Cabinet approves Maritime and Aeronautical amendment bill

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 Cabinet has approved the South African Maritime and Aeronautical Search and Rescue Amendment Bill.

Government spokesperson Jimmy Manyi says the bill seeks to streamline processes, roles and responsibilities as prescribed during the execution of maritime and aeronautical rescue operations.

Briefing media two days after Cabinet's fortnightly meeting on Thursday, he said the measure was aimed at improving rescue response and turnaround times.

Among other things, the amendment bill delegates powers from the minister of transport to the SA Maritime Search and Rescue organisation.