Transnet National Ports Authority celebrated Women’s Day with a shift exclusively staffed by women to showcase the essential role they perform in the maritime industry.

Acting manager at the Port of Cape Town, Ophilia Shabane, said they were joined by pupils from Lawhill Maritime Centre in Simon’s Town who they work closely with and where they have bursary students.

“We invited them to join us, so that they can get a glimpse of what it is that we do in terms of our maritime services and also to explore some of the career opportunities that they can go into when they finish school,” said Ms Shabane.

She said it was also a celebration of 30 years of democracy.

“As Transnet National Ports Authority, we have come so far in being able to empower women from all backgrounds, so that we can all be in a space where there are equal opportunities for women to work in an environment that was previously known as male-dominated environment.”

The Lawhill pupils met women employees who hold various positions from acting manager, to tug master, engineer and senior vessel traffic controller.

Sbonelo Simelane, a pilot, said when she started her career, she was the only black woman onboard a vessel that was dominated by men.

“I was told on the first day, ‘you will never make it’,” said Ms Simelane.

She added that even if you progress, you will still get the feeling that you are not good enough.

Amanda Blose, a Grade 12 pupil from Lawhill, said she was able to learn more about the women in the maritime industry, and was motivated by how they persevered despite the odds stacked against them.

She said the day made her decide to pursue a career in marine engineering after school.

“Seeing the engine room is when I realised that I love this; it’s very technical and I could put my mind to it, because I am a person who loves challenges and I am a hands-on person,” she said.

Another pupil, Oyena Ntshanyana, said she was inspired by seeing the all-women shift. She said the women who she spoke with had studied what she is studying and they motivated her not to doubt herself or her ambitions.

Oyena Ntshanyana, a pupil from Lawhill Maritime Centre, with tug master Lufuno Mulovhedzi at the Port of Cape Town where Transnet celebrated a Women’s day with an all-women shift. PICTURE: BHEKI RADEBE

Pupils from Lawhill Maritime Centre attended an all-women shift at the Port of Cape Town. PICTURE: BHEKI RADEBE

Transnet employees with pupils from Lawhill Maritime Centre. PICTURE: BHEKI RADEBE

Pupils from Lawhill Maritime Centre in the engine room, where they were briefed about the engine room duties. PICTURE: BHEKI RADEBE

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All-women maritime shift inspires pupils