Transport Minister Sibusiso Ndebele has called on South Africans to participate much more in the maritime industry, which offers international opportunities for travel, training and work.
The minister's call follows South Africa's World Maritime Day celebrations taking place in East London today (Tuesday, 21 September 2010). Previously disadvantaged communities are the prime target audience this year and the celebrations are being used to create further awareness regarding careers and investment opportunities in the maritime industry.
The Council of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) invited member states to celebrate World Maritime Day between 20 and 24 September 2010. South Africa is vice-chair of the IMO.
The theme for this year's World Maritime Day is the "Year of the Seafarer". The theme was chosen in order, first of all, to provide the maritime community with an opportunity to pay tribute to seafarers from all over the world for their unique contribution to society and in recognition of the vital part they play in the facilitation of global trade.
It is also providing an excellent opportunity to convey to the seafarers of the world the message that the entire shipping community appreciates them and their indispensable services; is aware of the conditions under which they operate; shows compassion for the sacrifices they make; and really does care for them.
"We call upon South Africans to participate much more in the maritime industry, which offers international opportunities for travel, training and work in any part of the world.
"Our country requires a battery of specialised maritime and harbour engineering skills which are not only in short supply in South Africa but in the world. The IMO has indicated that there are some 200 000 jobs available internationally in the maritime sector. This means that we can act locally but make a global impact in this sector.
"South Africa is uniquely positioned to make such a contribution due to the fact that we are largely dependent for our economic survival as a nation on the effectiveness of world trade and sustainability of marine life.
"Coupled with this, is the fact that our country is situated along one of the major and strategic global shipping trade choke points, the cape route, and has developed a massive modern maritime infrastructure and vibrant marine service industry geared to the service of global shipping.
"In order to facilitate the country's maritime trade and carry out our domestic and international maritime obligations and responsibilities, South Africa has developed a sophisticated maritime transport and logistics services infrastructure, coupled with enormous sea watch and emergency response capabilities.
"South Africa has nine commercial ports, of which the ninth and 26 meters draft port of Ngqura was opened in October 2009. The country's ports handle over 430 million tons of varied cargo types, carried on over 9 000 ship calls each year, "said Minister Ndebele.
Enquiries:
Logan Maistry
Cell: 083 6444 050
Minister Ndebele calls on South Africans to participate more in maritime industry
