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.

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.

The two-day bootcamp formed part of the next phase of the Marine Youth Innovation Challenge that was first held by EMC earlier this year. The training session also marked the incubation stage for participating entrepreneurs.

Day one consisted of the Founder’s 30 seconds pitch challenge, design thinking, problem solving, and a CANVA hackathon amongst other exercises. The second and final day of the bootcamp placed a strong emphasis on the art of storytelling equipping the innovators with the ability to effectively communicate their ideas.

The Deputy Chairperson of the Board at the EThekwini Maritime Cluster, Mr. Sandile Khoza, said this is a lifetime opportunity for the innovation challenge candidates.

“Many people wanted to be here to make a change. Use this opportunity, don’t just be glad that you are here. The important thing is what you are going to do with the knowledge you have gained here. You must be open to learning and be comfortable to unlearn and re-learn.”

“Follow the right people – EMC is right here to support you. For every problem that exists, someone must solve it. Every billionaire or millionaire that you see, saw an opportunity. I hope all of you become successful in what you do. Our country can only move forward when young professionals thrive and when Small, Medium, and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs) are supported,” said Khoza.

The bootcamp played a key role in advancing innovation and sustaining momentum within the blue economy.

The purpose of the conference was to build Africa’s maritime talent pipeline through pooled training and placement partnerships.

Various stakeholders were part of the conference namely, EThekwini Maritime Cluster (EMC), Durban University of Technology, the KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Government, Cape Peninsula University of Technology, Trade & Investment KwaZulu-Natal, and Southern Africa Maritime & Logistics Experts.

One of the main objectives of the conference was to reconcile the disparity between the demand for and supply of Africa maritime competencies; and facilitate collaboration between maritime authorities, training institutions, ship owners, and industry partners.

Speaking to EMC, Director of Business Development at Elethu Marine, Siphosenkosi Mthembu, said the purpose of the conference is to address the challenges faced by maritime graduates.

“We want to address the challenges faced by maritime professionals, particularly sea farers who struggle to secure berth on board vessels after graduation. It doesn’t end there, we have officials who are struggling to find employment even though they are qualified,” said Mthembu.

He added that the challenge is widespread and that AMTEP is closely monitoring it. He further noted that they are working with partners within the pool to address the issue in the short term. However, he indicated that longer-term interventions are also being developed to address the matter sustainably.

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.

The signing ceremony, held today at Transnet’s Pier 1, Bhekulwandle auditorium, marks the official appointment of the WASAA and CEF partnership as the preferred bidder and terminal operator for the Liquified Petroleum Gas (LPG) Terminal, one of the most significant infrastructure projects within the Island View Precinct of the Port of Durban.

Valued at R1.4 billion, the project will establish a 50 000m³ LPG storage and handling terminal, expected to become operational in 2027. The terminal will be capable of dispatching up to 800 m³ of heated LPG mix per hour.

Speaking at the ceremony, WASAA Gasses founder and Managing Director, Nokwanele Qondi, emphasised the transformative potential of the partnership, noting that the project aligns with South Africa’s energy transition and the growing regional demand for LPG.

“The construction of the Lot 100 comes at the most opportune time for South Africa as the demand for energy continues to soar.”

While eThekwini Mayor, Councillor Cyril Xaba welcomed the development, saying:

“Allow me to congratulate the Transnet-WASAA joint venture. For us as a city, this is a welcome development, as it will greatly enhance Durban’s position as a leading energy and logistics hub. We remain committed to working with Transnet, particularly TNPA, to unlock the full potential of the Port of Durban. We want Durban to be a leading logistics hub in South Africa.”

The Lot 100 LPG Terminal, once operational, will be constructed, developed, financed, and managed by the signatory companies over 25 years. As one of the anchor energy facilities within the port, it will play a key role in strengthening fuel security and supporting the region’s industrial growth.

Today’s signing confirms the preferred bidder represents a strategic leap forward in transforming South Africa’s energy logistics landscape, solidifying Durban’s influence in the global maritime economy.

As the eThekwini Maritime Cluster, we congratulate all partners on this momentous occasion and look forward to supporting the successful implementation of this landmark project.