School girls treated to port-pourri

TERRY HUTSON THIS YEAR’S national ‘Take a girl child to work’ campaign attracted good support at the port of Durban, with both South African Port Operations (Sapo) and the National Ports Authority (NPA) each participating individually. Sapo and the NPA handed out hard hats and visibility jackets to about 50 girls in total from schools around Durban, before introducing them to a variety of career opportunities among the various port operations and activities, both on the wharfside, the water and in the office. This was the second year running for Sapo and the first occasion the NPA has supported this project, which aims to help grade 10 - 12 girls explore work and professional opportunities they may not have otherwise considered. For many of the youngsters it was a case of seeing a port for the first time and it became an eye opener as they learned of a variety of new career opportunities. While some experienced the excitement of going on board a cargo ship, others visited the Port Academy simulator or went on board one of the harbour tugs. Even Sapo CEO Tau Morwe and other senior managers entered into the spirit of things and shared part of their day with the scholars. “As women have not previously been encouraged to participate fully in the maritime industry and port operations, we feel it is necessary to open our doors and show students the wide range of careers and opportunities that are available,” said Morwe.