OUTA Urges Parliamentary Action Over SAMSA Governance Woes

In a bold call to action, the Organisation Undoing Tax Abuse (OUTA) has turned to South Africa’s new assembly of lawmakers to advocate for change at the South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA). Citing ongoing governance challenges despite the appointment of a fresh board, OUTA is counting on the Parliament’s Portfolio Committee on Transport to leverage its oversight powers and instigate reform.

The issues besetting SAMSA are significant, and OUTA has itemized its concerns meticulously. Foremost is the prolonged absence of a permanent CEO since 2016, a gaping hole that has evidently impaired SAMSA’s effective functioning. Equally disturbing is the case of SAMSA COO Sobantu Tilayi, whose questionable fitness for his role is underscored by prior suspension, an adverse internal inquiry, yet a startling reinstatement.

Adding to the alarm, Tilayi’s actions were scrutinized in a January 2024 High Court ruling. Accused of illegally dictating business terms to SA Marine Fuels, SAMSA faces a hefty civil claim in the ballpark of R44 million, which, if lost, would directly impact taxpayers.

The situation demands prompt resolution as global developments, such as the conflict impacting Suez Canal traffic, have rerouted vessels around the Cape — increasing the importance of SAMSA's role in maritime oversight. With South Africa's crucial maritime interests at stake, the organization's current state could jeopardize both environmental safety and economic welfare.

OUTA has not restrained its advocacy to mere observation. The organisation has reached out to the portfolio committee in plea of SAMSA's accountability, recited their concerns to the Auditor-General in pursuit of a comprehensive audit, and flagged the predicaments to the Board, the Acting CEO, as well as the Minister and Deputy Minister of Transport.

The implications of SAMSA’s governance turmoil stretch beyond regulatory compliance and into the very sinews of the country's maritime economy. Bunkering operations have plummeted, and a failure to redress the issues could expedite vessel outflows from South African waters, exacerbating job loss and economic strain.

It is a clarion call to which OUTA expects an answer, imploring the powers that be to guide SAMSA back to its founding mandates — to safeguard the ocean, protect marine life, and advocate South Africa's maritime interests globally.