Another step forward for maritime professional association

The launch of the South
African Maritime
Professional Association
(Sampa) is moving closer
to realisation, according to
its president and founder,
Mbongi Qwabe.
“We are finetuning
the
strategy,” said
Qwabe. “The
association needs
to represent
the interests of the wider
industry, not only shipping.
“At the start we didn’t
really realise how huge the
industry was and that there
were several areas we needed
to tap into.
“We are aiming to conform
to the recommendation of
the Maritime Sector
Skills Development
Study conducted by
Deloitte on behalf
of the SA Maritime
Safety Association
(Samsa) and Department of
Transport (DOT). This is the
only study done on maritime
skills and has helped us to
comprehend the magnitude
of our
industry.”
Qwabe said
that as soon
as there was
some clarity
on its scope,
the association
would be
launched.
“The sole
purpose of
Sampa will be
to advance the
interests of all
maritime professionals,” he
added. “It is a not-for-profit
representative body for all
South Africans engaged
in sea going and on shore
maritime professions.”
One of its key focus areas
will be the promotion of
high standards of maritime
qualification, knowledge and
competence.
“We will also look
into establishing
strategic partnerships
and relationships with
the maritime industry,
communities,
NGOs and
the public
sector.”
Continuous
professional
development
– including
coaching and
mentoring
opportunities
at different
levels of
professional
development
– will also be a key focus.
Qwabe, who is currently
employed in the ship’s
agency division of Phosfert
Marine and previously
worked for Rennies Ships
Agencies, is passionate
about the need for an
association that will raise
the level of professionalism
in the industry.
INSERT & CAPTION
The sole purpose
of Sampa will be to
advance the interests
of all maritime
professionals.
– Mbongi Qwabe