Sea Cadets Participate In 2009 World Maritime Day Article and photos by Lt (SAN) Glenn von Zeil, SA Naval Reserves

Sea Cadets from TS Woltemade were amongst learners from four Cape Town schools who participated in the Department of Transport’s 2009 World Maritime Day programme.

The Acting Director General Department of Transport, Mr. George Mahlalela was welcomed with a demonstration by a Sea Cadet silent drill squad at the opening of the event. The Sea Cadets then presented him with a TS Woltemade ship’s badge to commemorate the event.

LS C. Sanders, LS Z. Gatab and Sea J. September of TS Woltemade receive their certificates as runners up in the practical boat building competition

The theme for the event was “Climate Change” and various speakers, including the CEO of the South African Maritime Safety Authority, Cdr Tsietsi Mokhele were invited. During his address he emphasised that South Africa should be expanding the maritime economy and that should human behaviour not change, that it would impact on future generations.

Mr. George Mahlalela acknowledged the Sea Cadets and other learners and praised those schools and youth organisations that provide positive opportunities for future maritime leaders. He encouraged those present to turn their institutions into pockets of excellence and appealed for a national co-ordinated effort to ensure that the lessons learned were rolled out elsewhere.

LS Jooste,TS Woltemade,presents a ship's badge to Acting Director General of Department of Transport, Mr. George Mahlalela, on behalf of the Sea Cadets	Sea Cadets from TS Woltemade pose with Acting Director General of Department of Transport, Mr. George Mahlalela and Officer Commanding Cdr Philip Miller

Mr Sanjay Govan, Managing Director of the Port of Cape Town, spoke on behalf of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) and clearly indicated to all delegates that the increase in global temperature would have a definite impact on the sea and sea levels, which in turn would impact on both the maritime and coastal economy. “One hundred and fifty years of industrialisation has gradually affected the earth and like a giant oil tanker, its course needs to be corrected” he said. He encouraged delegates to face the facts, to take the tough decisions for the future, to act as one and to put life ahead of lifestyle. Furthermore, he encouraged all citizens to place pressure on Ministers and Heads of State to ensure that governments were held to account for their integrity.

The various maritime and Department of Transport stalls provided an opportunity for the youth to learn about the different careers available from both industries.

TS Woltemade Silent Drill Squad go through their routine with only a drum beat for direction watched by fellow learners from participating maritime schools	TS Woltemade Silent Drill Squad pose with Tug Smit Amandla in the background during World Maritime Day Celebrations

Four maritime schools and organisations participated in a practical model boat building competition. Thandukulu High School attained first position, TS Woltemade Sea Cadets second, Simon’s Town High School third and Linden High School fourth position.

Officer Commanding of TS Woltemade, Cdr P. Miller and Acting Director General of Department of Transport, Mr G. Mahlalela at the Sea Cadets stall during World Maritime Day

The event highlighted the important role played by the Sea Cadets organisation, who through the support of the SA Navy and other stakeholders, continue to develop young people for careers in the maritime industry. Furthermore, the vision of providing practical and accredited training towards a career was becoming a necessity to meet the growing need for appropriate skills.