Terry Hutson
READERS MAY recall the efforts of MITB: Cargo Handling to acquire learning opportunities for high-flying black students in the maritime field (FTW 20 November1998).
At that time we reported on a Diepkloof resident, David Makhubedu, who received a German scholarship to attend Malmo University in Sweden. We recently made enquiries about how he has been progressing since then.
Makhubedu has been studying to attain the well recognised Master of Science in Maritime Education and Training, which is designed to provide students with specialist knowledge and skills for the design, development, implementation and administration of maritime education and training programmes.
According to Tuppy Coldwell, executive Officer for the Cargo handling Sector, these skills will be needed in the new Transport SETA, to which the Cargo handling Sector will be associated.
In Makhubedu's first semester about 25% of total class hours was spent on subjects common to all courses, providing an introduction to the legal, regulatory, economic and environmental aspects of the use of the sea.
The programme also integrates course-work with about 8 weeks of field studies, visiting a variety of companies, ports, administrations and institutes in Europe and North America. Other semesters include nautical and marine engineering specialisation for students with such backgrounds.
Makhubedu says he hopes to bring back to South Africa the ability to constructively contribute to the planning, delivery and administration of maritime education and training, whether in academic institutions, in industry or in other maritime related organisations.
He says he appreciates the foresight of MITB-CH for providing him with the opportunity to gain skills in problem solving and critical analysis, which enables him to operate comfortably in an international and multi-cultural environment.
More importantly, I think I am sufficiently flexible to adapt to a variety of roles in the maritime field.
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