EThekwini Maritime Cluster (EMC) and the University Of Kwa Zulu-Natal (UKZN) have embarked on an innovative research collaboration, this initiative will see the two institutions support five post graduate students conduct research aimed at tackling South Africa’s maritime industry challenges.
As part of the vision of growing South Africa’s maritime industry to be a formidable global competitor, EMC, in collaboration with various stakeholders such as government, maritime industry role-players, academia and civil society, implements a number of programmes. One such programme is the Training and Skills Development Programme, aimed at positioning eThekwini and KZN as a maritime center of knowledge.
Towards this end, EMC and UKZN have an MOU in force that will see the maritime industry being able to utilize the research capacity within UKZN, in order to alleviate industry challenges and make it globally competitive.
After a rigorous process, five post graduate students, registered through the UKZN Unit for Maritime Law and Maritime Studies; the School of Accounting, Economics and Finance and School of Law, intending to pursue their maritime-related research where nominated.
EMC managing director, Zenzile Gwamanda, said: “This initiative is a win-win for both the students and the maritime industry. The industry will be able to leverage the research capacity of UKZN to solve significant industry challenges. The students will benefit from creating industry networks for future opportunities. This initiative will have on an invaluable impact on the maritime industry.”
The students who will be participating in the Supporting Maritime Research Initiative are Nyadu Kabongo, Nomali Port, Matthew van Maasdyk, Musawenkosi Mpofana and Nomvelo Luthuli. The students will be supervised by Dr. Langa Dlamini, Professor Trevor Jones, Dr. Sanele Gumede and Professor Dusty Donnelly.
Dr. Dusty Donnelly of UKZN said, “This partnership with EMC will make it possible for five talented students at the UKZN’s Unit of Maritime Law & Maritime Studies to produce impactful research focused on important, current issues in the maritime sector”
“Our valued partnerships with key industry stakeholders like the EMC are central to our vision of positioning the Unit of Maritime Law & Maritime Studies at the University of KwaZulu-Natal as the leading knowledge institute for maritime-related studies on the African continent, providing inter-disciplinary teaching and research excellence in the areas of shipping and international trade law and economics” Dr. Dusty Donnelly continued.
The research topics that will be covered by these scholars include National Ports Authority and Ports Regulator: The economic efficiency of SA ports system 2010 – 2020; Exploring South African ports price competitiveness; A hacker’s new playground? Investigation of the readiness and response of maritime organizations to cyber-crime in the maritime industry – a South African perspective; Implications of congestion by redirecting container handling and distribution from the Durban Harbour Container Terminals to Inland Ports, key focus on Cato Ridge Dry Port; and Techniques implemented to meet the demands of custom modernization and trade facilitation in South Africa.
The official launch of the Supporting Maritime Research Initiative will take place at the EMC offices on 04 March 2022, 303 Smith St, Durban, 4001. During this event, to be attended by delegates from UKZN, EMC and the maritime industry, each researcher will present on their intended research.
