Dear Stakeholder,

It gives me great pleasure to speak with you, important stakeholders. This newsletter edition contains news about events that happened during  July and August (Women’s Month). For the EMC organization and the maritime fraternity, Women’s Month celebrations are a yearly tradition. Throughout South Africa, several initiatives and activities are planned during August to encourage women to pursue their goals. The commemoration of Women’s Month is an opportunity to raise awareness among people about forms that could lead to equitable opportunities for all women worldwide. The occasion of Women’s Month is a wonderful opportunity to remind ourselves how crucial it is to stand up for our female counterparts. You should encourage and appreciate every lady you come across because they deserve it.

I would like to give a special recognition to AMSOL entity for the partnership we have with them. In July EMC partnered with African Marine Solutions (AMSOL) and collaborated with the Department of Basic Education in KZN (DOE) and Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) for the implementation of the KZN Maritime Educators Workshop that aims to ensure teachers are well-capacitated to teach maritime subjects. Before I conclude, thank you to Transnet National Port Authority and Transnet Port Terminals for the work put out in assisting in the implementation of programmes that require exposure to their facilities. On behalf of the EMC leadership and the eThekwini Economic Development Unit, I thank all of the stakeholders who continue to partner with the cluster and therefore encourage other entities to not sit back but come forth and partner with the EThekwini Maritime Cluster for the implementation of programmes that will contribute to economic and social benefits for the people of South Africa.

We aim to cover all significant industry events in our newsletters, including all additional EMC projects that have been launched over the preceding month. We hope you will like reading this issue and find it fascinating

Your feedback on any of our stories would be highly appreciated.

May you have a joyful and pleasant every day.

Zenzile Gwamanda| Managing Director |EThekwini Maritime Cluster|