The Durban University of Technology’s Department of Maritime Studies held their annual prize giving lunch on Tuesday 23 October 2012 at the Kings Club, Kingsmead Cricket Stadium.
The prize giving, now in its second year, is an initiative which awards the best performing Maritime students (from all levels of study) for their hard work and also marks the end of the year for the Maritime Studies’ students, lecturers as well as service departments that work with the Department.
Michelle Phillips; Executive Head at Transnet Port Terminals spoke about “Women in Maritime”, sharing her experiences about the challenges faced by women in the male dominated industry as well as the lack of women in this industry which is what leads her to encourage female students to work hard and not be afraid to take on a career path in this industry.
More then 20 students were presented with trophies as well as book and clothing vouchers. The top performing students each received a laptop. Lizo Swana and Nkosinathi Mtshali, top performing first-year students, were awarded bursaries from Maersk Line Ship Management. Further bursaries were donated by Thembani Shipping, NDoT and Smit Amandla Marine.
“I have no experience in the Maritime industry but I know about women’s struggles and the fight women have fought over the decades; for freedom of their rights, being recognised as equals and till this day. It is through these hardships that not so many women are in power”, said Dr Betty Govinden, University of KwaZulu-Natal senior researcher, academic, author and activist; and the keynote speaker at the prize-giving.
Captain Andy MacLennan, the CEO of SAMTRA (South African Maritime Training Academy) advised the students to set a good example when entering the world of work. This will create a good impression so that employers will be inclined to take on more students from DUT.
In closing, Captain Colin Johnsen, the head of Maritime Studies at DUT, said that it had been a successful year; and the help of companies that sponsor the department and provide jobs for students was very much appreciated. He wished the students well in their exams and thanked everyone who had contributed to the Department’s success.
–Nongcebo Khumalo
Caption: The top students from S1 to S4 with their awards.
