Nozipho Booi
Graduate in Maritime Studies
Nozipho Booi, 35, of Gqeberha, in the Eastern Cape, is the first graduate in the recently introduced master’s degree in maritime studies at the Nelson Mandela University. The institution launched the Master of Philosophy qualification in 2020, unfortunately she could not register then due to the Covid-19 pandemic. “This gave me a lot of time to reflect on my academic aspirations and future career growth path,” she explains. “In 2021 I enrolled in the two-year programme and managed to complete it in one year.”
Booi believes it is encouraging that women are taking up spaces in the male- dominated industry. Her inspiration for being in the sector and pursuing the studies is to be part of the change and make a meaningful contribution to the growth of the sector both in corporate and academic worlds. “These academic fields that are viewed as ‘unusual’ require a confident mindset,” she adds. “And trust me, if you see a marine pilot in a vessel, it means anyone can also sail a vessel. We must equip young females with a mindset of resilience and reaffirm them that no industry is out of reach.”
I have learned that failure, pain and suffering are not permanent and as people we are responsible for how our stories progress