EThekwini Maritime Cluster

EThekwini Maritime Cluster eThekwini Maritime Cluster (EMC) is a non-profit company that was launched in 2009 to provide a platform for collaborative engagement within the Blue Economy.
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We successfully hosted our Board Strategy Session, a critical engagement focused on strengthening governance and chartin...
02/09/2026

We successfully hosted our Board Strategy Session, a critical engagement focused on strengthening governance and charting the future of the Cluster.

A highlight of the day was a special moment of honour and gratitude as we paid tribute to the former Chairperson of the Cluster, Mr Emmanuel Ntshangase. In recognition of his exceptional leadership, dedication, and invaluable contribution to EMC, we were proud to present him with an Emeritus gift and certificate.

The session was also dedicated to robust governance deliberations, including a review of:

📌 The Constitution of the Cluster
📌 The Board Charter
📌 The Memorandum of Incorporation (MOI) and other key strategic documents.

This is part of our commitment to ensuring EMC remains a well-governed, transparent, and future-focused organisation serving the maritime sector.

Thank you to all Board Members who participated and contributed to the insightful discussions.

EThekwini Municipality

⚓ *Strengthening Seafarer Welfare at the Port of Durban*The CEO of the eThekwini Maritime Cluster, Zenzile Gwamanda, in ...
02/09/2026

⚓ *Strengthening Seafarer Welfare at the Port of Durban*

The CEO of the eThekwini Maritime Cluster, Zenzile Gwamanda, in her capacity as Chairperson of the Port Welfare Committee, hosted a joint breakfast with our valued port stakeholders.

The session brought together key maritime stakeholders including NUMSA, Shipping Agents, the Harbour Master of the Port of Durban - Captain Brynn Adamson, Ms. Noma Sokhela from eThekwini Economic Development, Port Authorities, and Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) to discuss matters relating to the welfare and wellbeing of seafarers at the Port of Durban.

Durban Seafarers Mission

01/09/2026

Message from the EThekwini Maritime Cluster CEO, Mrs Zenzile Gwamanda.

As we close Women’s Month, may we remember that our commitment to empowering women must continue far beyond August.

We honour the courageous women who have opened doors, challenged barriers and paved the way for others. To every woman navigating the maritime industry: your voice matters, your leadership is needed, and your dreams belong in every part of this sector, from our ports and vessels to boardrooms and policy-making spaces.

We also sincerely thank the men who have supported women, opened doors and intentionally created space for women to grow, lead and thrive. True transformation is achieved when we work together as partners.

To the young people aspiring to enter the maritime industry: keep pushing, keep learning and never allow challenges to limit your dreams. There is a place for you in this industry. Be courageous, prepare yourselves and take every opportunity to build the future you want to see.

The journey towards equality is not yet complete, but the future is filled with hope. Together, let us build an inclusive maritime industry where women and young people are empowered to rise, lead and succeed.

As August comes to an end, may our commitment continue. Let us sail into the future with courage, purpose and the assurance that the best is still ahead.

EThekwini Municipality

Strengthening Maritime Collaboration Through Strategic PartnershipseThekwini Maritime Cluster (EMC) is pleased to announ...
31/08/2026

Strengthening Maritime Collaboration Through Strategic Partnerships

eThekwini Maritime Cluster (EMC) is pleased to announce the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Ports Regulator of South Africa, represented by its Acting CEO, Dr Langa Dlamini.

This partnership marks an important milestone in strengthening collaboration between our organisations and advancing the growth and development of South Africa’s maritime sector. It also creates an opportunity for EMC to broaden its reach and strengthen linkages beyond KwaZulu-Natal, contributing to the growth and competitiveness of the maritime and blue economy nationally and globally.

Speaking at the signing, EMC CEO Mrs Zenzile Gwamanda emphasised that meaningful growth within the maritime sector cannot be achieved in isolation. Strategic partnerships such as this enable organisations to leverage their respective strengths, share knowledge and create greater impact across the industry.

Through the MoU, EMC and the Ports Regulator of South Africa will collaborate on key areas including:

• Creating employment opportunities and facilitating graduate placement
• Supporting stakeholder engagement initiatives
• Promoting maritime awareness and industry participation
• Facilitating enterprise development initiatives
• Advancing initiatives that prioritise and support women in maritime
• Supporting joint fundraising initiatives
• Promoting research, knowledge-sharing and sector development

We look forward to turning this agreement into meaningful programmes and initiatives that create opportunities, strengthen the maritime ecosystem and contribute to the sustainable growth of South Africa’s blue economy.

Collaboration is not simply about working together, it is about combining our strengths to create greater impact for the industry and the people we serve.

EThekwini Municipality

“As I always say “Iphupho alifi umnikazi esaphila”Breaking barriers, challenging the historical underrepresentation of y...
31/08/2026

“As I always say “Iphupho alifi umnikazi esaphila”

Breaking barriers, challenging the historical underrepresentation of young women in seafaring, marine engineering, naval architecture, port operations, and maritime leadership, Lieutenant Commander Sindisiwe Maja Labuschagne, affectionately known as the Face of the South African Navy. Her journey started off with nothing but a dream to one day wake up and pull up highchair in the South African Navy bringing change through media.

She joined the South African Navy, where she was a Non-Commissioned Officer for years. She completed her studies and did her Officers Course which allowed her to broaden her skills and knowledge.

