Women in maritime celebrated with conference and awards

SAIMI celebrates women in maritime

SOUTH AFRICA: A conference and awards dinner dedicated to emphasising the contribution of women within the South African maritime sector provided a fitting close to Women’s month in the country by celebrating significant achievements and discussing experiences.

Speakers at the conference, which was organised by the South African International Maritime Institute (SAIMI), sought to identify existing challenges for women and new entrants as well as outline an implementation plan for stakeholders that leverages on existing partnerships as well as networks.

It is clear that participants were energised by frank discussions during the day, but equally keen to celebrate the significant successes of their peers at the awards dinner held last night.

Nine awards were presented to notable contributors across a number of categories. These included:

1. Best Women in Maritime Business: Kgomotso Selokane – CEO of Heron Marine
2. Making waves as a newcomer: Vuyisile Jaca - Global Ambassador for the Empowerment of Girls through Education on board the Maiden Factor
3. Leading entity in Women Empowerment: Transnet National Ports Authority
4. SHEROE in the sector: Debbie Owen – Lawhill Maritime Academy
5. Most influential: Noxolo Ncayo – Research Analyst at the Ports Regulator of South Africa
6. Best mentor: Captain Makhosi Mbokazi
7. Star performer: Samantha Montes of CPUT Survival Centre
8. Woman in Maritime Research: Dr Nomtha Hadi from Nelson Mandela University Business School
9. Maritime Tech Innovator of the Year: Robyn Verrinder of UCT Engineering

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