Article by Thuso Mhlambi | From the Desk of The CFO

In the aftermath of the Trump inauguration and the promises to action and immediate change during his speech, there are many factors that we could look at in trying to figure out why our country is struggling to grow and take advantage of the many opportunities that surround us.  In my opinion we need to become a results-based society where productivity is rewarded instead of the incumbent system where cronyism and nepotism abounds.

A patronage system in politics speaks to a political party coming into power and using their platform to give government jobs to friends (cronyism) and relatives (nepotism) as a reward for working towards the victory. In this type of environment, corruption, shady political compromises and backroom deals thrive.  Countries that have avoided or overcome episodes of mass-based patronage politics have established institutions that insulate public administrations from case-by-case political interference. They have achieved high levels of economic prosperity and equality.  Thirty years after the end of apartheid, South Africa’s economy is struggling, Gross domestic product per person is down, Unemployment and poverty are rampant, and there seems to be no answers from our government.  Rather than coordinating a credible response to this demise, the South African state is in crisis.  Public administration services are low, if present at all, and our politics is fundamentally corrupted.

In public administration, efficiency is achieved by systematically dividing tasks and acting by getting staff to follow procedures, rules and systems correctly. Elected political leaders are held accountable to how they exercise oversight over their department, and equity is attained by meting out uniformity in services, results are achieved by treating all similar cases in the same way. The guiding principle of the patronage system is loyalty, elected politicians owe their loyalty to the minister or president who put them in their position, they don’t show loyalty to the citizens they serve.

Is meritocracy the answer? Meritocracy grew in popularity in the 1960’s as the working class sought to replace the existing aristocracy of the time where your success depended on your lineage and family endowments. One could argue that the patronage system is slowly breeding a group of new aristocratic elites in South Africa, ones not born of wealth and position but those that snatched it from the hands of an apartheid government. I suppose there needs to be an acceptance that elites aren’t removed but instead they are replaced by a new group who inevitably will seek to imbed themselves and close rank to secure their newfound riches and status.

Perhaps the most formidable criticism of meritocracy is that the very nature of merit and how it can be assessed can be challenging to discern. The challenge here is that the theory of meritocracy presupposes the possibility of equality of opportunity. In a country as unequal as South Africa it could be argued that we don’t have the foundations needed to implement a system where rewards are allocated to those with abilities to perform. What further exacerbates the issue is our failing education system. Social mobility is a challenge for millions of people in our country due to the inability to access quality education. Skills and knowledge are the bedrock of meritocratic ambitions.  South Africa has deeply complex problems and deeply complex problems need highly intelligent people to address the issues, meritocracy seems like the default turnaround that we need. We need to see accountability in the state, we need competent and knowledgeable people running with the objective of the National development Plan.

Should our government move from a system of patronage to a meritocracy? I must admit, the answer is not apparent, at least not to me, but that doesn’t mean we must sit idly by as our country continues to experience an economic malaise that sees unemployment and inequality rise. In the medical profession, and indeed the bible, to fix something you first need to name the problem (diagnosis), and that is my aim with this short thesis. And its name is patronage.

Source: Linsen Nambi

In a landmark event at the IMO GloNoise Partnership Project Workshop held in Cape Town, Deputy Minister of Transport, the Honourable Mkhuleko Hlengwa, delivered a powerful keynote address underscoring South Africa’s leadership in tackling underwater radiated noise (URN) from commercial shipping.

URN, a growing concern for marine ecosystems and coastal livelihoods, has significant environmental impacts. As a Lead Pilot Country in the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) GloNoise Project, South Africa is actively working to integrate the IMO’s Revised Guidelines into national legislation, promote regional cooperation, and foster innovative solutions that will protect marine biodiversity and encourage sustainable shipping practices.

Key Highlights from the Deputy Minister’s Address:

• Regional Collaboration: South Africa’s ongoing collaboration with Madagascar and other key partners emphasizes the importance of shared responsibility for ocean stewardship and preserving marine life.
• Protecting Biodiversity and Supporting Coastal Communities: Prioritizing the protection of biodiversity hotspots such as Algoa Bay and ensuring the wellbeing of coastal communities is at the heart of South Africa’s efforts.
• Inclusive and Diverse Approaches: South Africa is committed to enhancing the inclusivity of its maritime initiatives, with a focus on promoting women’s participation and strengthening efforts to safeguard the oceans for future generations.

This event serves as a call to action for continued cooperation, regional partnerships, and the adoption of sustainable maritime practices to protect the world’s oceans. South Africa’s leadership in this field is a model for other nations to follow as we work towards a sustainable and thriving global maritime sector.

