Transnet National Ports Authority’s Port of Durban celebrated World Maritime Day by hosting five different primary schools (Grade 7) across the City of eThekwini. The objective was to raise awareness about the vast maritime careers available with the hope of planting the “Maritime seed” at the early stages of the learner’s education careers.
The Career Open Day formed part of commemorating World Maritime Day which was hosted by the International Maritime Organization on the 29 September 2022 under the theme “New technologies for greener shipping”. In collaboration with the eThekwini Maritime Museum and sister Operating Division, Transnet Port Terminals (TPT), learners were taken through the different Maritime Careers available at Transnet as well the significance of World Maritime Day.
Industry professionals included Port of Durban’s first female Commercial Diver, Marine Pilots, Vessel Traffic controllers, Tug Masters and Dredge Masters. The learners were intrigued, and their inquisitive minds were opened to a lot of questions that were thoroughly explained by the presenters.
“It’s very important for learners to get exposure to such careers at a very young age so that the choice of selecting subjects in high school is much easier as the learners would have been made aware of the type of career opportunities available to them.” Said Roxanne Manikkam, Port of Durban’s first female diver.
Schools that attended the event included Kwathabo Combined situated in Kwamakhutha, Sekelani Primary from Umlazi, KwaMyeza Primary from Hammasdale, Wiggins Primary in Mayville, and Thandokuhle Primary from Kwamashu. The learners and teachers were welcomed by the Port Manager, Ms. Mpumi Dweba- Kwetana who shared a brief motivation to the future leaders.
“The Maritime industry offers so many opportunities and requires young professionals to take up their space and as the Port of Durban, we remain committed to creating awareness about the various career opportunities available in the Port through platforms such as the career open days.” Said Dweba-Kwetana.
The day ended with a tour of the Maritime Museum which was led by the eThekwini Municipality where learners got to learn about the maritime history and got to see the oldest ships on display at the museum.
