South African Parliament to address Middle East crisis
Cape Town, South Africa (PANA) – South Africa’s Parliament is scheduled to discuss the ongoing conflict in the Middle East following the recent US and Israeli attacks on Iran.
National Assembly Speaker Thoko Didiza on Tuesday said she had considered the serious nature of the request, guided by the rules of Parliament, and had concluded that it warranted a debate .
“The recent developments in the Middle East are of a serious nature and impact South Africa and its citizens. South African citizens have been caught in the conflict zone; it has had an impact on air travel for South Africa amongst other matters,” she said in a statement.
Meanwhile, the Port of Cape Town has recorded a 112% surge in diverted vessels, after global shipping companies rerouted ships around the Cape of Good Hope as the Strait of Hormuz remains a high-risk zone.
The Cape Chamber of Commerce and Industry said this shift has resulted in a surge in Cape diversions, adding roughly 10 to 14 days to transit times and significantly increasing fuel and insurance costs for global trade.
The chamber said Western Cape exporters and agricultural producers are already feeling the weight of logistical disruptions and rising input costs arising from the unfolding crisis in the Middle East.
“The Cape Chamber can confirm ongoing cargo disruptions at Cape Town Port, with some Cape Town shipments to or transiting the Middle East on hold until further notice,” the chamber in a statement.
-0- PANA CU 11Mar2025
