Behind every ship there is a port which provides a safe haven, repairs, replenishment and a place to be away from the overpowering might of the sea. Once again the South African Post Office issued stamps to reflect these aspects of our maritime heritage.

South African Pilot Boats.	South African Tugs.
Other Tugs.	The JR More.
SAR & H Steam Tugs.	Diesel Fleet Specs.
Harbour Craft.	Harbour Philately.

The 35c stamp features Walvis Bay harbour, which is no longer a part of South Africa. Situated on the Namibian coast, it was incorporated into the Cape Colony in 1884. The territory of South West Africa was administered by South Africa until late last century when it became an independent nation. The harbour was formerly a whaling station but was gradually imporved until it was able to accept large vessles and even passenger ships from about 1927.
The 55c stamp features East London, which is South Africa's only active river port. Situated on the Buffalo river, it is no longer a major stop on the route around the Cape and has mostly concentrated on the export of motor vehicles. Interesting enough it used to boast the largest grain elevator in South Africa.
The 70c stamp was devoted to Port Elizabeth, another harbour on the Eastern Cape Seaboard. It achieved port status in 1825 and when this stamp was issued was the 5th largest cargo handling port in South Africa.
The 90c stamp has Cape Town as its focus. Table Bay having been a landing place for passing ships since it was first discovered in the 1400's. Originally a refreshment station founded in 1652 it grew steadily in size until it reached its busiest periods during the World Wars and the Suez Crisis. Known as "The Taven of the Seas", it still pays host to a variety of vessels which call or pass through our waters.
The R1.05 stamp features Durban Harbour, one of the busiest and best equipped ports in Africa. Built on a natural lagoon, some 25% of South Africa's exports and imports pass through its channel. Most of the ships photographed on this webpage were seen at Durban.

The 16c Stamp shows the Pelican Point Lighhouse. Pelican Point is the northern end of a long, low lying penisula of dune sand that forms the western side of Walvis Bay. The present cast iron tower was erected during 1931/32 and the di-optric revolving lens pedstal was commisioned in 1961. It is characterised by 3 white flashes every 20 seconds.
The 30c stamp features the Green Point Lighthouse which was lit for the first time on 12 April 1824. An third order optic was installed in 1922 and electrified in 1929. It flashes once every 10 seconds.
The 40c stamp has the famous Cape Agulhas lighthouse on it. This is situated on the southernmost cape on the African continent. The present structure was erected in 1968, the previous structure being declared unsafe. It flashes once every 5 seconds and can be seen for a distance of 26 nautical miles.
The lighthouse at Umhlanga Rocks north of Durban is shown on the 50c stamp. This lighthouse replaced one originally situated at the Point. It shows 3 flashes every 20 seconds.