South Africa Re-elected to the Governing Council of the International Civil Aviation Organization
Pretoria – South Africa has been re-elected to the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Governing Council during the 42nd General Assembly currently held in Montréal, Canada.
The election took place on Saturday, 27 September 2025, with South Africa securing its position in Part II of the General Council, a category that offers member States increased representation in global civil aviation discussions.
In remarks made on Sunday, 28 September 2025, Transport Minister Barbara Creecy, who is heading the South African delegation, stated: “This re-election confirms the mandate that South Africa has held since 2003 and highlights the trust placed in the Republic by Member States, as well as its ongoing contributions to shaping the global aviation agenda.”
The delegation comprises technical and legal experts from the South African Civil Aviation Authority, Airports Company South Africa, Air Traffic and Navigation Services, the Departments of Transport and Home Affairs, alongside representatives from the South African National Space Agency and the South African Weather Services.
Minister Creecy further emphasized: “This re-election also underscores South Africa’s crucial role in promoting ICAO’s agenda focused on safety, security, sustainability, and environmental concerns, while ensuring that the priorities of the African continent are prominently represented on the global stage.”
Creecy highlighted the significance of the African Civil Aviation Commission (AFCAC), the African Union’s specialized civil aviation body, noting its key role in prioritizing Africa’s aviation needs within ICAO’s agenda.
Africa has nominated candidates for both Part II and Part III of the ICAO Council elections, with Part III intended to ensure fair geographic representation for the continent, and those elections will occur at a later date.
In addition to South Africa, two other African nations – Egypt and Nigeria – were elected to Part II of the General Council.
The 42nd Assembly of ICAO is convened under the theme “Safe Skies, Sustainable Future,” aiming to address ICAO’s strategic objectives related to safe and secure flights, promoting environmental sustainability, and facilitating seamless, accessible, and efficient air transport.