Pupils and guests gathered at the N-shed in Durban Harbour to mark World Maritime Day on Thursday. Image: Supplied
Young people have been encouraged to explore careers within the maritime field.
The call for young blood to join this field comes after the celebration of World Maritime Day at the Durban Harbour’s N-shed on Thursday.
Themed “Navigating the future: safety first”, the event formed part of the eThekwini Municipality’s Blue Economy Week activations. The goal of Blue Economy Week is to raise awareness of the importance of the blue economy, encouraging sustainable practices and promoting maritime innovation.
The celebration was held in partnership with key stakeholders including Transnet, SA Navy, Department of Transport, MSC Cruises, the Durban Film Office, and environmental entities such as the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, KZN Wildlife, Department of Education and the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Economic Development and Environmental Affairs.
The programme included a Maritime Careers Expo (featuring maritime training institutions and industry exhibitions) and maritime expert talks, among other things.
Durban’s deputy harbour master Thokozani Mthethwa said the celebration of this day gave her the platform to share maritime knowledge with the youth.
“Making them aware that there is literally another world that is sea related and has careers which they can also partake in is great. I would love to see them excelling in this field,” she said.
Mthethwa said the maritime sector played a pivotal role in the economy of the country.
“Almost 90% of global goods are moved through water which tells you that what we are wearing and the phones we are carrying were transported from one place to another using water. We know it plays a huge part in the economic stimulation of every country.
“Our biggest trading partners and BRICS, wherever… everything moves through water. Therefore, it is important to me that the young ones know they can play a part in this industry as well. Whatever space you can play in, little or big, in maritime is important,” said Mthethwa.
She encouraged young people to work hard and believe in themselves so they could be in a position similar to her’s.
Lifesaving SA president Dhaya Sewduth said safety practices in the water were paramount and encouraged the youth to consider becoming lifeguards.
“All users of the ocean, whether it is the shipping industry, swimming or people who depend on it for their livelihoods, must always practice safety in the ocean,” he said.
“Thousands of youth work at the waterparks, summer camps and cruise ships. Whether they want to make it a full-time career or a part-time career it is up to them. It is an exciting career in an exciting environment, but it is something that is quite risky,” he said.
Sewduth also called on people to swim where lifeguards were on duty and thoroughly assess all risks.
Siyamthanda Sibisi from JG Zuma High School in KwaMashu won R25 000 for the school in the maritime youth innovation challenge.