Faster transformation is needed in the maritime industry because black people are still largely excluded from this sector, Transport Minister Dipuo Peters said.
Dipuo Peters - Image GCIS
"In the maritime sector, black people are still largely excluded from ship ownership, operating, chartering, cargo surveying, marine tally and working with port equipment," she said in a speech prepared for delivery.
"This puts impetus on all stakeholders to accelerate transformation in the sector. Opportunities should also be unlocked for women, black women in particular," she said.
She was speaking at the send-off in Pretoria of the first 30 South Africans students to do their masters and doctoral studies in maritime affairs at the World Maritime University in Sweden.
"Modest targets for ownership by black people and women were set, yet there is limited or no compliance at all," Peters said.
"Our government will regularly review these targets to ensure that there is a noteworthy, gradual increase in previously disadvantaged groups tapping into opportunities in the maritime sector," she said.
This should be coupled with investments in skills and training.
Peters said the students going to Sweden on scholarships had the opportunity to get the highest possible education.
She said South Africa's institutions of higher learning should develop a curriculum which would enable easier entry into maritime career paths such as maritime law, engineering, transport economics, piloting, and seafaring.
Source: Sapa via I-Net Bridge
