The Challenge entails candidates who were tasked with developing practical solutions that address some of the most pressing challenges facing marine environments and coastal communities.

The Challenge brings together selected candidates tasked with developing practical, impactful solutions that address some of the most pressing challenges facing marine environments and coastal communities within two categories, namely, the Ocean Plastic Challenge and the Ocean Innovation Challenge.

The session, facilitated by MKRI’s Nomonde Ngcobo, focused on demonstrating how new ideas can be translated into viable concepts – guiding participants from problem identification and ideation through to solution development.

We look forward to the next phases of the competition and the innovative solutions that will be developed by the participants.

The workshop provided an important platform for maritime training beneficiaries to engage directly with industry stakeholders, and gain a deeper understanding of career prospects within the sector.

Stakeholders, including EMC represented by Training and Skills and Development Co-ordinator, Sibusiso Zondo, delivered presentations highlighting maritime career opportunities, priority growth areas, and emerging trends within the sector.

“The eThekwini Maritime Cluster delivers four core programmes — Industry Promotion, Training and Skills Development, Marine Manufacturing, and Enterprise and Supplier Development – all strategically aligned to its mandate of supporting and advancing the maritime industry in KwaZulu-Natal.

The workshop also featured a recognition ceremony honouring beneficiaries who successfully completed training aligned with the Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW), as well as those who earned their Skipper Licence Category C certification. Beneficiaries were selected from a pool of over 2,000 applicants.

“We have a clear vision and plan for this training programme and for the sector. We are actively exploring opportunities for you within the industry. The ocean is vast – and so too are the opportunities available to you,” Executive Manager for Development Services Unit at the Moses Kotane Research Institute, Zama Dlamini said.

The eThekwini Maritime Cluster is proud to have partnered with MKRI on this impactful initiative, reinforcing a shared commitment to building a skilled, competitive, and inclusive maritime workforce.

The awards recognised excellence in achieving the highest results in Maritime Economics across the province.

The distinguished schools included Sibusisiwe Comprehensive Technical High School, which achieved a 100% pass rate; Mowat Park Girls’ High School, with an impressive 98.3%; and Phendukani Full-Service School, which also attained a 100% pass rate.

The top-performing matriculants were Emihle Chonco (90%), Aphiwe Ngidi (89%), and Lulama Hlengwa (88%), all from Sibusisiwe Comprehensive Technical High School.

In addition, Gratton College, Birdswood High School, Vukuzakhe High School, and Emtshezi High School each achieved a 100% pass rate in Maritime Economics.

KwaZulu-Natal also earned the title of top-performing province following the release of the 2025 matric results earlier this year.

We congratulate all the schools, learners, and educators on this outstanding achievement – we are optimistic about the future of maritime in the province of KwaZulu-Natal.

The programme began with a comprehensive safety briefing, outlining the strict safety protocols required when operating within a high-activity port environment. Educators were then taken through an overview of terminal operations, including the rules and regulations governing imports and exports, cargo handling procedures, and the broader port value chain.

During the tour, teachers gained first-hand exposure to both waterside and landside operations. They observed how containers are received from vessels, offloaded using specialised equipment, stacked in the yard, and transported through coordinated logistics systems before final dispatch. The session also highlighted the planning and coordination required to ensure efficiency, productivity, and compliance within terminal operations.

By bridging classroom theory with practical industry experience, the workshop equips educators with deeper insight into cargo movement, logistics systems, and port processes. The aim of this initiative is to strengthens the teaching of Maritime Economics and inspires learners to consider careers within South Africa’s maritime sector.

Activities such as these reinforce the importance of collaboration between industry and education in shaping a knowledgeable and future-ready maritime workforce.

Born and raised in Durban as the youngest of seven children, Zanele says her upbringing shaped her resilience early on. “Growing up in a large family taught me independence, resilience, and the importance of finding my own voice,” she reflects. “Being the lastborn meant I was encouraged to be brave, adaptable, and determined to carve out my own path.”

Her journey into maritime began at Mowat Park High School, where Maritime Economics first exposed her to the sector. Through job shadowing at South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA) after her matric year, she gained hands-on insight into surveys, inspections, and regulatory work. “That early exposure allowed me to see the industry in practice rather than just theory,” she says, crediting mentors who made the career feel attainable. “Their stories truly lit my own lamp.”

