South Africa has 3924 kms of coastline and a “sea-land” area that is three times bigger than its land size.
Thirty percent of South Africa’s population lives on the coast. The country is also positioned on a major
shipping route and has eight commercial ports and 44 non-commercial harbours.
Currently, 58% of South Africa’s gross domestic product (GDP) is based on trade and 98% of South Africa’s
trade volume moves by ships. In addition, the country generates a significant 3.5% of the world’s seaborne
trade volume. However, in spite of these impressive numbers, South Africans generally do not recognise
their country as a maritime nation.

SA Maritime Sector Road Map 2030

The following individuals have actively participated in the steering committee meetings and their inputs have been invaluable to the development of the road map. They are (in alphabetical order): Mr Achuo Enow (NRF), Ms Sunita Kalan (DST), Dr Andrew Kaniki (NRF), Ms Conny Khambako (NSF), Ms Berenice Lue Marais (CSIR), Dr Meena Lysko (SAMSA), Mr Herschel Maasdorp (Transnet), Mr Isaac Maredi (DST), Ms Miriam Mosehla (NSF), Mr Thihangwi Mudzanani (DST), Mr Khotso Ndjwili-Potele (TETA), Mr Imraan Patel (DST), Ms Nkuli Shinga (the DTI), Mr Pierre Schoonraad (CPSI), Dr Gilbert Siko (DST), Mr Adrian Stydom (SAOGA) and Dr Engela van Staden (DHET).
The project team would also like to thank the more than 400 stakeholders from across the maritime sector who were involved in the stakeholder consultation process. The many valuable inputs that were gathered during this process have provided the bulk of the content of this document and clearly illustrate where the sector needs to be heading in future. Finally the project team would like to thank SAMSA and the members of DEA’s Oceans Economy Secretariat for their valuable inputs and review comments.