SOUTH Africa’s ports under the custodianship of Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) rolled out an array of activities to mark World Maritime Day on Thursday, 26 September.
World Maritime Day celebrates the international maritime industry’s contribution towards the world’s economy, especially in shipping. This year’s theme globally, ‘Empowering Women in the Maritime Community’, provided an opportunity for the South African port landlord to reflect on the contributions of women in the sector and to promote its achievements in terms of gender equality in an industry historically dominated by males.
At the Port of Durban’s head office, GM of the Port of Durban, Moshe Motlohi, unveiled #WomeninMaritime floor decals and Wall of Anchors portraits beautifully drawn by the port’s own Samukelo Gasa, a Civil Engineer at TNPA. These celebrate women who have played a significant role in the port’s recent history. The Port of Durban also supported the inaugural annual Invest in Maritime South Africa Summit. The event, held from 26 to 27 September in Durban, provided an investment platform to potential enterprises to present bankable projects ready for investor consideration.
TNPA’s Acting Chief Executive, Nozipho Mdawe said the South African chapter of the Association of Women Managers in the Maritime Sector in Eastern and Southern Africa (WOMESA), would also be relaunched by the Deputy Minister of Transport by the end of this year, to spearhead the advancement of women as a key resource in the maritime sector.
In further celebration of national Heritage Month, World Maritime Day and National Tourism Month, TNPA also participated at the inaugural Maritime Heritage Institute Conference at Vaal University of Technology held under the theme, ‘Reclaiming our future, advancing our past.’ The event from 25 to 27 September explored and showcased the country’s maritime heritage and related economic opportunities.
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TNPA’s Captain Naresh Sewnath, Senior Manager Pilotage and Vessel Traffic Services, addressed the event with a message of support and a presentation on the topic ‘Port Maritime History – Legacy, Challenges and Future Prospects’.
Speaking during the busy week, Mdawe said: “We are reminded of the important role we play as custodian of the South African port system in preserving and building upon the strong history of shipping in South Africa. Yet at the same time, we are focused on carving out a new maritime future that is more inclusive and accessible to all South Africans. This ‘new’ maritime outlook includes a strong focus on the development of women and other previously disadvantaged groups.”
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