More than 1 300 Grade 9 learners from four high schools in Nelson Mandela Bay were introduced to maritime career paths, as part of Transnet National Ports Authority’s Maritime Heritage Month programme kick-off.
During the Gqeberha leg of TNPA’s Maritime Career Awareness Roadshow, in celebration of Maritime Heritage Month, the Raymond Mhlaba Sports Centre was filled to capacity with young minds from Motherwell High School, Cingani High School, Douglas Mbopa High School, and Soqhayisa Senior Secondary School.The annual roadshow held throughout September across South African port cities, aims to spark interest in maritime careers, and nurture the next generation of marine professionals.
The sessions feature testimonials from mariners in various disciplines, including pilotage, marine engineering, tugboat services, dredging services, hydrography, vessel traffic control, and berthing services.
“This educational flagship programme forms part of TNPA’s Corporate Social Investment. It is anchored on our commitment to promote and nurture the next generation of mariners, which is key to the sustainability of the maritime sector,” said TNPA Acting Chief Executive, Phyllis Difeto, commenting on the initiative.
“The programme has grown consistently, and this year it features both coastal and inland schools because we want to expose more learners to maritime careers,” Difeto added.
The initiative is launched at a critical time when Grade 9 learners make subject choices for the next grade. TNPA is already seeing an impact, with four high schools in Motherwell now offering maritime studies as a subject of choice in Grade 10, and part of the school curriculum since January this year.
The roadshows will culminate in a Port Open Day for learners at all eight ports on World Maritime Day, on September 26.
