Youth gain maritime business insights

Maritime professionals, entrepreneurs and industry leaders gathered for the inaugural Youth in Maritime Business Seminar, held recently at the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) Westville Campus. The Youth in Maritime Business Seminar was held in partnership with EThekwini Maritime Cluster, Izwi LoMzansi FM, the UKZN College of Law and Management Studies, and eThekwini Municipality. Young participants […]

Durbanites observe World Hydrography Day Celebrations

The people of KwaZulu-Natal (KZN), particularly Durban residents, had an opportunity to witness the South African Navy in action as the world observed World Hydrography Day. Celebrated annually on 21 June, World Hydrography Day aims to raise awareness of hydrography and its critical role in maritime safety, environmental protection and sustainable economic development. Under the […]

From Inanda to the world: Nautical Science Graduate breaks the stigma

“This qualification helped me gain theoretical, practical knowledge, and skills that I will need when I go on board to work safely and efficiently on the ship,” says Nautical Science graduate, Sbonga Sibiya. Sibiya, (21), from the township of Inanda, West of Durban, is proof that dreams can thrive regardless of one’s circumstances. Sibiya recently […]

EMC and SAMSA Engage to Strengthen Maritime Opportunities

The eThekwini Maritime Cluster (EMC) recently met with the South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA) to discuss means of working together to grow the maritime sector. The discussions focused on skills development, creating career opportunities, and opening more pathways for young people to enter the industry. The engagement highlighted the value of partnerships in promoting […]

Boat Building Curriculum on the Pipeline at Elangeni TVET College

The EThekwini Maritime Cluster (EMC), in collaboration with Mr Knud Kusche, a German expert from the Senior Expert Service (SES), have engaged with Elangeni TVET College to explore a partnership focused on developing a Boat Building Curriculum at the College. The purpose of the meeting at the Pinetown Campus was to provide the College with […]

Sustainable Seashells: A Young Innovator’s Journey

Growing up along the South Coast and surrounded by the ocean’s beauty and complexity inspired a Gugu Shusha to develop a solution that protects marine ecosystems. “I was surrounded by the ocean and have seen both its beauty and the impact of human activity on marine life. This inspired me to create a solution that […]

Stay Curious, Says Sea to Soil Creator to Aspiring Entrepreneurs

Amanda Mdladla, the creator of Sea to Soil and 3rd place winner in the Marine Resources category of the Ocean Youth Innovation Challenge says she was initially moved by the growing impact of climate change, particularly the role that synthetic fertilizers play in degrading the environment. Sea to Soil is based on the business plan […]

Mondli Mbhele: Successfully Navigating the Maritime Economy

Durban-raised Mondli Mbhele is among the first maritime economist graduates from the eThekwini Maritime Cluster (EMC), an experience that he says further exposed him to the intricacies of the maritime industry. Mbhele’s interest in the maritime space was sparked by the proposal to develop the Durban Dig-Out Port, a multi-billion rand infrastructure project plan to […]

Innovation Challenge Runner-up Creates Invention to Uplift Communities

Inspired by two major challenges in South Africa, the growing problem of plastic pollution and a difficulty in accessing affordable housing, Siyanda Sibiya is confident that his invention will tackle the issues the country is currently facing. From Vryheid, Emondlo, backed by his academic background that has equipped him with skills in production, quality management, […]