Promoting development while bridging societal gaps

The Transnet Maritime School of Excellence was born from a merger between the School of Ports and the School of Port Operations, and offers a first-of-its-kind opportunity to provide skills development, not only for South Africa but also for the rest of the subcontinent.

The main campus is in Durban at the site of the old airport, and there are satellite campuses in Richards Bay, Cape Town and Port Elizabeth. Rail, port and transport company Transnet is spending an unprecedented R7.7-billion on training as it races to meet growing capacity demands.

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has designated the purchase and maintenance of working vessels as a special sector to be covered by the Preferential Procurement Regulations that apply to public sector purchasing. Since this designation in 2014, seven working vessel tenders have been advertised, with three local companies being awarded contracts worth around $90-million. Over 200 new jobs have been created as a result.

However, the growth and expansion of the ocean economy is not solely focused on economic gains. The leaders spearheading many of the programmes are also aware of South Africa’s continued disparities and widespread inequalities in South Africa and are making active moves to address these, to the betterment of society.

The South African International Maritime Institute (SAIMI) launched its Maritime Awareness Programme, aimed at shining a spotlight on the oceans economy and highlighting its role in addressing the socio-economic challenges facing the country. Between 2014 and 2019 the organisation has reported 1 199 and 3 521 learners trained in apprenticeships and skills programmes in Marine Manufacturing respectively; 650 and 4 825 learners trained in cadets and skills programmes in Maritime Transport respectively; 308 and 180 learners trained Aquaculture and Fisheries short courses respectively; and 625 learners trained in Maritime Protection and Ocean Governance, with a further 207 learners equipped to provide International Training.

The programme targets marginalised groups and people from previously disadvantaged communities, with special divisions for learners, entrepreneurs, SMMES, unemployed youth and women.the Economic Reconstruction and Recovery Plan (ERRP) has identified gender equality and economic inclusion of women and youth as one of its priority interventions. According to the Minister of Higher Education, Science and Technology, Blade Ndzimane: “Inclusivity demands that we firmly redress the deep structural inequalities reproduced across racial, gender and spatial lines, and ‘sustainability’ requires us to ensure durable and decent jobs, as well as preserving our biodiversity and climate stability.”

These initiatives, with their focus on inclusion, environmental awareness and education and job growth, paint a positive picture for South Africa and its burgeoning blue economy.