Maritime Career Awareness Event in Partnership with the Westville Correctional Service Centre

Information about the maritime industry and its contribution to the economy and its vast opportunities is not well publicised, it is for this reason that the EThekwini Maritime Cluster (EMC) is promoting the industry to the public.

Last month  the EThekwini Maritime Cluster and the Massachusetts Maritime Academy (MMA) cadets visited Esithubeni Youth Centre, a high school in the Westville Correctional Service Centre, with the purpose of engaging with the institute’s students. The engagement was aimed at creating maritime awareness and fostering a relationship between the correctional service education centre and  EMC.

This was a great opportunity for these organisations to engage and explore any avenues for synergies. The eThekwini Municipality has implemented a drive to create the culture of an inclusive city for the people, and in this process inmates are included..

MMA is focused on developing an entire person including those who are most vulnerable. The academy’s students spend many hours in voluntary work to assist those who are in need. The cadets’ professor, Dr. Portia Ndlovu, echoed these sentiments, “When we come to South Africa, not only do we want to send the message of helping our partner, the Maritime Cluster, but also fostering relationships with the different organisation and departments like  Correctional Services,” explained Ndlovu.

South Africa is blessed with the open, unfettered, and safe passage of ships. Many have referred to it as having an “island economy” because practically most of the country’s trade is dependent on seaborne imports and exports. A unique geostrategic position astride a major maritime route gives South Africa a distinct advantage. The size of South Africa’s marine zones also helps in putting the burden of maintaining maritime domain awareness in perspective.

The EMC managing director spoke much on collaborating and the need to expose the many shore-based opportunities that are offered by the maritime industry: “As a country, we are blessed with the shoreline that encompasses our country and the strategic shipping route that we are placed in. Being an offender does not mean you are forgotten. We as EMC envision a bright future for you that you can start creating while you are within these walls. The maritime industry offers several careers that if when we collaborate, will be exploitable.”