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 […]
Oceanpreneurs Bootcamp a Step in the Right Direction for Innovation Challenge Winners
The eThekwini Maritime Cluster (EMC), in partnership with Womaritime Experts, successfully hosted the KZN Oceanpreneurs 2026 Bootcamp at the Riverside Hotel in Durban, where the six winners of the Marine Youth Innovation Challenge participated in a productive training programme. The two-day bootcamp formed part of the next phase of the Marine Youth Innovation Challenge that […]
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 […]
Durban Learners Exposed to Diverse Sectors Within the Maritime and Tourism Industries
Durban Fever Travel and Tours hosted the 1st Annual Tourism and Maritime Careers Expo and Entrepreneurship 2026 at the Maritime School of Excellence last week Friday to give valuable insights and empower Grade 12 learners from high schools in Durban. The purpose of the expo was to ensure that the learners are exposed to the […]
Innovation Challenge Top Winner Ready to Conquer the World with His Invention
“Yes, I strongly believe Wavecoin is a sustainable solution for the future.” Those are some of the words spoken by Mthobisi Mbatha who claimed 1st position in the Marine Plastic Innovation category of the Marine Youth Innovation Challenge recently held by the EThekwini Maritime Cluster (EMC). Mbatha who walked away with funding valued at R50 […]