THE newly-built KZN Maritime School of Excellence in North Beach recently hosted the province’s best in maritime economics.
The Maritime Economics Awards were an initiative of the eThekwini Maritime Cluster and the KZN Department of Education to celebrate the achievements of schools offering Maritime Economics and learners during the 2025 academic year.

Samkele Mlambo from the KZN Maritime School of Excellence won second place in the province for Top Teacher in Maritime Economics. The man is not a stranger to accolades – while at DUT he received Top Student awards every year. Also, while working for a global logistics company in Durban, he was crowned with the top management honour.

When the state-of-the-art school opened its doors this year, he was one of the educators selected to drive the learners to the next chapter in maritime. He was an educator at Mowat Park Girls’ High School, and boasts a solid background in the sector following his background in the private maritime sector.

“I did a diploma in maritime studies at DUT, and I can say that this path chose me. I had aspirations of being a doctor while I was in high school. When the education department embarked on the enhancement and promotion of maritime studies in schools, I was elevated to hop on the wagon, emboldened by my practical and theoretical experience in the maritime private sector,” Mlambo shared.

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He believes his role as the maritime educator is to provide maximum exposure to the next generation of maritime practitioners. “It is my duty and honour to shape and steer the learners towards this dynamic career. For them to compete fairly on the global stage, they would require high excellence and maximum exposure while they are still in high school. It is fulfilling to be part of history in the making.”

He is passionate about the industry, as he sees it as the centre of the economy and offering endless opportunities. “I’m excited by its competitive edge, its challenging performance, and its long-term sustainability. One way or the other, at some point or another, everything we see and use would have been involved with the sea,” he concluded.

Walking away with the Top School in Maritime Economics award was Sibusisiwe Comprehensive High School from Umbumbulu, while Emihle Chonco from the same school scooped the Top Learner award. Gratton School in Eshowe was also awarded for achieving 100% pass in maritime economics.

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