In line with the Durban University of Technology’s ENVISION2030 strategy, the institution aims to empower its people to positively impact lives and livelihoods under the leadership of Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Professor Thandwa Mthembu.
The Student Recruitment Department, in partnership with the Department of Maritime Studies at DUT, hosted a Maritime Awareness and Recruitment Engagement Event at Rendezvous Restaurant, Steve Biko Campus on Tuesday, 21 April 2026.
The event served as a strategic initiative aimed at strengthening industry relations while positioning DUT as a leading institution for maritime education in South Africa.
Ms Zama Hlongwane, a Maritime Studies lecturer at DUT, served as Programme Director. She shared insights into the programme, noting that the engagement aimed to stimulate learner interest by engaging representatives from schools offering Maritime Studies, while enhancing awareness of DUT’s programmes such as Nautical Studies and Maritime Economics, including admission requirements and career opportunities.
Hlongwane introduced the Executive Dean of the Faculty of Applied Sciences, Professor Suren Singh, who welcomed attendees to the Maritime Career Awareness and Engagement Workshop.
Prof Singh thanked all stakeholders, especially Dr Nishi Ramrathan, Student Recruitment Officer, for her role in organising the event.
He described the Faculty of Applied Sciences as one of the largest and most dynamic faculties at DUT, offering a wide spectrum of industry aligned programmes spanning conventional sciences to rapidly evolving fields, including Biotechnology, Food Science, Chemistry, Textile Science, Apparel Technology, Consumer Sciences, Horticulture, Sport Studies, Mathematics, Statistics, Physics, and Maritime Studies.
He emphasised the Faculty’s strong focus on applied and practical learning, noting that programmes are designed to bridge the gap between school and the world of work through a combination of academic training, hands on experience, industry partnerships, and research excellence.
He further highlighted the Department of Maritime Studies as a national leader in nautical sciences, shipping, and logistics. He noted that staff are highly qualified, with many having served on large vessels and travelled to some of the world’s busiest ports, supported by a dynamic team with strong international connections.
Prof Singh described Maritime Studies as a gateway to South Africa’s growing Blue Economy and highlighted the importance of Operation Phakisa in driving economic growth, job creation, and sustainable ocean resource management.
He also indicated plans to procure a training vessel, in partnership with eThekwini Municipality, to enhance students’ work integrated learning.
Dr Nkosinathi Michael Manqele, Head of the Department of Maritime Studies, provided an overview of the department, noting its rapid growth in student numbers, programme offerings, and facilities.
He emphasised the importance of academic leadership in ensuring globally competitive maritime education aligned with industry needs and paid tribute to the late Captain Leon Govender for his contribution to the development of maritime education.
Ms Sithembiso Tshabalala from the Department of Basic Education highlighted how maritime programmes align with school subjects such as Mathematics, Physical Science, and Business Studies. She emphasised the importance of strengthening collaboration between schools offering Maritime Studies and the DUT Maritime Department.
She noted that 31 schools across eight districts offer Maritime Economics, with plans to expand offerings in KwaZulu Natal.
Industry representatives, including Marine Pilot Zinhle Makhathini and Chief Marine Engineer Tracy Myeza from Transnet National Ports Authority, shared their career journeys and highlighted bursary opportunities available in the maritime sector.
DUT alumna Sanele Mngadi from the Indian Ocean Export Company spoke about the history of the family owned business and opportunities available to maritime students.
Dr Ramrathan described the event as a strategic intervention aimed at strengthening the link between secondary education and maritime career pathways. She noted that DUT is well positioned to become a leading provider of maritime education through strong industry collaboration.
The event concluded with a vote of thanks from Mr Alex Mdletshe, Manager of Student Recruitment, who acknowledged all stakeholders and highlighted the value of industry engagement in exposing students to career opportunities.
Pictured: Attendees at the Maritime Awareness and Recruitment Engagement Event.
Waheeda Peters
