“”You only live once, but if you do it right, once is enough”

Lynden, after having attended the Maritime school, was awarded a learnership and he is now showing his capabilities at the Mediterranean Shipping Company

Good morning Lynden, can you describe your Background and why you decided to study at the Maritime School?

L: “You only live once, but if you do it right, once is enough”. During my high school career I fell in love with geography. I was interested in learning more about different countries, currencies as well as trade routes. That was my main reason for joining the Maritime school

Why studying at the Maritime school has been very important for you and your career?

L: After two years studying at the Maritime school, I was given the opportunity to enhance my knowledge and understanding of shipping, work hard and become more determined in achieving success.

How was the environment at Maritime School?

L: The environment was well organized. A place of physical and social well being. There was a sense of respect and belief amongst every student that worked together to ensure a good working environment.

What are your ambitions and plans for the future?

L: My ambition is to successfully complete the learnership to ensure that I’m able to continue and further my studies within the Maritime industry.

How’s your learnership going?

L: The learnership is providing me with all the necessary skills and knowledge to enrich my working experience to better myself, to better my understanding and to progress in the Maritime industry.

What does your family think about your future?

L: They are very helpful, always willing to assist and always encourage me to work harder. My father always told me, “A dream doesn’t become a reality through magic, it takes hard work, sweat and determination”. His words encouraged me to do better, show and prove my capabilities in this learnership.

“The learnership has been very helpful in improving my knowledge about international trade”

Lungelo, after having attended the maritime school, was awarded a learnership at the Mediterranean Shipping Company and he is very happy.

Good morning Lungelo, can you describe your Background and why you decided to study at the Maritime School?

L: In High School I decided to do tourism since I had much interest in knowing more about  different kinds of languages,cultures,beliefs,values, international and local trading and currency value measurements. Maritime School was my first choice since they offer various courses that are closely related to my daily dream.

Why studying at the Maritime school has been very important for you and your career?

L: I had this believe that Maritime School will enhance my knowledge in travel and tourism, and improve my learning skill.

How was the environment at Maritime School?

L: The environment at the Maritime School is very suitable, starting from security which ensures all measures are taken to combat threats to students and property. The learning hours are very reasonable which helps to balance my school work and the practicals. Study materials like projectors makes it very easy to attain information that is presented by their phenomenal facilitators.

What are your ambitions and plans for the future?

L: To work with great dedication and train my consciousnesses mind to grasp information that can help in achieving greater things in life.

How’s your learnership going?

L: The learnership has been very helpful in improving my knowledge about international trade and freight forwarding. Working with different kinds of people and understanding more about the working environment helps develop my self-esteem and self confidence.

What does your family think about your future?

L: My family is very supportive and encouraging. When times get difficult they always remind me to never lose myself. They always encourage me to train myself to be calm in every situation because hard times train us to be tolerant and stronger than we were before. There are people who believe in persuading their dream and they did not believe in negativity

“This is where I found my true calling….to educate the young minds of our country in Shipping”

Joulan is one of Durban’s most qualified teachers in the field of Maritime studies. We met him in his office at 54 Bay Terrace

Good morning Joulan, tell us about yourself…

JP: I’m a family man and strong in my faith. Im compassionate to those in need and put others needs before my own. Academically, I spent 4 years at UKZN starting with a Science and Engineering foundation programme which branched into to Zoology. I wasn’t too keen on dissecting animals and anatomy…so I changed to environmental science. I left UKZN in 2005 due to financial constraints at home and continued my studies through UNISA. I graduated from UNISA in 2008 with a Diploma in Youth Development.I started working at MSC in 2005 and spent 11 years at MSC’s Export department gaining a lot of experience. Whilst at MSC I obtained the following certificates, International Trade, Business Communication Skills, IMDG Compliance, First Aid and Health & Safety and then at the end of 2015 I moved to The Maritime School where I became a Facilitator, Assessor and Moderator. This is where I found my true calling….to educate the young minds of our country in Shipping, Customs Clearing & forwarding and Logistics. At The Maritime School I bring the practical element to the learners studies and help them understand the theory from a hands on perspective,giving them a complete all round qualification, and in doing so preparing them for the working world.

How do you teach to the state standards?

JP: We have a QMS (Quality management system) that is in line with SAQA standards and regulations as well as TETA requirements.

This ensures that state standards are maintained throughout and we deliver the best possible standard of education as a training provider.

How will you prepare students for standardized assessments?

JP: Each unit standard has specific outcomes, assessment criteria and critical cross-field outcomes which we align our assessments and lesson plans with.

In doing this, the learners are equipped to achieve what is required of them as an outcome for each unit standard.

