“Shipping accounts for approximately 80% of global cargo movement, therefore it is important for resources to be trained and qualified on various functions onboard the ship.” – Sewnath
TRANSNET National Ports Authority (TNPA) hosted thousands of grade 9 learners from around the country at a career open day at the ports of Durban, Ngqura, Port Elizabeth, East London, and Richards Bay.
Timed to coincide with world maritime day on September 29, the learners from schools located in both rural and township areas, spent a day at the ports gaining real-time exposure to the port system. They also participated in a career expo.
Welcoming learners at the Port of Ngqura, senior manager: pilotage and vessel traffic services, Captain Naresh Sewnath, said: “Shipping accounts for approximately 80% of global cargo movement, therefore it is important for resources to be trained and qualified on various functions onboard the ship.”
The career open day aimed to expose learners to the maritime industry and educate them about TNPA’s rich maritime heritage as well as its contribution to the economy.
“Our journey with the grade 9 learners began on September 1, when we embarked on a maritime career awareness roadshow which reached 5 000 learners. Through the career open day, we have targeted those learners who qualify to continue with maths, science and maritime studies in the remainder of their school years. This initiative comes at an opportune time when pupils are making subject choices for grade 10,” said TNPA executive manager: corporate affairs, Ayanda Mantshongo.
The pupils received career guidance from TNPA and other exhibition partners, including the South African Maritime Safety Authority, Maritime Business Chamber and Transnet Freight Rail. They were also taken on port tours to see port operations.
