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 gained insights into key topics such as navigating the business start-up journey and building a competitive business brand. Representatives from the Department of Small Business Development (DSBD) and the Small Enterprise Development and Finance Agency (SEDFA) also participated in the event.

It was a strong platform for youth to connect, learn, and position themselves for growth in the maritime economy.

EThekwini Maritime Cluster thanks all stakeholders and speakers who contributed to the success of the day, as well as the young people who participated and continue to represent the future of South Africa.

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 theme “Transforming how ocean data is shared,” the three-day celebration culminated in the World Hydrography Lecture at the Maritime School of Excellence on 19 June. This was followed by a series of maritime and defence industry exhibitions held at the N-Shed, Port of Durban, from 19 to 20 June; the South African Navy Band community concert at the Maritime School of Excellence on 20 June; and, on Sunday, the conclusion of the 2026 World Hydrography Day celebrations with a ceremonial Freedom of the City Parade at the eThekwini City Hall in Durban. The parade was presided over by the mayor of eThekwini Municipality, Cyril Xaba, and the Chief of the South African Navy, Vice Admiral Monde Lobese.

Members of the public and learners from various schools were also part of the historic occasion, during which the mayor officially presented Vice Admiral Lobese with a scroll granting the South African Navy the Freedom of the City. This civic honor permits the Navy to march through the city with swords drawn, bayonets fixed, colours flying and drums beating.

“This is a symbol of trust and recognition of the Navy’s role in safeguarding South Africa’s territorial waters, protecting maritime trade and securing the country’s economic interests,” said Xaba.

He further highlighted Durban’s strategic position as a major maritime city and home to one of the busiest ports on the African continent.

In his address during the parade, Vice Admiral Monde Lobese emphasized the unity between the South African Navy, eThekwini Municipality and the citizens of eThekwini. He said the ceremony was not only a celebration, but also a powerful demonstration of this partnership. The parade served as a visible assurance to the public that the weapons carried by sailors were not intended to intimidate, but rather symbolized the Navy’s dedication to protecting the city’s shores, safeguarding its ports and preserving the maritime environment.

Sibiya, (21), from the township of Inanda, West of Durban, is proof that dreams can thrive regardless of one’s circumstances.

Sibiya recently graduated from the Durban University of Technology with a Diploma in Nautical Studies, achieving the distinction of cum laude.

The 21-year-old from Inanda developed an interest in Nautical Studies while in matric in 2022 after his friend, Shamir Rampersadh, introduced him to careers at sea which sparked his passion for the maritime industry. Rampersadh also introduced him to sailing, a sport that quickly became another passion where Sibiya was introduced to the Sail Africa Youth Development Foundation, an organisation that empowers young people through sailing initiatives.

Speaking to the eThekwini Maritime Cluster (EMC), Sibiya said that obtaining this qualification has enhanced his competence in key areas of the maritime profession, including navigation, ship stability and cargo operations.

“It provided a foundation for me to begin my professional journey as a cadet and continue developing through sea time experience, oral exams and certifications of competence. It’s an important step towards becoming a competent seafarer and eventually progressing into senior positions like an officer,” said Sibiya.

Providing further insights into the field of Nautical Studies entails, he shared on what the course is about and what can be gained when studying towards it.

“It’s based on the operation, navigation, and management of ships. It consists of modules like navigation, meteorology, ship stability, shipboard management, and operations. It prepares us for work at sea by developing our technical and operational skills needed to safely and efficiently navigate ships.”

“At the Durban University of Technology, we participated in practical training that included navigation simulations, chartwork, bridge watchkeeping exercises, and passage planning. These practicals helped me develop decision-making, problem solving, teamwork, and situational awareness skills. We were able to apply classroom knowledge in realistic ship scenarios which helped prepare for the responsibilities and challenges of working on board a vessel,” he added.

He adds that his main goal is to gain sea-based experience after graduating and move up the ranks as a Deck Officer. Long-term, he aims to become a Master Mariner and contribute to the growth of South Africa’s maritime industry.

The purpose of the meeting at the Pinetown Campus was to provide the College with guidance and options on the development and implementation of a fit-for-purpose curriculum aligned to industry needs.

