Department of Transport celebrates World Maritime Day

21 September 2009

Every year, during the last week of September, the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) celebrates World Maritime Day. South Africa, as a member state of the IMO and a developing maritime nation participates in the celebrations.

This year, the Department of Transport will host Maritime Day celebrations in Cape Town under the theme "Climate change: a challenge for IMO too!" as endorsed by the IMO Council.

The World Maritime Day 2009 will be celebrated at the International Maritime Organisation's Headquarters in London, on Thursday, 24 September 2009, with a parallel event being hosted by the United States of America.

In South Africa the celebrations will include key maritime industry stakeholders in order to recognise the significant contribution this industry makes towards the economy but also to encourage further development and investment in the industry.

The celebrations will also include school children from previously disadvantaged communities to further create awareness about careers in the maritime industry and maritime investment opportunities.

Key maritime stakeholders such as the South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA) the Department of Environmental Affairs, Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA), Grinrod and Smit Amandla will hold exhibitions and maritime experts will engage and educate the learners about the details and activities of the industry including vocational experience.

Schools around Cape Town studying maritime as a subject will participate in a competition involving the design of a fishing vessel model with wonderful prices to be won. World Maritime Day celebrations in South Africa will be held on the 25 September 2009, at the Lagoon Beach Hotel, Port of Cape Town.

Isithengile School

During the World Maritime Day in 2008 the Department of Transport adopted Durban-based, Isithengile High School with the aim and objective of assisting the school with essential resources to develop programmes that will enrich the learners and facilitate the achievement of a better education.

The department, together with the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) managed to secure a scholarship for Ms Margret Balungile Masuku, a maritime school teacher who has and is willingly teaching learners on maritime without any formal maritime education.

Through the scholarship, Ms Masuku will study at the World Maritime University in Sweden, Malmo in 2010. This comprehensive scholarship will cover course and seminars material, required text books, accommodation, travel and examination fees.

In support of the initiative the Grindrod Shipping Company, a key maritime player and stakeholder is building Isithengile High School a library as part of the industry's contribution to a better education.

Additionally, the department has developed an outreach programme where career exhibitions are undertaken by the maritime industry for previously disadvantaged communities, further enabling communities to receive career advice on maritime opportunities.

Media contact:
Sam Monareng
Cell: 083 326 1521

Issued by: Department of Transport
21 September 2009
Source: Sapa