The inspirational characters depicted by Michelle Pfeiffer in Dangerous Minds and Robin Williams in Dead Poet’s Society, has some likeness to the real life character introduced in this article.

Her name, Margaret Masuku, a 35 year old teacher at Sithengile High School in KwaZulu Natal. She first approached Grindrod some 5 years ago requesting shipping magazines, books, ship models or anything else the company could spare. She was determined to provide as many resources as possible for her maritime students. As a qualified Biology teacher, her teaching abilities were solid but she lacked knowledge and experience of the maritime industry. The challenges must have seemed insurmountable, but with the backing of the headmaster, Mr Thusi, she set about overcoming the obstacles by approaching the industry for assistance. 

Margaret’s genuine desire to assist her students was like a breath of fresh air and the first step in making maritime studies at Sithengile sustainable and a subject of choice.

Grindrod’s involvement started with arranging harbor tours for the maritime students and progressed to requesting assistance from teaching experts such as Brian Ingpen (maritime teacher at Simons Town) to assist students in exam preparations. Last year Grindrod, through Project Build, commenced with the construction of a maritime centre at the school.

At the official handover earlier this month, Mr Thwala from the department of transport highlighted the need for maritime studies in this country. According to a paper drafted by the Department of Transport last year, “Trade is the life blood of nations, with maritime transport carrying 90% of all international trade. The past decade has seen steady growth in South Africa’s trade with the different regions of the world. The bulk of South Africa’s trade (in excess of 95%) is moved by sea through the country’s seven commercial ports”.

Alan Olivier, Grindrod CEO, in addressing students, teachers and other sponsors, said that an educated nation was the foundation of a successful society and that the business community played an important role in making this goal a reality.

Megan Harris, who was very involved in assisting Margaret in acquiring sponsors, and representatives of the various sponsors were all present to celebrate the official opening. Jo Tankers, Smiths Manufacturing, Rennies Ships Agency, LBH South Africa, NCD Solutions, Panargo Shipping and the Maritime Law Association as well as the Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers all contributed in some way. Computers, furnishing, bursaries, internet connection is all needed for a functional maritime centre.

Also announced at the handover, was that the International Maritime Organization has sponsored Margaret to study at the World maritime University in Sweden. Margaret will be departing on the 25 September 2010 to study “Master of Science in Maritime Education’. She will return on the 4 December 2011 and commence teaching at Sithengile in the following year.

Ocean Africa Container Lines (joint venture between Safmarine and Grindrod) have agreed to pay all her travel expenses.   

All at Grindrod wish Margaret well in her quest to bring knowledge to her maritime students.

Bon Voyage