Prof Vuyisa Mazwi-Tanga recently hosted the Minister of Science and Technology, Mr Mosibudi Mangeni at the Department of Maritime Studies on the Granger Bay Campus.
“We are pleased at how Minister Mosibudi Mangena has shown passion and commitment in developing Science and Technology in South Africa,” said Prof Mazwi-Tanga.
The Head of Maritime Studies, Captain Dr. Ed Snyders told Minister Mangena the plans and activities of the department. Once the formalities were completed, the Minister, Vice-Chancellor, Dr Oswald Franks, Dean of Engineering and the other guests were given a tour of the campus.
Maritime Studies is a niche area offered by only two higher education institutions in South Africa. The department offers formal education in marine navigation and marine engineering, and non-formal training in offshore safety and survival. The Department boasts the only Offshore Survival Centre in Africa and trains 2 500 students from Africa and beyond.
“Our private Granger Bay harbour houses a number of lifeboats/crafts, fast rescue craft and an indoor, heated swimming pool. It is envisaged that a new floating laboratory (training vessel), a first for Africa, and marine engineering workshop on the Bellville campus shall be operational in the near future”, Captain Dr Snyders told the Minister.
The Department of Maritime Studies is also an important role player in the Eastern Cape Maritime Awareness Project (EC-MAP) that was launched in August 2005.
“EC-MAP is a partnership formed by the CPUT, the Eastern Cape Education Department and the National Ports Authority to reverse the high levels of unemployment and crime. Eight Eastern Cape schools were identified with the view to making learners and educators aware of their maritime heritage and the job opportunities the maritime industry provides. We’ve enrolled eight students from EC-MAP and their progress has been satisfactory. The idea is to roll this project out into the Western Cape Province next year, “said Capt Dr Snyders.
Written by CPUT News
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