The eThekwini Maritime Cluster attended the Maritime Training Programme: Beneficiaries Workshop and Maritime Industry Engagement hosted by the Moses Kotane Research Institute (MKRI), which brought together key stakeholders and programme participants to strengthen maritime skills development and share insights into career and funding opportunities within the sector.

The workshop provided an important platform for maritime training beneficiaries to engage directly with industry stakeholders, and gain a deeper understanding of career prospects within the sector.

Stakeholders, including EMC represented by Training and Skills and Development Co-ordinator, Sibusiso Zondo, delivered presentations highlighting maritime career opportunities, priority growth areas, and emerging trends within the sector.

“The eThekwini Maritime Cluster delivers four core programmes — Industry Promotion, Training and Skills Development, Marine Manufacturing, and Enterprise and Supplier Development – all strategically aligned to its mandate of supporting and advancing the maritime industry in KwaZulu-Natal.

The workshop also featured a recognition ceremony honouring beneficiaries who successfully completed training aligned with the Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW), as well as those who earned their Skipper Licence Category C certification. Beneficiaries were selected from a pool of over 2,000 applicants.

“We have a clear vision and plan for this training programme and for the sector. We are actively exploring opportunities for you within the industry. The ocean is vast – and so too are the opportunities available to you,” Executive Manager for Development Services Unit at the Moses Kotane Research Institute, Zama Dlamini said.

The eThekwini Maritime Cluster is proud to have partnered with MKRI on this impactful initiative, reinforcing a shared commitment to building a skilled, competitive, and inclusive maritime workforce.