Chairperson, I stand here not as a member of the portfolio committee, but I was tasked to put forward this presentation. The Merchant Shipping (Safe Containers Convention) Bill will see South Africa fulfil its obligations as a contracting party under the International Convention for Safe Containers, which South Africa became a party to in 1982. This Bill will also assign responsibility for implementation to the Department of Transport, within whose ambit it rightfully falls.
Container safety and the establishment of an international standard thereof will enhance transport of containers "within the minimum of safety control formalities". This will lead not only to safer transport of containers, but also faster delivery times, which will have a knock-on and subsequent positive effect on economic growth.
Containers will be of a standard minimum size and will be fitted with identification plates for ease of securing, stacking and handling. Standardisation of container size and dimension will also ensure higher levels of safety for dock workers and truck drivers when handling containers - reason enough in itself for the enactment of this legislation.
South Africa relies heavily on the merchant shipping of goods for the bulk of its import and export activities, and as such, any Bill that seeks to bring South Africa in line with international norms and standards is welcomed by the IFP. We support the Bill. I thank you. [Applause.]