Philippine Ambassador Noralyn Jubaira Baja (rightmost) and First Secretary and Consul Jim Minglana (not in photo) called on officials of the South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA) at the SAMSA office in Pretoria on 23 September 2022 to discuss issues of mutual concern to the Philippines and South Africa, including the welfare of Filipinos passing through South African ports.

The Embassy and SAMSA agreed to come up with a program of activities that would include an exchange of best practices in the maritime sector and the annual celebration of the Philippines’ Maritime and Archipelagic Nation Awareness Month (MANA Mo) every September and the International Seafarers Day in June. The Embassy also conveyed its intention to visit SAMSA offices in the various South African ports beginning next year.

Also in the photo are (R-L) Ms. Zamachonco Chonco, Acting CEO, Executive Corporate Affairs; Mr. Zawimbanhi Nelwamondo (joining virtually), Chief Examiner, SAMSA Cape Town; Mr. Vusi September, Acting COO, Executive Corporate Affairs; Ms. Nasipi Kondlo, Maritime Specialist, Intergovernmental and International Relations; and Mr. Walter Simakani, Head of Strategy, Office of the COO.