Source: SAMSA

The lecture provided participants with an opportunity to engage with Iain Reynard, a seasoned logistics professional with a wealth of experience in planning and executing complex logistics projects. Reynard’s session focused on the critical phase of a project—the “Go Live”—and how to effectively apply the Golden Rules in Logistics to ensure seamless execution, mitigate risks, and maximize project success.

During the lecture, Reynard shared valuable insights on navigating the complexities of project logistics, drawing from his extensive experience. He emphasized the importance of thorough planning, clear communication, proactive problem-solving, and a deep understanding of logistical dynamics when transitioning to the “Go Live” phase. His practical tips and real-world examples captivated the audience, making the session highly engaging and informative.

The participants had the pleasure of learning how to manage and optimize logistics during the most challenging part of a project, equipping them with knowledge to make their next project as successful and well-executed as a Jack Reacher mission.

The collaboration between UKZN and EMC through such industry-focused guest lectures continues to inspire greatness, providing students, professionals, and industry stakeholders with unique opportunities to learn from experts and stay ahead in their fields.

The EMC Youth Innovation Challenge, now in its second edition, aims to inspire young minds to think creatively and develop innovative solutions that address pressing challenges in the maritime sector. The challenge provides a platform for high school students to present their ideas and solutions, promoting a culture of research, problem-solving, and leadership among the youth.

Mr. Zondo, the EMC Skills and Training Coordinator, expressed his enthusiasm for the challenge’s progress and the calibre of talent displayed by the participants. He stated, “The Youth Innovation Challenge is an exciting journey that not only exposes young students to the maritime sector but also cultivates their skills in innovation and critical thinking. We are thrilled to see the creativity and passion that these young minds bring to the table, and we look forward to seeing how their ideas can shape the future of the maritime industry.”

JG Zuma High School, one of the schools participating in this phase, has been actively engaged in the challenge, with students demonstrating strong interest and commitment. Mr. M. Dlamuka, representing JG Zuma High School, shared his thoughts on their involvement: “Our students have shown great enthusiasm and dedication towards this challenge. They have embraced the opportunity to learn and contribute ideas that could have a significant impact on the maritime industry. We are proud of their achievements thus far and are confident that they will continue to excel.”

Adding a student’s perspective, one of the participants, a Grade 11 learner from Margot Fontaine Secondary School, expressed excitement about being part of the challenge: “Being part of the EMC Youth Innovation Challenge has been an incredible experience for us. It has pushed us to think beyond the ordinary and come up with innovative solutions. This challenge has opened our eyes to the possibilities within the maritime sector, and we are grateful for this opportunity.”

As the EMC Youth Innovation Challenge moves forward, the participating schools will continue to develop their projects and present them to a panel of industry experts. The challenge not only encourages innovation but also aims to create awareness of the opportunities within the maritime industry, inspiring the next generation of maritime leaders.

The EMC Training and Skills Development Unit Working closely with African Marine Solutions (AMSOL) remains committed to nurturing young talent and driving innovation within the sector. Stay tuned for more updates as the challenge unfolds and these young innovators showcase their ideas for a sustainable future in the maritime industry.

The state-of-the-art simulation system is the result of a visionary project that began in 2019, in partnership with Shanghai Maritime University. Despite the numerous challenges posed by the global COVID-19 pandemic, DUT remained committed to their goal of advancing maritime education and training. Their unwavering dedication has resulted in the establishment of a training platform that stands at the forefront of modern maritime education technology.

This advanced Navigation Simulation System is designed to provide students with a realistic and immersive learning environment that closely mirrors the complexities of real-world navigation and maritime operations. By leveraging cutting-edge technology and innovative design, the system enhances the practical skills and competencies of students, ensuring they are well-prepared for the demands of the maritime industry.

The success of this project would not have been possible without the hard work, expertise, and commitment of the DUT faculty. Their dedication has been instrumental in bringing this pioneering initiative to fruition. This achievement represents a significant step forward in the development of highly skilled maritime professionals and will undoubtedly have a profound impact on the future of maritime education and training.

As EMC, we are proud to support and celebrate this remarkable achievement. The launch of the Navigation Simulation System is not only a milestone for DUT but also a testament to the strength and potential of the maritime industry in the region. We look forward to the positive impact this groundbreaking project will have on the maritime sector, fostering innovation, skills development, and excellence in maritime education.

Once again, congratulations to DUT on this incredible accomplishment. We eagerly anticipate the continued growth and success of this program and the future maritime professionals it will help shape.

