The South African International Maritime Institute (SAIMI) hosted its annual Women’s Day seminar on 28 August 2024 in Gqeberha to celebrate Women’s Month.

The National Skill Fund (NSF) attended the event, which focused on recognising the contributions of women within the maritime sector and promoting gender equality within the ocean economy under the theme: “Passing the Baton”.

SAIMI has been funded by the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) through NSF. It received approved funding of R311 million from April 2015 to May 2021, with an additional R300 million provided from April 2021 to date.

The funding supports programmes such as national seafarer development programmes, sector education, training and skills development, maritime youth development, outreach and awareness programmes, and research.

The national seafarer development programme has 383 cadets enrolled, 109 of whom have already graduated and 249 still in training. Additionally, there is an online maritime e-learning programme available for learners. The development programme equips seafarers with the training needed to work as officers on international merchant vessels.

This initiative promotes skills development and is at the heart of South Africa’s efforts to enhance and sustain the country’s ocean economy. The event featured academic research presentations from women within the maritime sector’s different categories. Over 100 women from entities such as Amsol, Transnet, and other organisations significantly contributing to South Africa’s ocean economy attended.

An award presentation ceremony was held later at a gala dinner to honour and celebrate women within the sector based on published research in their respective fields of study.

“The poor participation of women has constrained the sector, and a limited number of women will participate and transcend to the leadership. This is one of the efforts to change that narrative and have more women in this sector in leadership roles. This premise acknowledges that women constitute a greater percentage of society. Therefore, the sector’s leadership must reflect”, said Prof Sibongile Muthwa, Chair of the South African International Maritime Institute Advisory Board.

By Lebeko Morema, NSF Intern

Picture: Award winners of the sub-categories within the maritime sector at the Women’s Day seminar gala dinner in Gqeberha.