High Commissioner pays Chief Navy a courtesy visit Article and photos by AB Lizzy Hange Enquiries: 021 787 4697

The former Defence Minister Mr Charles Nqakula recently appointed as High Commissioner designated to the Republic of Mozambique was warmly welcomed by Chief of the Navy (C Navy), V Adm J. Mudimu, his entourage and the guard of honour at the Navy Headquarters on 24 July 2012.

The high commissioner assumed his duty on 01 June 2012 and graced Navy Office with his presence to be briefed on the SA Navy’s role in Maritime Security Initiatives on the African Continent.  Emissaries present in the boardroom for the briefing were Deputy Chief Navy, R Adm M.S. Hlongwane, Director Maritime Plans, R Adm (JG) S. L. Pillay, Director Maritime Diplomacy and Strategy, R Adm (JG) M.J. Josias, Defence Maritime Intelligence, R Adm (JG) N.S. Gumede.  Chief Director Air Policy and Plans in the Airforce, Maj Gen F. Z. Msimang was also present, Defence Intelligence, Maj Gen J.M. Nyembe and Chief Joint Operations, Lt Gen D.M. Mgwebi.  These members form a part of the key role players in planning and implementation of the new developments with regards to Maritime Security and Strategies in SADC.

High Commisioner Charles Nqakula and Chief Joint Operations, Lt Gen Mgwebi, Chief Navy, V Adm Mudimu in Navy Headquarters boardroom for the Commissioner's briefing

C Navy introduced all his team and officially welcomed High Commissioner Nqakula before handing over to Chief Director Maritime Strategy (CDMS), R Adm B. Teuteberg.  CDMS took up the stage and conducted a presentation on the following topic: ‘South Africa in support of Maritime Security Initiatives on the African Continent’.  The aim of the presentation was to provide an insight into the participation of the SANDF in Regional, Continental and International Initiatives of improving Maritime Security in Africa.

As an initiative to fight the scourge of piracy that had vastly hit the Mozambican Channel, a tripartite Memorandum of Understanding was signed between South Africa, Mozambique and Tanzania on 07 February 2012 in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.  This has already proved to be a great partnership as an incident in April 2012, saw the three countries successfully capture their first pirate attack, in cooperation with international forces.  The South African Navy vessel, SAS DRAKENSBERG, along with the Tanzanian Navy and the European Union (EU) forces rescued a Sri Lankan vessel which had been held ransom for six months and led to arrest of five pirates thought to be responsible.  The South African Navy and South African Air Force pushed the pirates northwards towards the Tanzanian Navy and EU forces, effectively cornering the pirates which lead to their arrest.

Chief Director Maritime Strategy, R Adm B. Teuteberg briefing the Commissioner and Directors	Defence Intelligence, Major General J.M. Nyembe giving his input

The successful operation illustrated that the agreement can be successful in practice through the willingness of the partners to cooperate. As the South African Navy put it, “the event makes it clear that the tripartite agreement and the subsequent deployment of SADC forces to safeguard our sea lanes, is paying dividends in ensuring the safety of our seafarers and their precious cargoes".

The scope of the presentation focused on Geographic Orientation, 2050 AIM Strategy, SADC Maritime Security Strategy and RSA/Mozambique/Tanzania Tripartite Agreement.  The need for maritime interaction with overseas partners to enhance interoperability, information sharing and international stability was top of the list in the discussions. 

The SA Navy has successfully conducted numerous exercises with other countries and has been seen as a major role player in contributing to Maritime Integrated Security and Strategy.  The SA Navy however has done a deal of great work on opportunities, such as hosting the biggest naval symposium in Capetown at the International Convention Centre where most countries are members.  C Navy is also the Chairperson of the Indian Oceans Naval Symposium (IONS).  That being said, it does not put out the biggest challenge the navy faces, which is funding. With all these recorded victories the SA Navy still needs major backing when it comes to finances.  High Commissioner Nqakula advised the team to always do regular presentations to the right people and influential people in the cabinet.

Mr Charles Nqakula seeking clarity and giving input during the presentation	The delegates waiting to be indulged with important information on Martime Security Strategies and Initiatives

Mandela said “The sea is a vital national interest and that is why we maintain the Navy.  We are a maritime nation trading all over the world.  We accept our obligation to combine with other maritime nations to uphold the freedom of the seas and to protect our national interests through naval power.” (President Nelson Mandela, International Fleet Review, Cape Town, 5 April 1997).

The whole team benefited from the advice given by the High Commissioner on how to tackle certain issues especially the financial challenge.  Mr Nqakula’s experience as the former Defence Minister proves to be positively beneficial to the SANDF on certain issues especially the financial challenges.  He has been in the cabinet and therefore knows what the cabinet considers before granting funds.  On completion of the meeting the members enjoyed lunch provided by the Naval Mess Pretoria catering department.