Women's shipping group launched

THE INCREASING number of women in senior transport industry positions has encouraged an official launch of the South African branch of WISTA (Women's International Shipping and Transport Association). This was held in Durban, yesterday (October 25) as a prelude to the staging of the world conference in Durban in 2003. South African delegates to the 2001 conference held in Italy received an overwhelming response to their request for this country to host the 2003 event, says national secretary Natasha Flack, who is concerned that there are still a vast number of South Africans unaware of the role the association plays in global events. "We are seeking a substantial growth in membership, even though this hasincreased by more than 40% since the beginning of this year," she says. "The message is getting around, especially since the Italian trip but even so there are people in the maritime industry who still don't know too much about WISTA, even though the organisation has been around internationally for 29 years." Further information is available from Flack on 082-264-3353 or e-mail natasha_flack@hotmail.com