The Cape Route and the future of global maritime systems

As the Middle East conflict elevates Southern Africa's maritime importance, security, infrastructure and green shipping challenges must be confronted.

Date: 2026-08-04

Time: 10:00 to 12:00

Venue: The Capital Menlyn Maine, Pretoria

Shipping companies are increasingly rerouting vessels around the Cape of Good Hope as the Middle East conflict disrupts traffic through the Strait of Hormuz and Red Sea. While this shift presents significant economic opportunities, it increases pressure on port infrastructure, maritime governance and security. It also raises questions about maritime domain awareness, environmental protection, emergency response and the region's preparedness to support a changing global shipping system.

This seminar will explore the security, economic and governance challenges and identify measures to strengthen maritime resilience, competitiveness and regional cooperation.

This seminar is co-hosted by the Institute for Security Studies (ISS) and the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in South Africa.

Moderator: Yanga Malotana, Project Manager, University of Pretoria

Presenter: Timothy Walker, Senior Researcher, Maritime, ISS

Panelists:

Prof Lisa Otto, Associate Professor, University of South Africa
Unathi Sonthi, Executive Chairperson, Maritime Chamber of Business
Mpho Monyane, Founder and Co-Director, Maritime EmpowerHer
Metse Ralephenya, Director of Maritime Security, Safety and Environment Protection, Department of Transport