She has Sailed with SAS ISANDLWANA for deployment in the Mozambique Channel. “Trust me you will stand on parade. My favourite unforgettable moments includes the burial of former President Nelson Mandela, the inauguration of President Cyril Ramaphosa. I have also sailed across the Asian and African countries with SAS AMATOLA." Her other notable achievement was introducing content creation in the South African National Defence Force as a tool to teach and improve the knowledge of the Defence Force to the public at large.

Her message to women as we wrap-up the Women’s Month: “No one can dim the natural light that shines within you. Change starts with you. It’s not the ranks you carry in your shoulders that defines you, it’s what’s inside your heart that make you a remarkable leader.”

To close off the women's month, EThekwini Maritime Cluster in partnership with African Marine Solutions , SA CARGO, and...
28/08/2026

To close off the women's month, EThekwini Maritime Cluster in partnership with African Marine Solutions , SA CARGO, and SAAMBR held a Take A Girl Child to work where three schools, Ntakimazolo High, JG Zuma High, and Margot Fonteyn Secondary were part of the programme.

The first phase all schools toured the SA Cargo warehouse where they were informed about shipping and logistics sode of things. The second phase of the tour ended at SAAMBR (UShaka Marine World) where they were part of the dolphin show and toured aquarium where they learned about different species.

Take a Boy/Girl Child to Work is part of Maritime Curriculum Enhancement Programme where we align school curriculum with the maritime workplace through career awareness and workplace site exposure to facilitate the development of maritime curriculum qualification development and enhancement through industry support and training programmes.

GMLSe

Guided by the theme, _“An educated Zulu maiden is empowered to honour her heritage, make informed decisions, achieve ind...
27/08/2026

Guided by the theme, _“An educated Zulu maiden is empowered to honour her heritage, make informed decisions, achieve independence, and become a leader who inspires future generations,”

Today's program held at Anton Lembede Museum affirmed the importance of both cultural identity and academic excellence. It was designed to assist young women in cultivating a strong sense of identity, exercising informed decision-making, and pursuing their aspirations with confidence, thereby nurturing future leaders who are educated, independent, resilient, and deeply rooted in their culture.

Different schools were present to hear Korean from different stakeholders that were invited.

EThekwini Municipality GMLSe Transnet National Ports Authority

EThekwini Maritime Cluster today is part of the Zulu Maidens Programme held at Anton Lembede Museum.The programme is to ...
27/08/2026

EThekwini Maritime Cluster today is part of the Zulu Maidens Programme held at Anton Lembede Museum.

The programme is to inspire and empower young women to pursue academic excellence, develop essential life and leadership skills, and make informed decisions that will positively influence their future.

The programme aims to instil values of self-respect, discipline, resilience, responsibility, integrity, and cultural pride. It encourages young women to recognise their full potential, embrace opportunities for personal and academic growth, and develop the confidence required to become positive role models within their families, schools, and communities.

EThekwini Municipality GMLSe

From Esnqaw’nqawini to the world, meet the Mthembu twins, Anele and Ayanda, South African Navy Divers. Trained to work u...
26/08/2026

From Esnqaw’nqawini to the world, meet the Mthembu twins, Anele and Ayanda, South African Navy Divers. Trained to work underwater, they carry out specialised tasks that support the South African Navy and its maritime operations.

Their passion for the maritime industry grew after they were introduced to diving in the South African Navy, a path very different from what they had imagined for themselves when they were younger.

“The journey has been challenging but also very rewarding. Diving requires mental strength, physical fitness, discipline and the ability to work under pressure. We have faced difficult training and situations that pushed us beyond what we thought we could do. Being sisters and going through this journey together has also helped us motivate and support each other. Every challenge has helped us grow both professionally and personally.”

One of their greatest achievements was qualifying as South African Navy Divers. The training is demanding and completing it marked an important milestone for both of them.

They are proud to be women working in a field that has traditionally been dominated by men. Being able to perform their duties, develop their skills and continue learning within the diving environment is something they value greatly. Another important achievement for them is inspiring young women who may never have considered careers in the Navy, diving or the broader maritime industry.

Our message to women is to never limit themselves because of their gender or where they come from. There may be careers or opportunities that seem difficult or traditionally meant for men, but women can succeed in those spaces as well. Believe in yourself, remain disciplined, be willing to learn and do not be afraid of challenges. Sometimes you only discover how strong and capable you are when you step outside your comfort zone.

This Women’s Month, we would like to encourage women to support one another and continue opening doors for the women who will come after us. As women, we should never be afraid to take up space, work hard and pursue opportunities that once seemed impossible.



📸 Staff Sergeant Nkosinathi Nkosi

Zamanyanda Nandi Mdlalose will be live on Izwilomzansi fm talking all things Shipping and Logistics as we are closing th...
26/08/2026

Zamanyanda Nandi Mdlalose will be live on Izwilomzansi fm talking all things Shipping and Logistics as we are closing the women's month.

Do tune in 📻...

Address

1005 Durban Club Chambers, 303 Anton Lembede Street (Smith Street)
Durban
4001

Opening Hours

Monday 08:00 - 16:30
Tuesday 08:00 - 16:30
Wednesday 08:00 - 16:30
Thursday 08:00 - 16:30
Friday 08:00 - 16:30

Telephone

+27313010950

Website

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