23 September 2015
Grindrod participates in Department of Transport Maritime Week 2015
Every year, during the last week of September, Maritime week is celebrated throughout the world. To be celebrated in Richards Bay, KZN and hosted by Transport Minister, Dipuo Peters, the theme this year is ‘Maritime education and training’. Adopted by the IMO Council and Assembly, the theme focuses attention on the wider spectrum of maritime education and training, in particular its adequacy and quality, as the bedrock of a safe and secure shipping industry, which needs to preserve the quality, practical skills and competence of qualified human resources, in order to ensure its sustainability.
Grindrod has supported the Department of Transport Maritime week over the years by participating in career exhibitions, providing information on the maritime sector through presentations, displays, information packs and engaging one on one with the learners and educators on opportunities available in this sector and aims to do the same this year.
Grindrod Shipping Training Academy, a prominent developer of young South African talent since 1975 has trained both seafarers and personnel for shore based sectors of trade. It is a registered establishment that conducts courses required by the marine and allied industries. It provides South Africa Maritime Authority approved training courses to local and international clients and is recognized by the MCA.
Announced during Maritime week, is Grindrod and Sturrock Grindrod Maritime’s intention to provide 4 bursaries to disadvantaged students to study a one year diploma in Maritime studies at Durban University of Technology or Cape Technikon.
Several initiatives are in place, such as a graduate programme, specifically developed to help graduates bridge the gap between learning institutions and the work place. Graduates are exposed to various divisions of the business by following a structured practical programme, and acquiring practical skills which are relevant to both the business and the graduates’ fields of interest and learning. Where possible, after the programme, graduates will be absorbed into the business and offered permanent positions. In addressing employment equity the focus has always been on a high portion/percentage of graduates from previously disadvantaged groups.
The group has a strong bias towards education related programmes mainly in previously disadvantage communities. It aims to make a relevant and notable contribution to social development in the education sector through its partnership with Adopt-a-school Foundation, a project of the Shanduka Foundation and a non-profit organisation that supports the creation and enhancement of a conducive learning and teaching environment in disadvantaged schools.
Grindrod South Africa has a level 2 B-BBEE certification. The business continues to transform, not only within the operations but also throughout the organization in terms of processes, systems and people. The development of our people through skills upliftment and learnership programmes is paramount to Grindrod’s future success. As a South African listed company, Grindrod views empowerment, transformation and education as an important aspect of its corporate responsibility.
About Grindrod
Grindrod is listed on the JSE Securities Exchange and is based in South Africa, with its head office in Durban. It is represented by subsidiaries, joint venture and associated companies in 43 countries worldwide, employing more than 7 500 skilled and dedicated people. Grindrod’s business involves the movement of cargo by road, rail, sea and air, through integrated logistics services and utilising specialised assets and infrastructure. It focuses on the movement of drybulk and bulk liquid commodities, containerised cargo and vehicles. Its South African origins uniquely position the group to service African trade flows.
For more information, please contact Alison Briggs, Group PR & Marketing Manager, [email protected] or Tel: +27 31 302 7113 / +28 83 419 2970