South African Navy Strengthens Relations with eThekwini Ahead of the World Hydrographic Day 2026

The Chief of the South African Navy, Vice Admiral Monde Lobese, accompanied by the Flag Officer Fleet, Rear Admiral Handsome Matsane, and the Hydrographic Week organising team, paid a courtesy call on the Mayor of eThekwini Municipality, His Worship Councillor Cyril Xaba, in Durban. The engagement formed part of the South African Navy’s build-up activities ahead of the World Hydrography Day commemorations, which will take place in the city.

The courtesy call served as an important platform to strengthen relations between the South African Navy and eThekwini Municipality. At the centre of the engagement was the shared commitment to building lasting partnerships, fostering maritime security and stability, and bringing the Navy closer to the people. Durban, as one of South Africa’s key maritime cities, remains an important partner in promoting public awareness around the role of the Navy and the importance of the country’s maritime domain.

Following the meeting with the Mayor, Vice Admiral Lobese and Rear Admiral Matsane proceeded to conduct a final inspection of the venues that will host the Hydrographic Week activities. The inspection included the Maritime School of Excellence in Durban and Transnet N-Shed, where members of the public are expected to engage with naval personnel and experience some of the Navy’s maritime capabilities first-hand.

The visit reflected the Navy’s commitment to ensuring that the commemorative programme is delivered with professionalism, precision and purpose. As the city prepares to host the World Hydrography Day activities, the presence of the Navy in Durban carries a clear message: maritime security, hydrography and naval service are not distant concepts, but vital national functions that connect directly with the communities the Navy serves.

Article by Sergeant T. Magubele And Photographs by Paul Mpangala || Defence Corporate Communications || SA Soldier Magazine.