South Africa Secures Re-election to ICAO Council

South Africa has once again secured its place on the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) Governing Council, a move hailed as a strong vote of confidence in the country’s leadership in global aviation. The announcement came during the 42nd ICAO General Assembly in Montréal, Canada, which runs from 23 September to 3 October 2025.

Transport Minister Barbara Creecy welcomed the news, highlighting that the re-election reflects international trust in South Africa’s aviation capabilities and affirms its ongoing role in shaping policies that impact not just Africa, but the world.

“This result reaffirms the mandate that South Africa has held since 2003 and demonstrates the confidence of Member States in the Republic and its ongoing contribution in shaping the global aviation agenda,” Creecy said.

Championing Africa on the Global Stage

South Africa’s success in Part II of the General Council ensures higher representation in discussions affecting global civil aviation. Creecy’s spokesperson, Collen Msibi, noted that the re-election underscores South Africa’s key role in advancing ICAO’s objectives on safety, security, sustainability, and environmental stewardship, while ensuring African priorities are front and centre.

South Africa will serve alongside fellow African nations, Egypt and Nigeria, as the continent’s representatives on the council. Msibi emphasised the instrumental role of the African Civil Aviation Commission (AFCAC), the African Union’s specialised civil aviation body, in amplifying Africa’s aviation priorities within ICAO discussions.

“The leadership of AFCAC has been vital in ensuring Africa’s aviation agenda is recognised and prioritised globally,” Msibi said.

Delegation of Experts

Leading the South African delegation is Minister Creecy herself, accompanied by a team of technical and legal experts from the South African Civil Aviation Authority, Airports Company South Africa, and Air Traffic and Navigation Services. Representatives from the Departments of Transport and Home Affairs, the South African National Space Agency (SANSA), and the South African Weather Service (Saws) also form part of the delegation.

This diverse team reflects South Africa’s comprehensive approach to civil aviation, combining regulatory oversight, operational expertise, and technological innovation to contribute meaningfully to ICAO’s global agenda.

Global Recognition and Local Pride

Social media in South Africa has been abuzz with congratulations for the country’s aviation sector. Aviation enthusiasts and industry professionals alike praised the government’s continued engagement in global forums, framing the re-election as both a recognition of past successes and a stepping stone for future growth.

For South Africans, this re-election is not just about prestige; it represents tangible influence over international aviation policies that impact trade, tourism, and air safety standards on the continent. As Creecy highlighted, South Africa’s voice on the ICAO council ensures that African skies and interests are represented where decisions matter most.

{Source: The Citizen}

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