Hon Speaker and colleagues, the vast majority of South Africa's border consists of an ocean - or two oceans that meet at our south-western corner. These oceans maintain a vibrant marine life and numerous ecosystems. They must be continually protected and balanced against the interests and requirements of the economy for they are a renewable and sustainable resource.
The Cape of Good Hope is situated on one of the world's major shipping routes. The potential for oil pollution along the coast is therefore high and it is critical that we have at our disposal every means for the protection and reparation thereof.
With the enactment of the Merchant Shipping (International Oil Pollution Compensation Fund) Bill, our country will have access to the much needed International Fund for Compensation for Oil Pollution Damage, also known as the Fund Convention. With the South African territorial waters being part of major oil shipping routes, this access to an internationally resourced compensation fund which will cover damages arising out of spills along our coastline is very welcome.
The recent wreckage at Cape Town earlier this year of a certain bulk carrier off Bloubergstrand, where the hon Chief Whip of the IFP lives, it seems, has galvanised government into action. Whilst this legislative action in itself is very good, it is also very concerning that our government managed to only step up to the plate after post-catastrophe.
The lack or the unavailability of funding, or about who is responsible to pay when a disaster occurs, must not impede immediate interventions. Clause 7 is therefore welcome, where the SA Maritime Authority may request funds on behalf of the government. We also support all calls for our other marine legislation to be updated urgently to increase the shipowners' liability in the case of a bunker fuel spill from a cargo ship such as the recent incident with the Kiani Satu, which ran aground near Knysna. In terms of present legislation, the maximum we can claim from the owners of the Kiani Satu would be R33 million, based on the size of the ship, yet it is reported that the ship's cargo of rice is worth more than that amount.
Although compensation in itself will not restore damaged fauna and flora, it will allow for the rehabilitation and renewal of scarce resources. Moving forward, the IFP hopes to see more proactive intervention from all concerned in the protection of our territorial waters. The polluter pays principle must always be upheld. The IFP will support this Bill. Thank you. [Applause.]