THE Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) marked Take a Girl Child to Work Day last Thursday, 31 May, by allowing hundreds of female pupils to gain insight into the operations of the national port system and the wide range of career opportunities offered.
In a statement, the authority said it had supported the day since inception and has seen the number of participants growing steadily over the past 15 years. “Through various TNPA programmes aimed at promoting gender equality and women’s development, women are increasingly taking up key operational roles traditionally filled by men, such as dredge masters, tug masters and pilots, as well as senior leadership roles,” it said.
To participate in TNPA’s programme for the day girls must be in grades 9 to 12 and studying English, Pure Mathematics and Physical Science at high school level, as these are required for many of the mission critical roles in the maritime industry.
TNPA’s General Manager: Corporate Affairs and External Relations, Moshe Motlohi, said: “The years 2010-2020 were declared by the African Union as the African Women’s Decade along with the theme of grassroots approach to gender equality and women’s empowerment. As TNPA, we are fully committed to support this vision and are on a mission to encourage young girls to fully participate in our industry.
“We need highly skilled, innovative and dynamic people to take our business forward. Exposing learners to careers available in the port system is a way in which we hope to inspire young people to acquire the qualifications to enter our business,” he added.
In keeping with TNPA’s commitment to supporting communities in the areas in which it operates, the girls included a combination of employees’ children and pupils from TNPA’s adopted schools across the country.
After an overview of the port system, the girls spent the day “shadowing” senior staff as they went about their day and were exposed to various aspects of port operations.
At the Port of East London the TNPA hosted pupils from Unathi High School and Sophatisana Senior Secondary School and the daughters of employees.
In Port Elizabeth, 31 girls from Cowan High School and Ithembelihle High School in New Brighton, St James High School in Schauderville and the daughters of employees visited the port. They also had the opportunity to board the SA Agulhas.
The Port of Ngqura hosted 18 girls from Ndzondelelo High School, Alexander High School, Lawson Brown High School, Khumbulani High School and Newton Park High School as well as the daughters of employees.