Representatives from Elangeni TVET College were in attendance including Mr. Thandukwazi Magcaba (Change Practitioner), Mrs. Thilo Dookie (Pinetown Campus Manager), Ms. Kessni Uphadaya (AD: Curriculum), Ms. Zandisiwe Ngwazi (Accreditation Officer), Mr. Thabani Sibiya (Dep: Registration and Partnerships), and Mr. Musa Shabane (CFO). EMC was represented by Mrs. Zenzile Gwamanda (Managing Director), Nikil Cheddy and Phindile Msomi (Marine Manufacturing), and Sibusiso Zondo from the Training and Skills Development Programme.

Elangeni TVET College has already placed four students for Boiler Making training at Sandock Austral Shipyards, the largest shipyard in Southern Africa. The institution is expected to host Mr. Kusche for a week to visit its various campuses in Durban.

“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 protects our oceans while creating opportunities for young people through sustainable innovation.”

Her innovation focuses on the sustainable use of seashells – transforming discarded or ethically sourced shells into accessories while promoting environmental awareness. Rooted in a business model that balances creativity, economic opportunity, and environmental responsibility, the initiative highlights the importance of protecting marine biodiversity.

“Living on the South Coast, I am closely connected to the ocean, which inspired me to transform natural materials into value-added products while promoting awareness about protecting marine ecosystems,” she says.

Her participation in the Maritime Youth Innovation Challenge was driven by this deep connection to the ocean and a desire to address environmental challenges. The experience proved both enriching and transformative. Securing second place in the Marine Resources category was a proud moment.

“It was both exciting and humbling. It validated the impact of the idea and showed that sustainable innovation is being recognised. It also motivated me to keep improving the solution and take it to a larger scale.”

The innovation also contributes to South Africa’s marine resource management efforts by promoting responsible use of natural resources. Reflecting on her journey, she highlights key lessons learned along the way.

“Sustainability must always come first when working with natural resources. Innovation is about impact and responsibility, not just ideas.” She also emphasised the importance of collaboration and continuous learning in driving growth and meaningful change.

For her, youth involvement in the blue economy is necessary. “We are the future custodians of marine resources. Especially for those of us living in coastal areas, we have a direct responsibility to protect the ocean while also using it to create sustainable economic opportunities.”

Sea to Soil is based on the business plan of harvesting seaweed to develop a biostimulant fertilizer – a two-way solution that enhances crop growth and acts as an antioxidant pest repellent. By addressing slow crop growth and pest infestation simultaneously, my project aims to support farmers while protecting the environment.

Securing third place at the Marine Youth Innovation Challenge – hosted by the eThekwini Maritime Cluster – was both humbling and motivating, she states. This illustrated that sustainable, ocean-based solutions are gaining recognition, she adds.

“Throughout this journey, I have learned several key lessons. First, innovation often begins with observing problems that others may overlook or accept as normal. Secondly, sustainability requires thinking holistically – understanding how agriculture, marine ecosystems, and climate change are all interconnected. I also learned the importance of resilience, as developing a new idea involves challenges, feedback, and continuous improvement.”

Mdladla sees her project growing into a scalable and widely adopted solution in the next three to five years.

“I hope to refine the seaweed-based fertilizer, conduct further testing, and partner with farmers and environmental organisations to implement it on a larger scale. Ultimately, I aim to contribute to a shift toward more sustainable agricultural practices that reduce reliance on harmful synthetic inputs while also supporting marine conservation.”

Her advice to other youngsters interested in maritime innovation is to stay curious and courageous as the ocean holds huge potential for solving some of the world’s biggest challenges.

“Do not be afraid to think differently or tackle complex problems. Start small, learn continuously, and remain committed to making a positive impact. Innovation is not just about creating something new – it is about creating something meaningful that can help shape a better future.”

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 build a new container terminal at the old Durban International Airport site.

“This initial curiosity led me to pursue postgraduate maritime studies after completing my BCom in Economics and Finance. My interest was further deepened through my Master of Business Administration dissertation, which evaluated how ports in South Africa set prices, with the aim of improving tariffs and making port operations more efficient,” he said.

