One of the main activities included in the one-week programme was a Port tour at the N-shed Passenger Terminal at Transnet National Port Terminal.

The purpose of conducting the port tour was to put into perspective some of the activities that occur within the Durban harbour to the programme beneficiaries that are currently placed within the maritime industry. The interns were granted the opportunity to drive around the Durban harbour and ask the captain onboard questions with regard to the activities that were taking place at the harbour.

The programme was prepared by Transnet National Port Authority and the opening of the programme was led by Captain Thokozani Mthethwa, Deputy Harbour Master who encouraged the interns to continuously research the vast career opportunities within the maritime “I request that each one conducts extensive research on the different opportunities and keep in contact with us and I will be able to connect you with professionals within the maritime sector to guide you in your respective career field because maritime is a vast sector.”

EMC Managing Director Mrs Gwamanda, Chairman Mr. Ntshangase, and the eThekwini municipality delegate Ms. Noma Sokhela were present as the main funders and supporters of the programme. Mrs Zenzile Gwamanda said in her address, ‘’As the EThekwini Maritime Cluster we work towards transforming the maritime industry through solving some of the country’s issues. Part of the work EMC does is placing graduates into the industry with the hopes to see change and leave a meaningful footprint within the organisations they served their 12-month internship.’’

One of the other reasons that the work readiness programme was initiated is to help graduates acquire soft skills that will give them a competitive advantage in being absorbed by the industry after they complete serving their internship.