Initially, she found it challenging to fully embrace the recognition. However, upon reflection, she realized that this accolade represents more than just a personal achievement. It is a testament to the collective hard work and dedication of her team and the many individuals who have supported her throughout her journey.

In particular, she expressed her heartfelt gratitude to the team at the Department of Development Studies at Nelson Mandela University. It was there that her career began, first as a student assistant and later as a research coordinator. She credits the exceptional mentors and colleagues at the department for teaching her everything she knows about research. Their unwavering support, especially during the early stages of her academic journey, was instrumental in shaping her career. They not only helped her navigate her undergraduate studies but also introduced her to the maritime industry, which has since become her passion.

Research, she believes, plays a crucial role in the port and maritime industries. It helps navigate complexities, identify growth opportunities, and develop policy solutions that drive progress. Through rigorous analysis and a commitment to accuracy, researchers like her uncover insights that optimize operations and guide strategic decision-making.

Looking to the future, Ms Ncayo is excited to continue contributing to the field and collaborating with industry leaders. She believes that by working together, they can elevate the standards of research in this vital industry and drive innovation.

She extends her sincere thanks to Acquisition International Magazine for this recognition and to everyone who has been part of her journey. As she moves forward, she remains committed to making meaningful contributions to the maritime industry and pushing the boundaries of research excellence.

“As the Managing Director of the EThekwini Maritime Cluster, I am thrilled to witness the christening of these two newly launched boats built by Sandock Austral Shipyards. This milestone not only signifies a significant achievement for the local maritime industry but also underscores the region’s capability to produce high-quality marine vessels.” Said the EMC Managing Director, Ms. Zenzile Gwamanda when asked about the significance of this milestone.

According to a Transnet National Ports Authority statement, this acquisition is part of TNPA’s Marine Fleet Renewal program, aimed at improving shipping efficiency across South African ports by increasing the availability of marine craft. The renewal program is a pivotal aspect of TNPA’s strategic goals within the broader Transnet Recovery Plan.

The new boats, constructed and delivered by Sandock Austral Shipyards (SAS), are essential to port operations. They assist in towing and guiding vessels through narrow sea channels, handling mooring lines, and facilitating the docking, sailing, and repositioning of smaller vessels, including fishing boats, within the port.

“The deployment of these boats to the Port of Cape Town highlights the collaborative efforts within South Africa to enhance port operations and maritime efficiency. For the community, this accomplishment means job creation, skills development, and economic growth. It reflects our commitment to fostering a robust maritime sector that benefits the entire region. The success of this project is a testament to our collective expertise and dedication to advancing the maritime industry in South Africa.” concluded Ms. Gwamanda.

The christening event saw attendance from key industry stakeholders such as KZN MEC for Economic Development, Tourism, and Environmental Affairs, Rev. Musa Zondi; EThekwini Municipality EXCO Member and Chairperson for Economic Development, Tourism, and Environmental Affairs, Cllr Thembubuhle Ntuli; SAS CEO Prasheen Maharaj; TNPA’s representatives; EThekwini Maritime Cluster (EMC) Executives and Management; along with industry stakeholders.

These additions signify TNPA’s ongoing commitment to enhancing maritime operations and supporting the economic development of the region through improved port efficiencies.

The partnership between the PRSA and the B-BBEE Commission seeks to address the slow progress of transformation in the sector. According to the PRSA’s report on the “Implementation of Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment in South Africa,” Black ownership in port terminal operations, leases, and services and facilities remains below 20%, 18%, and 12%, respectively. Ownership by Black women in the sector is alarmingly below 15%.

Meanwhile, the B-BBEE Commission’s National Trends and Status report on B-BBEE for 2022 reveals that although the Integrated Transport sector achieved 58% Black ownership by JSE listed entities and 25% for Black women in 2022, the Ports sub-sector lags behind. This underscores the challenge of enforcement and accountability for non-compliance with the B-BBEE Act faced by both the PRSA and the B-BBEE Commission.

The B-BBEE Commission is expected to play a key role in strengthening accountability and enforcement, aligning with its powers and functions outlined in the B-BBEE Act, to support the transformation initiatives of the PRSA. The collaboration between the two entities is anticipated to improve monitoring of transformation activities within the Ports Sector, ensuring that black operators and port users benefit in the future.

The MoU facilitates exchanges of information, strategies, expertise, and research related to B-BBEE and transformation, along with engaging in awareness and advocacy programs concerning B-BBEE as needed.

Access the link below to find more information:

https://maritimecluster.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/RFQ-EMC-EXTERNAL-AUDITORS-2024.pdf