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

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.

As an organization dedicated to fostering growth within the maritime sector, EMC recognizes the importance of such strategic partnerships. The collaboration between SAIMI and Umfolozi College Maritime Academy is an excellent example of how institutions can work together to address the skills gap in the maritime industry and prepare the next generation of skilled maritime professionals. It is through such initiatives that we can ensure a robust and sustainable future for the sector.

EMC was honored to be represented at this significant event by our Managing Director, Ms. Zenzile Gwamanda, whose presence underscored our commitment to supporting initiatives that drive innovation, capacity building, and knowledge sharing within the maritime sector. The Business Breakfast session provided a valuable platform for stakeholders to engage, exchange ideas, and explore opportunities for collaboration that can lead to meaningful change and growth.

We believe that partnerships like the one between SAIMI and Umfolozi College Maritime Academy are crucial for developing a skilled workforce equipped to meet the evolving demands of the maritime industry. By investing in education and training, we are investing in the future of our industry, ensuring it remains competitive and sustainable in a rapidly changing global environment.

EMC looks forward to continued partnerships that drive excellence in maritime education and skills development. Together, we can build a stronger, more resilient maritime sector that benefits our communities and the economy at large.

We extend our congratulations to SAIMI and Umfolozi College Maritime Academy for this commendable initiative and reaffirm our commitment to supporting endeavors that promote the growth and sustainability of the maritime sector.

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 part of EMC’s mandate to provide a platform for collaborative engagement and this annual event aims to achieve the mandate by bringing together industry players and the stakeholders with a vested interest in the maritime sector to collaborate and grow the sector. BBF Safety had something special in store for the women participants, ensuring their day on the course was memorable.

Courtesy of BBF Safety, the winning ladies Mariette Smit and Desre Jenkins were presented with customised gifts on 30 July 2024. The thoughtful gesture was more than just a token of appreciation, it was a recognition of the women’s contributions to the maritime industry and a recognition of the BBF Safety group commitment to establishing partnerships within the industry.

The gifts, chosen with care and presented with elegance, reflected BBF Safety’s commitment to both practicality and charm. As the women unwrapped their gifts, their faces lit up with joy, each item serving as a reminder of the unforgettable day and the company’s dedication to making it even more special.

BBF Safety’s involvement extended beyond just the gifts. Their support for the event underscored their belief in nurturing a strong and inclusive maritime community. By participating in the EMC Golf Day, BBF Safety demonstrated its ongoing commitment to safety, quality, and active community engagement.

As the event concluded, the women who received the gifts walked away with more than just prizes—they carried a sense of appreciation and encouragement from BBF Safety. The day was not only a celebration of maritime excellence but also filled with unexpected joy and lasting memories, thanks to BBF Safety’s thoughtful touch.

Kindly click on the link below to read statement.

https://maritimecluster.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/MEDIA-STATEMENT-EMC-Announces-Withdrawal-121.pdf