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.

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.

“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.”