THREE newly qualified marine cadets have joined the Port of Richards Bay and will begin training as Tug Masters.

Mineshan Naidoo, Lihle Nomthanjana and Luyanda Magidigidi were part of the national port pipeline of 31 cadets being developed by Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA).

They will be trained to handle and manoeuvre tugboats within port limits and in rare cases, do coastal voyages between ports.

The training also includes the managing of crew and ensuring that tug maintenance is done effectively.

Luyanda, who is from the Eastern Cape and matriculated at Jikindaba Senior Secondary School, was awarded a TNPA bursary in 2012.

He holds a National Diploma in Maritime Studies from Durban University of Technology (DUT) as well as a Class 3 Certificate as a Navigation Officer.

Mineshan hails from Tongaat and attended Tongaat Secondary School. He moved to Port Elizabeth where he was successful in securing a TNPA bursary to also study at DUT.

Lihle, who is also from the Eastern Cape, was granted a bursary in 2013 which allowed him to study at DUT.

Through the cadet programme, TNPA has not only been preparing youth for maritime careers to meet the needs of the ports but has also been uplifting communities.

This has also allowed for the adoption of previously disadvantaged high schools where Transnet offers bursaries to deserving matriculants.

The Port of Richards Bay ran a fiveyear support programme with Siphosethu Secondary School in Umlalazi, Eshowe, and Khombindlela High School in Empangeni, providing them with infrastructure and educational support.

Pictured: Lihle Nomthanjana, Mineshan Naidoo and Luyanda Magidigid.

Source: Zululand Observer