised the Middle East, South African waters [and] the Cape of Good Hope has become the alternative route."
Increased maritime traffic means increased responsibility around safety and security of shipping vessels, and environmental matters, according to the deputy minister.
Hlengwa said the country will be using its membership to strategically protect South Africa's interests.