Mbhele, who grew up in Clermont west of Durban, now serves as a strategic economist and infrastructure policy specialist at Transnet SOC Ltd.

He says he often visited the BAT Centre at the harbour, which played a big role in shaping his early appreciation for the maritime environment.

“With over 10 years of experience in South Africa’s transport and logistics sectors, my work at Transnet spans economic analysis, infrastructure pricing, regulatory policy, and strategic planning across network industries, with a focus on improving efficiency and sustainability in critical infrastructure systems.”

Mbhele has been fortunate to learn from several mentors whom he says have significantly influenced his professional development.

“These include Thato Tsauste, former Managing Director at the eThekwini Maritime Cluster; Dr Victor Munyama, former Chief Economist at Transnet National Ports Authority; Moshe Motlohi, Former Durban Port Manager; and Marina Petersen, former Business Strategy Manager at the Durban Port. Their guidance has positively shaped my analytical approach and my ability to be a strategic thinker – I am grateful for their leadership and influence on my career,” he adds.

As the eThekwini Maritime Cluster, we are proud of what Mondli Mbhele has achieved and wish him continued success in his career.

The purpose of the expo was to ensure that the learners are exposed to the maritime and tourism industries.  Leading institutions and industry organisations – including the Durban University of Technology, MANCOSA, Coastal TVET College, Regent Business School, the Central Applications Office, SA Maritime School and Transport College, and the eThekwini Maritime Cluster (EMC) were part of the exhibitors at the expo.

Speaking to EMC, Durban Fever Travel and Tours’ Thokozani Mngomezulu said the main reason for the event was to make sure the learners benefit from the information shared by the exhibitors.

“The challenge that exists between the learning institutions and the industry is a gap of information. You find that the school is teaching certain content which doesn’t speak to what the industry needs. This expo which combines Maritime and Tourism is a unique one, it’s a first of its kind in Durban because these two industries are the main contributors to the economy,” said Mngomezulu.

He added that another key element of the expo is not only to highlight career opportunities, but also to conscientise learners about the potential to start their own tourism businesses, which is critical for driving economic participation and taking ownership of the sector.

Kelebogile Madubeka from Mowat Park High School expressed joy about attending the career expo.

“It has exposed me more to Maritime institutions. It has encouraged me to work hard on my studies so that I can meet the requirements for further study. I anticipate being someone who works under Transportation and Logistics, and I hope these different institutions visit other schools and give them information so that they can be knowledgeable like us,” she said.

The eThekwini Maritime Cluster is proud to have been part of the 1st Annual Tourism and Maritime Careers Expo and Entrepreneurship 2026 and is confident that the expo will continue to inspire young learners to pursue careers in the maritime and tourism sectors.

From Vryheid, Emondlo, backed by his academic background that has equipped him with skills in production, quality management, and process efficiency, Sibiya is a young entrepreneur currently completing his Diploma in Operations Management at the Durban University of Technology. He claimed 2^nd position in the Marine Plastic Innovation category of the Marine Youth Innovation Challenge recently held by the EThekwini Maritime Cluster (EMC). Sibiya walked away with funding valued at R30 000 for his innovation, Plastic Bricks.

He says he is both humbled and motivated by securing 2^nd position in the competition.

“The contest showed me that the idea has a strong potential, while also pushing me to improve and refine my business further. It encouraged me to keep working harder and aim even higher,” he said.

Elaborating on his invention, Sibiya describes his invention as a method that converts plastic waste into durable interlocking construction bricks.

“It is designed to reduce environmental pollution while providing affordable building materials for communities. I was inspired by two major challenges in South Africa, the growing problem of plastic pollution and the difficulty many families face in accessing affordable housing materials. I saw an opportunity to connect these problems and turn waste into a valuable resource.”

“This innovation is highly sustainable because it is built on the principles of the circular economy. As plastic waste continues to increase and the demand for affordable housing grows, solutions like this will become even more relevant. By combining environmental impact with economic value, the business is designed to remain viable and scalable in the long term,” added Sibiya.

He said the funding will play a major role in helping him move his creation from concept to reality, by supporting prototype development, product testing, and compliance processes. He adds it will also help establish a small pilot production setup, allowing him to validate the product and prepare for scaling.