The Sindiswa Carol ‘Tu’ Nhlumayo Merit Bursary Now Open To Empower Women In Oceans

WITH women representation only accounting for 2% worldwide in seagoing careers, a bursary scheme by the South African International Maritime Institute (SAIMI) in partnership with the National Skills Fund (NSF) plans to further unlock the oceans economy for women in South Africa.

The Sindiswa Carol ‘Tu’ Nhlumayo Merit Bursary is now open for young black women wanting to pursue an undergraduate or postgraduate qualification in maritime-related fields to achieve success in their careers in the oceans economy. Undergraduate qualifications could include applicable diplomas or degrees, while postgraduate applicants could pursue oceans economy-related postgraduate diplomas, Honours, Masters or PhD studies.

As head of the Centre for Maritime Excellence at the South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA), the late Nhlumayo played a pioneering role in putting maritime skills development on the map in South Africa, in particular by empowering women in the sector. She was directly responsible for spearheading and implementing the National Cadet Programme (including pioneering the training of cadets on the Dedicated Training Vessel SA Agulhas) and creating awareness of maritime careers, jobs, business and recreational opportunities, and by so doing, introducing youth to the maritime sector.

The bursary, which has been running since 2018 in honour of the late Nhlumayo’s contributions, provides an opportunity for young women from previously disadvantaged, designated groups to pursue a career in maritime related fields. Recipients of SAIMI bursaries over the past years who have since graduated, have gone on to work as Chief Officer, Second and Third Officers for leading shipping companies in Southern Africa, amongst others.

SAIMI annually hosts events and webinars to inspire women’s participation in the oceans economy, coupled with professional development training opportunities encouraging women to take up careers in diverse and previously male-dominated sectors of the oceans economy.

Beneficiaries of the Sindiswa Carol ‘Tu’ Nhlumayo Merit Bursary will have the opportunity to participate in organised bodies such as Women’s International Shipping and Trading Association South Africa (WISTA-SA) and other bodies for women in maritime and science.

SAIMI will continue to foster partnerships with organisations that support women in maritime to empower and facilitate new networks for beneficiaries. The bursary award will include the following:

• Full academic bursary – cost of tuition and textbooks;
• Subsidized accommodation and meal allowances (up to a certain amount, as set by the funder, National Skills Fund);
• Opportunity to attend SAIMI-hosted conferences and selected local maritime events; and
• Opportunity to participate in organised bodies in maritime and science.

Apply online at https://saimi.co.za/article/bursaries/ before 28 February 2022.