Maritime Academy is perfectly placed
In the bigger picture, the government-driven ‘Operation Phakisa’ seeks to fast track what is referred to as the country’s ‘ocean economy’.
NEWS of a proposed Maritime Academy in Richards Bay (Zululand Observer 2 May) is indeed most welcome.
In the bigger picture, the government-driven ‘Operation Phakisa’ seeks to fast track what is referred to as the country’s ‘ocean economy’.
With so much of South Africa bordered by the sea, this makes great sense.
Within the necessary environmental precautions, we have yet to unlock the vast tourism and business opportunities on the landward and seaward sides of the coastline.
The proposed academy, with curriculum linked to Swedish maritime expertise, will teach young men and women various aspects of technical studies and seafaring skills.
Its scope extends from marine engineering to naval architecture, nautical sciences, fleet operations management and more.
It is also a sound decision to locate the Maritime Academy at Richards Bay, home to the country’s largest and deepest port and of strategic importance on maritime trade routes.
The location earmarked for the proposed 52ha Umfolozi TVET College campus – a ‘mini maritime university’ – is along the blind canal, close to the Zululand Yacht Club and Sea Rescue Station 19.
The synergies are obvious for the practical aspects of student training.
Alongside this is the fact there already exists in our region a large body of experienced master mariners and other professionals associated with maritime trade.
Add to this the long-awaited possibilities of a dry dock and container terminal, and Richards Bay could indeed become a thriving hub for ocean economy development.
One trusts the ‘red tape’ issues will be swiftly resolved so the project can become reality sooner rather than later.
Onlookers are up in the air
THE short-lived suspension of SA Express’ licence to operate is mind-boggling.
How on earth (or a couple of kilometres above it) does the Civil Aviation Authority declare on Saturday that the company is not fit to operate safely, and one day later give the green light to resume flights?
What are prospective passengers to assume?
Is it safe to fly SA Express? Apparently so, given their 22 years of accident-free flying, plus the astonishing CAA turnaround.
Yet there will be a nagging ‘no smoke without fire’ doubt in the minds of many.
Surely there is more to it than meets the eye.
