- Women’s Role in South Africa’s Maritime Sector: Minister Sindisiwe Chikunga emphasized the importance of including women in unlocking the country’s maritime potential, noting their underrepresentation in management and active seafaring roles.
- Opportunities Under Operation Phakisa’s Blue Oceans Economy Strategy: The strategy identifies R177 billion in opportunities and aims to create up to one million jobs by 2030, with a focus on integrating women and youth into this growth.
- Support for Women in Maritime Industries: Initiatives like SAIMI’s Imbokodo programme and the Sindiswa Carol ‘Tu’ Nhlumayo Merit Bursary provide mentorship, training, and recognition to support women’s advancement.
Minister in the Presidency for Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, Sindisiwe Chikunga, delivered the keynote address at the South African International Maritime Institute (SAIMI) Women’s Day Seminar and Awards on 4 September 2025. Held at Nelson Mandela University’s Ocean Sciences Campus in Gqeberha, the seminar ran under the theme “Accelerate Action: Empowering Women to Navigate New Horizons.”
Addressing government, academia, industry, and civil society representatives, Chikunga stressed that women must be central to unlocking South Africa’s maritime potential. She reminded delegates that although women make up 44% of the national workforce, only 27% hold management positions, while globally just 1% are active seafarers.
The Minister reflected on her years in the transport sector and emphasized Operation Phakisa’s Blue Oceans Economy Strategy, which identified opportunities worth R177 billion and up to one million jobs by 2030. She said women and youth must be at the heart of this growth.
Chikunga commended SAIMI’s Imbokodo in Maritime Transformation Programme and the Sindiswa Carol ‘Tu’ Nhlumayo Merit Bursary for supporting women through mentorship, training, and recognition. She also pointed to milestones such as WASAA’s acquisition of BP’s East London Terminal as proof that women-owned businesses can lead major economic change.
Calling for action, she urged stakeholders to open training and leadership pathways, enforce the 40% set-aside for women-owned businesses, and ensure dignity and opportunity for girls and women in maritime.
“Your participation places you firmly inside the arena,” she said, “the best thing you can do is to behave like you want the victory.”
