August 06, 2024

Letter from the CEO Mr Odwa Mtati

As we settle the second half of 2024, it is crucial to reflect on the progress and chart a clear path forward. The first quarter of the year highlighted SAIMI's pivotal role in playing its part in supporting the advancement of the South Africa's maritime industry. The Institute’s strategic initiatives and collaborative efforts are designed to contribute to the growth, transformation and innovation within the maritime sector.
Celebrating Africa Month

May was Africa Month, a time to focus on the continent's significant role in the maritime industry. Africa's strategic position, with vast coastlines and rich marine resources, makes it a key player in global maritime activities which should be exploited sustainably for economic development. Annually, at least 30,000 marine vessels traverse Africa's coastal waters, with 17,000 docking at South African ports. These vessels transport approximately 300 million tons of cargo and 1.2 million tons of liquid fuel. The continent's substantial reserves of 9 billion barrels of oil and 60 trillion cubic feet of natural gas further underscore its importance.

As Africa celebrated its maritime achievements, significant political changes occurred in South Africa following the national and provincial elections on 29 May 2024. These changes are set to further impact the African maritime landscape. Two new ministers with direct impact on the maritime sector are The Honorable Dion George and The Honorable Barbara Creecy. The Honorable Dion George takes over as the Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and Environment. As the former Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and Environment, Minister Creecy oversaw the development of the Draft SA Ocean Economy Masterplan to 2035, which addresses matters relating to maritime transport and logistics, marine manufacturing and repair, offshore oil and gas exploration, just transition, fishing, aquaculture, ocean governance, with cross cutting areas such as research and innovation, transformation, skills development and environmental impact amongst others. She now assumes the role of Minister of Transport, directly influencing policies and initiatives crucial to the maritime industry which include maritime policy, industry development, and seaborne trade through merchant vessels.

One of the events that underscored the importance of these policies was the Oceans Economy Conference and Expo, held on 22-23 May 2024 at the Cape Town International Convention Centre. It brought together participants from government, state-owned enterprises, international organizations, and private maritime companies. The conference emphasized the symbiosis between marine safety and economic growth, focusing on themes such as logistics, shipping, offshore oil and gas, fisheries, tourism, and maritime defense.

Focusing on the Future during Youth Month

June was Youth Month, and SAIMI placed a strong emphasis on youth in maritime, hosting the second annual Winter School Awareness Programme. The programme targeted school-going youth, encouraging them to pursue subjects like Mathematics, Physical Sciences, Maritime Economics, Nautical Sciences, and Marine Sciences, which are gateways to maritime careers. These initiatives are vital in addressing youth unemployment, which Stats SA reports at 45.5% among 15–34-year-olds, compared to a national average unemployment rate of 32.9%. For young unemployed females, the figure approaches 50%. With the oceans economy projected to generate 1 million jobs by 2033, SAIMI's efforts in educating and training the youth are critical for preparing the future workforce.

SAIMI played a central role in organizing International Seafarers’ Day that was hosted in Gqeberha, on 25 June. This was one of the three events that were hosted in the country. The theme for 2024, "Seafarers’ Contribution to Making the Maritime Sector a Safer Workplace," highlighted the importance of safety and mental well-being in maritime occupations. Contributions from the private maritime sector, the Department of Transport, Transnet, and SAMSA were instrumental in this event, organized under the aegis of the International Maritime Organization (IMO).

Building on its commitment to enhancing the maritime sector, SAIMI also plays a crucial role in the marine manufacturing industry. By supporting and fostering collaboration among stakeholders, SAIMI aims to produce young professionals with high-demand skills. In partnership with Nexus Yachts, SAIMI supported an STCW SAMSA accredited training initiative for 10 beneficiaries in a learnership programme. Now in its fifth year, the programme combines theoretical and practical training, achieving a 98% permanent employment rate and equipping youth with essential skills for employment and further education in the maritime industry
Looking ahead to Women in Maritime

As we land in August, the Women's Month, the spotlight will be on women in maritime. SAIMI will focus on initiatives that promote the inclusion and advancement of women in the maritime sector. These efforts are crucial for fostering a diverse and inclusive maritime community, ensuring sustainable growth and development for future generations. 

This month, SAIMI celebrates the second cohort of women who have successfully completed the Accelerated Development Programme for Women in Leadership (ADPW). This cohort comprised 20 women in total, including 13 new intakes and 6 from the phase-out cohorts. The program is designed to drive transformation in the maritime sector by increasing women's participation and leadership at various levels. Through initiatives like ADPW, SAIMI strives to cultivate and accelerate a culture of inclusivity, tolerance, and gender mainstreaming within the industry.

In closing, SAIMI remains steadfast in its founding philosophy of leveraging South Africa’s ocean economy for the benefit of all South Africans, particularly the youth and those that had not been exposed to the sector before. Investments in education and awareness are crucial to this mission. SAIMI’s ongoing initiatives and future plans reflect its dedication to driving excellence and innovation in the maritime sector. As we progress through 2024, the institute remains committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive maritime community, ensuring sustainable growth and development for future generations.

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September 19, 2024

WATCH: Business Spotlight | South African International Maritime Institute (SAIMI)

While Women’s Month has come to an end, the conversation around women's leadership in the maritime sector continues. In an insightful interview with Business Day TV, Nwabisa Matoti, Acting Research Director at SAIMI, highlights the strides made in advancing women in maritime careers as she was interviewed by Business Day TV. The sector is seeing a shift towards greater gender diversity and inclusion, with women playing a crucial role in shaping the future of the oceans economy. Watch the interview on the link below.