Zanele went on to pursue Maritime Studies (now referred to as Nautical Science) at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology, where she excelled academically and completed her studies in record time. Today, her role on board involves watchkeeping, navigation safety, regulatory compliance, and active participation in safety drills and bridge teamwork. “Working closely with senior officers has helped me grow in confidence and competence,” she notes.

She credits industry leaders such as Mpho Monyane, Founder and Director at Maritime Empower Her, who played a significant role in offering guidance, encouragement, and a sense of belonging in the industry. She also credits Captain Zama Tshabalala and Chief Mate Kubendran Pillay who have been an important source of inspiration and support within the oil and chemical sector.

Like many young officers, Zanele has faced challenges, including limited mentorship and difficult onboard environments. “These experiences strengthened my resilience and my commitment to doing better for the next generation,” she says, particularly for young women entering the industry.

Anchored by strong mentorship, faith, and family support, Zanele is intentional about maintaining her mental well-being at sea.

“You are not alone,” she says to others finding their way. “If you don’t see yourself reflected yet, sometimes it just means you are meant to be the reflection.”

The tour was led by Nomfundo Buthelezi, Course Co-ordinator, and Sbahle Maphumulo, Education and Outreach Co-ordinator from the South African Association for Marine Biological Research – SAAMBR. Participants explored Sea World and the aquarium, gaining valuable insights into marine biodiversity and a deeper understanding of the impact of plastic pollution on ocean ecosystems.

The session provided an informative and engaging learning experience, encouraging dialogue around ocean conservation, sustainability, and innovation. The visit forms part of the Ocean Innovation Challenge’s broader objective to inspire young people to develop innovative solutions that support the protection and growth of the marine environment.

While the work readiness session was designed to equip the graduates with essential workplace skills ahead of their internships at Access World.

The selected graduates come from diverse academic backgrounds, including project management, supply chain management, human resources, and industrial engineering – to name a few. And their work placements officially start in February.

The year-long internship programme will offer participants hands-on experience, mentorship, and opportunities to apply their academic knowledge in a real-world working environment. Through initiatives like these, the eThekwini Maritime Cluster aims to bridge the gap between education and employment while contributing to skills development and transformation within the sector.

The eThekwini Maritime Cluster congratulates the graduates on this achievement and wishes them success as they begin this exciting career journey. We look forward to supporting their growth and development throughout the duration of the programme.

The launch marked the beginning of an exciting programme that places youth at the centre of maritime innovation. A total of 12 shortlisted candidates, six in each category, were selected to develop practical and impactful solutions that address some of the most pressing challenges facing marine environments and coastal communities.

During today’s launch, participants presented their ideas to partners, showcasing innovative concepts with strong potential for real-world application and long-term impact.

One of the key focus areas of the challenge is the Ocean Plastic Challenge, which invites young innovators to rethink how plastic waste is managed and repurposed. This category explores community-driven and technology-based approaches to efficient litter collection, as well as innovative recycling and upcycling solutions. Participants are encouraged to transform plastic waste into usable products, including creative waste-collection tools designed to promote responsible disposal behaviour.

The second focus area, the Ocean Innovation Challenge, centres on unlocking the economic potential of marine resources in a sustainable and responsible manner. Participants in this category are developing market-ready products derived from ocean-based materials such as seaweed, seashells, and other marine by-products. These innovations aim to support local enterprise development while ensuring the protection of marine ecosystems.

By placing young people at the heart of maritime innovation, the Maritime Youth Innovation Challenge seeks to nurture future leaders who are environmentally conscious and equipped to contribute meaningfully to the growth of South Africa’s ocean economy.

As the programme progresses, stakeholders and the public are encouraged to watch this space as the next phase of the challenge unfolds.

Taking place at the prestigious Cotswold Downs Golf and Country Estate, the event will provide a unique platform for meaningful engagement across the maritime industry and adjacent stakeholders. Participants can look forward to an exceptional golfing experience complemented by opportunities to connect and strengthen partnerships that support the growth of the maritime sector in eThekwini and KwaZulu-Natal.

The EMC Golf Day continues to serve as a platform for establishing and maintaining collaboration between the industry and the private sector, while also supporting the Cluster’s broader mandate of skills development, sector co-ordination, and inclusive economic growth.

Through EMC’s tiered sponsorships, we would like to invite industry partners, stakeholders, and sponsors to be part of this flagship event and contribute to advancing a resilient and competitive maritime economy.