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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The eThekwini Maritime Cluster was pleased to be part of Day 2 of the Grade 9 Subject Selection EXPO 2026!It was an hono...
08/09/2026

The eThekwini Maritime Cluster was pleased to be part of Day 2 of the Grade 9 Subject Selection EXPO 2026!

It was an honour to exhibit and engage with the bright, ambitious Grade 9 learners as they make crucial decisions about their future subject choices.

We enjoyed showcasing the diverse and dynamic career opportunities within the maritime industry and the Blue Economy - from maritime engineering and logistics to marine manufacturing and maritime law.

Thank you to the organizers, educators, and learners for the warm welcome and meaningful conversations. We are inspired by the next generation of maritime leaders!

KZNDOE EThekwini Municipality

EThekwini Maritime Cluster was proud to be part of DAY 1 of the Grade 9 Subject Selection EXPO 2026 under the theme: Emp...
07/09/2026

EThekwini Maritime Cluster was proud to be part of DAY 1 of the Grade 9 Subject Selection EXPO 2026 under the theme: Empowering Future Innovators in Making Informed and Impactful Decisions.

We engaged with future innovators, unpacking the vast career opportunities within the maritime industry and how today's subject choices shape tomorrow's blue economy leaders.

Thank you to all the learners, educators, and learners who visited our stand. The future is bright, and it is maritime!

KZNDOE EThekwini Municipality

Location... sila đź“Ť Grade 9 subject selection EXPO 2026... KZNDOE
07/09/2026

Location... sila đź“Ť

Grade 9 subject selection EXPO 2026...

KZNDOE

The Moses Kotane Research Institute and Bukelani Institute successfully concluded the Ocean Story Lab Industry Workshop ...
04/09/2026

The Moses Kotane Research Institute and Bukelani Institute successfully concluded the Ocean Story Lab Industry Workshop — a dynamic platform for dialogue, collaboration, and innovation within the Oceans Economy.

The workshop brought together industry leaders, researchers, entrepreneurs, and stakeholders to share insights, explore emerging opportunities, and shape compelling ocean narratives that drive skills development, enterprise growth, and sustainable economic transformation in KwaZulu-Natal.

Our Training and Skills Development Programme at eThekwini Maritime Cluster, spearheaded by Mr Zondo, gave an accessible overview of ocean economy sectors, value chains, sustainability, and emerging opportunities.

We extend our sincere gratitude to all speakers, partners, and participants who contributed to the success of this engagement. Together, we are advancing research-driven solutions for a thriving, inclusive, and sustainable maritime future.

African Marine Solutions

EThekwini Maritime Cluster has arrived at the Moses Kotane Research Institute for the Ocean Stories Lab Industry Worksho...
04/09/2026

EThekwini Maritime Cluster has arrived at the Moses Kotane Research Institute for the Ocean Stories Lab Industry Workshop.

This initiative is co-hosted by Moses Kotane Research Institute and Bukelani Institute.

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:

đź“Ś The Constitution of the Cluster
đź“Ś The Board Charter
đź“Ś 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

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

âš“ *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.”

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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