The South African Navy has wrapped up its celebrations for World Hydrography Day in East London, marking a week of public engagements, ship tours, panel discussions, and ceremonial events. 

Central to these festivities was showcasing hydrography’s vital role in maritime safety, environmental protection, and sustainable economic growth, all under the theme “Seabed Mapping: Enabling Ocean Action.”

A key highlight was the Declaration of Intent, signed by 15 naval chiefs across Africa, including Nigeria, Kenya, Ghana, Egypt, and South Africa, outlining 11 shared maritime priorities to bolster security and cooperation.

Throughout the week, naval vessels docked at the Port of East London, allowing residents to explore the Navy’s technical capabilities firsthand. 

The programme also included a panel discussion and hydrography lecture at the Premier Hotel ICC, followed by a cocktail event and book launch aboard the SAS Amatola.

During the cocktail reception, Vice Admiral Monde Lobese, Chief of the South African Navy, emphasised hydrography’s critical importance across various sectors.

“Hydrography plays a foundational role in our maritime security and economic activities. As a nation bordered by the Atlantic and Indian Oceans, South Africa depends heavily on its Navy to facilitate trade, defend our sovereignty, monitor maritime borders, and manage ocean resources. 

“Hydrography enables safe navigation, supports search and rescue operations, and helps us better understand our vast oceanic territories.”

He further explained that accurate hydrographic data is essential for determining secure shipping routes and combating maritime threats such as piracy and illicit fishing, especially as global sea traffic has increased by 74% year-on-year due to instability in the Red Sea and Suez Canal.

Highlighting the broader strategic context, Vice Admiral Lobese noted that hydrography is an international obligation and a key driver of the blue economy, Africa’s ocean-based economic development.

The Navy also used the occasion to share outcomes from the 5th Sea Power for Africa Symposium, a high-level gathering of naval chiefs, academics, and maritime security experts from over 30 countries. 

As the continent’s only Pan-African maritime forum, the symposium addressed pressing issues such as resilience in security strategies and responses to hotspots, including the Red Sea.

A significant outcome of the symposium was the signing of the Declaration of Intent, a commitment by 15 African naval chiefs to prioritise 11 shared maritime objectives, fostering greater security and cooperation across the continent. 

Vice Admiral Lobese described this as a renewed commitment to collaborative progress, with plans to review developments at the next Sea Power symposium.

The event also featured the launch of a new publication, which compiles 15 papers from the symposium. 

“The publication was inspired by Nelson Mandela’s words describing the sea as ‘a vital national interest,” said Vice Admiral Lobese.

The celebrations concluded with a parade through Oxford Street in East London, ship tours, and a South African Navy Band concert at the Guild Theatre. 

The Navy hailed the week as a success in raising public awareness of hydrography’s importance and unlocking the full potential of Africa’s maritime resources.

“This week has highlighted not only our hydrographic expertise but also the vital role of the Navy in securing our oceans and fostering regional cooperation,” said Vice Admiral Lobese.

thabo.makwakwa@inl.co.za

IOL Politics

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