MEC for Transport and Human Settlements, Siboniso Duma said young people, especially from disadvantaged communities, needed to be exposed to careers in the maritime sector because there were various job opportunities.
The KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Transport and Human Settlements, Siboniso Duma, says the maritime industry in the province presents vast employment opportunities for the youth.
The MEC was speaking at a careers expo for school pupils on Thursday as eThekwini Municipality and the Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) marked World Maritime Day in Durban.
The event hosted more than 570 school pupils from around Durban.
Duma said young people, especially from disadvantaged communities, needed to be exposed to careers in the maritime sector because there were various job opportunities.
“Opening up of the maritime industry to all sectors of KZN society will enhance the chances of the export of our agricultural produce, especially from rural small-scale farmers and co-operatives, thus opening up their chances of entering the global export markets.”
Nkumbuzi Ben-Mazwi, acting port manager for the Port of Durban, said the career expo was part of the TNPA’s World Maritime Day, which is commemorated annually by the International Maritime Organisation on the last Thursday of September.
“The Port Open Day aims to raise awareness of the significant role played by the maritime sector in driving the economy of South Africa.
“The TNPA’s celebrations coincide with eThekwini Municipality’s ‘Blue Oceans Economy Week’, held between September 24 and 28, which seeks to position the City of Durban as a maritime hub and highlight the City’s commitment to harnessing its potential to attract and enhance international events.”
Deputy harbour master Captain Thokozani Mthethwa explained his own career path and how he came to work in the port.
“I had a background in school with engineering and was able to get a bursary with Transnet. I encourage young people who are about to finish school to look at the opportunities for bursaries at Transnet. They are not just in engineering but can be in the safety field, communications field, pipelines or property field.
“If you are passionate about engineering at Transnet, you need to have done pure maths at school, physical science and English. Even if you don’t have these subjects, don’t let it stop you from applying for other opportunities at the port.”
eThekwini Municipality speaker Thabani Nyawose said the purpose of the expo was to encourage young people to pursue opportunities in the maritime sector.
The Mercury