The 22nd Southern African and Islands Hydrographic Commission Meeting
Chief of the South African Navy, Vice Admiral Monde Lobese, delivered the keynote address at the 22nd Meeting of the Southern African and Islands Hydrographic Commission (SAIHC22), held from 7 to 10 September 2026 at the Southern Sun Newlands Hotel in Cape Town.
Addressing regional hydrographic professionals and international delegates, Vice Admiral Lobese underscored the conference’s importance, reminding attendees of their shared commitment to advancing oceanic data sharing, strengthening regional maritime safety, and fostering closer naval cooperation across Southern Africa.
The Southern African and Islands Hydrographic Commission (SAIHC) was established in Cape Town under the International Hydrographic Organisation (IHO) Resolution 2 of 1997 on the Establishment of Regional Hydrographic Commissions. As a vital regional arm of the International Hydrographic Organisation, the Commission serves as the primary mechanism for member nations to collaborate on hydrographic matters, standardise nautical charting, and align regional practices with the IHO’s global objectives.
Regional coordination in hydrographic surveying, nautical capacity building, marine spatial data infrastructure (MSDI), and technical cooperation is essential to ensuring safe maritime navigation and sustainable ocean governance.
The South African National Hydrographer and Southern African and Islands Hydrographic Commission Chairperson, Captain Nicolette le Roux, officially led proceedings on the opening day of the 22nd Southern African and Islands Hydrographic Commission Conference on 8 September 2026. South Africa was again voted in as the Chair of the Commission and continues to hold a seat on the International Hydrographic Organisation Council. High-level attendees included Dr John Nyberg, Director of the International Hydrographic Organisation, and the Vice-Chairperson of the South African National Hydrographer and the Southern African, Mr Mohummad Shamad Ayoob Saab of Mauritius, alongside delegates representing SAIHC member states, industry representatives, associate members, and international observers.
In his keynote address, the Chief of the South African Navy, Vice Admiral Monde Lobese, highlighted South Africa’s vital role within the Commission, stating: “In terms of the Hydrographic Act of 2019, the National Hydrographer is mandated to represent the Republic of South Africa at international and regional hydrographic forums. As a member state of the International Hydrographic Organisation, South Africa remains committed to fulfilling this responsibility and contributing actively to the advancement of hydrography, both globally and regionally.”
The overarching message reverberating throughout the opening day of the conference was that the Commission’s future progress hinges firmly on regional cooperation. Whether sharing hydrographic survey support, expanding technical training opportunities, or collaborating on sustainable ocean management, delegates agreed: Africa’s complex maritime challenges cannot be solved in isolation.
Article and Photographs by Chief Petty Officer Nkululeko Zulu ǁ SA Navy Public Relations Department ǁ Naval Base Simon’s Town.
