Ray Smuts
SOUTH AFRICA'S Maritime Industries, a handy new reference guide designed to promote maritime awareness among South Africans, has just been published.
Lecturer and maritime consultant Dr Henriette van Niekerk, who produced the publication on behalf of the Unit for Maritime Studies at the University of Stellenbosch, believes there is no clear-cut definition of the maritime sector in the South African economy.
She explains that the purpose of this booklet is to demonstrate that there are still many opportunities for entrepreneurship to be derived from the country's proximity to the sea as well as from its ocean trade.
Although South Africa is geographically a maritime country, its inhabitants can hardly be described as a maritime nation. Indeed, virtually all the sea cargo from South Africa, which comprises more than 90% of the mass of imports and exports, is carried by foreign ships earning the owners and operators the equivalent of R18 billion annually.
In his foreword to the guide, Safmarine executive Tony Farr says South Africa's maritime industry has not been sufficiently recognised for the contribution it makes to the country's economy in spite of its 'significant importance'.
Farr, recently appointed chairman of South African Transport Investments, the Safmarine/Maersk Sealand land-based transport company, says although the industry has made significant strides over the past decade there is still a need for greater understanding of what the industry comprises and what role individuals can play within.
Emphasising the need for training at all levels, even starting at school, he says a focused approach to education and training will greatly assist the maritime industry to meet its objective of being recognised as a major contributor to the South African economy.
The involvement of global companies in the South African maritime industry should be seen positively as it will not only assist in the growth of the local industry but provide increased employment opportunities, writes Farr.
South Africa's Maritime Industries covers a host of subjects ranging from ship owning and operating to ports, cargo handling, off-shore activity and maritime boundaries and law. It is being distributed free of charge and will appear annually.
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