Pretoria – Transport Minister Sindisiwe Chikunga is set to officially welcome the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) Audit Team on Monday in South Africa. The team will conduct a Mandatory Audit under the IMO Member State Audit Scheme (IMSAS). A preliminary audit outcome report is expected by the end of the week-long audit.
According to South African Government News Agency, the IMO, which South Africa joined in 1995, is a United Nations specialized agency that regulates global shipping. South Africa has been actively participating in the IMO to ensure compliance with international maritime regulations. The Republic previously undertook a Voluntary IMSAS in 2008. Since February 2016, IMO mandatory audits have been conducted, with 113 completed, including 28 in African countries. South Africa, along with Benin, is among the African States scheduled for audits before the end of 2023. The South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA) is among the state entities to be audited.