In a dynamic partnership between the UKZN Unit of Maritime Law and Maritime Studies; UKZN Marketing and Supply Chain Management Discipline; eThekwini Maritime Cluster and industry stakeholders, significant strides are being made towards bridging the gap between academic learning and industry realities.
In an effort to connect students directly with enriching industry insights and opportunities, a series of monthly public lectures was launched with a thought-provoking presentation by Mr Sandile Khoza, Group Human Capital Executive and Director at Access World. Drawing from his extensive 18 years of experience in operations and supply within the mining, logistics, and transportation sectors, Khoza inspired students to critically evaluate their career paths and identify the real problems inherent in their respective fields.
In a separate initiative, co-ordinated by the eThekwini Maritime Cluster, three UKZN students – Ms Amahle Dlani, Mr Seluleko Ndlovu and Ms Mandisa Mtambo – were selected for internships at Access World commencing on 1 April 2024.
On 24 April 2024, seasoned UKZN Maritime Economist, Professor Trevor Jones, presented a timely lecture on the impact of Houthi rebel attacks on commercial vessels in the Red Sea and the ripple effects on transportation dynamics. His lecture provided invaluable insights for students across maritime studies and supply chain and logistics disciplines, offering a broader perspective on the intricate connections between the current geopolitical instability in the Middle East as well as challenges and opportunities within the industry.
The third series held on 22 May focused on internship opportunities within the sector. The aim of the session was to equip students with the knowledge and tools necessary to leverage internships as a stepping stone towards building their careers in the transportation sector. Keynote speaker, Mr Richard Shezi, Mr Price Group People Director, shared his career journey with students which emphasised the importance of upskilling and reskilling of talent to stay relevant in the industry. Shezi further advises students, ‘looking for a job goes beyond the qualification you hold, your enthusiasm, attitude and the willingness to learn plays a major role,’ he said.
In this interactive session where students acquired knowledge on work preparedness a student, Ms Ariana Sulimani, commented ‘I have gained more knowledge on upskilling and reskilling where it is important to advance your studies through postgraduate or certificate programmes to stay relevant as well as the different areas in which you can explore within supply chain.’
The Discipline of Supply Chain Management at UKZN serves as critical feeder to postgraduate Maritime Studies. In this regard, Dr Thokozani Mbhele, Academic Leaders for Marketing and Supply Chain Management said that the collaboration between the disciplines entrenches on the broader vision of developing greater scope and scale for with relevant market-related curriculum informed by tentative Industry Advisory Board members.
UKZN Unit of Maritime Law and Maritime Studies Director, Dr Dusty Donnelly, commented on the importance of the joint initiative, saying: ‘Through this initiative, we are able to support Goal Two of the UKZN Strategic Plan on creating excellent student experiences as we aim produce graduates with knowledge, skills and networks to build meaningful and agile careers that can be sustained and adapted over the course of their lifetime.’
Donnelly explained that the mission of the Unit is to empower graduates to enter the transport sector equipped with the skills and insights needed to tackle real-world challenges head-on. ‘The success of the initial lectures in 2024 underscores a decisive step in this direction, promising an exciting journey ahead. We are grateful to the ongoing support from eThekwini Maritime Cluster and our industry stakeholders,’ she added.
