25 August 2022
EThekwini Maritime Cluster (EMC) was a proud partner of the ‘Imbokodo in Maritime Transformation Agenda “In Conversation with Men” two-part event that was executed in the form of a seminar, at the Bluewaters Hotel, followed by an awards ceremony, at the Oyster Box Hotel, on Wednesday, 24 August 2022.
The South African International Maritime Institute (SAIMI) in collaboration with Moses Kotane Institute planned and executed the event with the objective of women having a conversation with men on their shared journeys within the maritime industry. With SAIMI having a reputation for developing numerous programs that help to support transformation in South Africa, this event was another event that was tailored to address matters that women face in the maritime industry.
“Our event today is one of a series of gatherings taking place across the country, this month, as part of the SAIMI-led ‘Imbokodo in Maritime Transformation’ program which represents a coordinated effort to implement initiatives that support progress and the continued focus on the women in the industry. Today’s two-part event is hosted by SAIMI in collaboration with Moses Kotane Institute and several other SAIMI partners, who are passionate about developing women in the maritime sector including industry associations and academic institutions. It is indeed a great example of collaboration which we need more of in our industry.” said Ms. Clare Gomes who was the programme facilitator at the seminar at the Blue Waters Hotel and who was representing African Maritime Solutions (AMSOL) as well as WISTA South Africa.
The event’s opening session featured keynote speakers, panel discussions, and some light entertainment in the form of poetry. The Moses Kotane Institute’s Corporate Services Executive Advocate Thembelihle Mapipa and National Chief Director: Implementation, M&E Ms. Tsepiso Taoana-Mashiloane each delivered the keynote speech.
The panelists shared some of their learnings in the maritime industry and went over some of their ‘Bright Sparks’ which refer to the moment they reflect on when they think of how they got into the maritime industry as well as some of their strategies to success, which refers to what they have done to keep going and become the pioneering leaders that they are in the maritime industry.
“If we talk diversity and inclusivity, especially in terms of gender equality, one is not looking to develop or create another man. The whole purpose of diversity is to strive for a balanced perspective. Therefore, if we get more people of different races different genders, and different age groups, then we need to start to get a balanced perspective in terms of indication levels of different skills. We should always remember that a man cannot be a woman and vice versa, therefore, we all have something to bring to the table.” Said EMC’s Board Chairman, Mr. Hans Modipane, as he was talking about his view on diversity in the maritime industry.
The event’s second segment was an award ceremony honouring all the women who stand out from the rest within the marine sector.
The different categories for the awards ceremony were: Best Woman in Maritime Business – Ms. Nomkhitha Mbele (Regional Director at Fendercare Marine); Making waves as a newcomer – Ms. Sinqobile Khuluse (Head of Human Resource at Sandock Austral Shipyards); Leading entity in Women Empowerment – Transport Education Training Authority (TETA); SHeroes in the sector – Ms. Nomkhitha Mbele (Regional Director at Fendercare Marine); Most Influential – Captain Londiwe Ngcobo (Global Maritime Youth); Best Mentor – Debbie Owen (Head at Simon’s Town School Lawhill Maritime Centre); Star Performer – Ms. Clare Gomes (Strategic Planning & Communications Executive at AMSOL); The Moses Kotane Institute Woman in Research Award – Ms Balungile Margaret Masuku (UKZN/Author of Maritime Study Books).
Women in the Maritime Sector in Eastern & Southern Africa (WOMESA), the National Department of Transport, the Women’s International Shipping and Trading Association (WISTA), and the University of KwaZulu Natal (UKZN) were amongst the entities to plan and carry out the event.