Describe your discipline philosophy

JP: Punctuality is key as it is the first step to disciplining one’s self. We have deadlines and class times that we stick to and once the learners are in line with this the rest falls into place. We have individual relationships with learners so that we know them personally and they are comfortable at all times. We educate them on the consequences of falling by the way side with their studies and in the same token educate them on the benefits of having a successful career in the Maritime industry.

How do you communicate with parents?

JP: We have an open door policy with all parents and should there be a need we schedule a one-on-one session with the parents/guardians to discuss their child’s progress.

Would you suggest a similar career in the maritime studies?

JP: Yes, undoubtedly… the Maritime industry is continuously growing and an excellent way to kick start your career.

Three things you love of maritime school?

JP: I get to educate learners from my years of experience, my great team of facilitators, administrators and amazing management and flexibility given us. 

Riccardo Maresca is a legal advisor at the MSC Shipping office in Durban. We met him on a splendid late summer morning at his office in front of a good cup of espresso.

HOW WAS THE ARRIVAL IN THE AFRICAN LAND?

It was wonderful to see all this vegetation from the plane and then a long walk on the beach with merchant ships on the horizon. I immediately felt pampered by this welcoming place and the feeling was immediate.

WHY DID YOU DECIDE FOR A CAREER IN SHIPPING?

I was fascinated by the idea of a career not limited to national borders that could be intertwined with new international law issues but at the same time that required a pragmatic approach to problem solving.

Non-operators in the sector often have the conception that a career in shipping is limited around maritime transport. Shipping is a creature in constant evolution and that today is diversified in the various ancillary sectors of land transport, in warehouse management and in the field of deposit construction able to offer more and more services and steal customers from the competition.

WOULD YOU SUGGEST A SIMILAR CAREER IN THE MARITIME SECTOR TO YOUNG PEOPLE?

Certainly, especially if you are curious and interested in learning something new every day. Shipping rewards mobility in the sector and prepares for careers in ever-thriving and hunting talent markets.

HOW WAS IT TO START WORKING ON THE MSC AND HOW ARE YOU WITH YOUR COLLEAGUES?

MSC is a family. The value of the company is in the union of all the members of the Group to create a cohesive team that leads to a rapid decision for the solution of any problem. My colleagues are wonderful persons work-driven and create a beautiful Group spirit

HOW ARE YOU LOOKED AT BY THE LOCALS?

I don’t know, we should ask them. I am a sports person and I share many outdoor activities with South African friends who love sports.

DO YOU MISS PASTA AND PIZZA?

Mama’s pasta a lot but we still manage to do it anyway at home. When it comes to pizza, I miss the buffalo mozzarella pizza a lot.

HOW DO YOU DESCRIBE AFRICA TO YOUR FRIENDS IN ITALY?

A cradle of civilization in continuous evolution that welcomes you with warmth and offers you so much.

WOULD YOU DO IT AGAIN?

Definitely. Here it is not all done like our old Europe. I like to question myself every day.

SOMETHING THAT DURBAN TAUGHT YOU.

To prepare a good grill or even a good braai and embrace the simple but often forgotten values.

INTERVIEW:

“I have worked at many retail stores and enjoyed watching the trade that exist between customers and retailers at the local supermarket; I have also noticed what customers wanted and the trade that exist between them. After talking to many supply chain managers, buyers and directors I realized I would like to know more and further myself into international trade.

Studying at Maritime school has boosted my understanding in international trade with their dedicated lecturers who are always there to help and motivate us students. They go beyond the roles of a teacher and encourages us to stay motivated to getting into an exceptional career in shipping.

 The Maritime School has awarded me a learnership for attaining the 80% aggregate to work at a leading shipping company. The work environment at MSC is friendly and professional, my ambition in the future would be working at a leading shipping company as a freight forwarder/tariff management clerk/even a supply chain manager.

 My learnership is pleasing and I am gaining a lot of knowledge and experience working under MSC. This has been a dream come true for my family and they are extremely happy that I have big goals and want to make them a reality”

Mr. SIPHO SHANGASE
National Assistant Trade Manager at Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC)

by Tony Amatulli on 5th Dec 2018

Last week I had the pleasure of meeting with Mr. Sipho Shangase, National Assistant Trade Manager at Mediterranean Shipping Company. We enjoyed a slice of cake together at the 6th floor of MSC House, in Langalibalele Dube Street.

TA: Can you describe your background and how you started at MSC?

SS: I would describe myself as being very resourceful / ambitious / open minded / innovative and problem solver but at the same time know when to ask for help instead of staying quiet should I need some assistance as things may easily spiral out of control to an unmanageable proportion, so I believe it is most important to ask if not sure about anything instead of trying very hard to fix something you are not sure about and end up messing everything.I started at MSC in June 2000 as a FRT clerk, in 2005 I moved to Marketing (IOI) of which I would say received some very good mentorship / groomed to be a better person / customer orientated without deviating from our company values / policies and traditions. Currently I am working as National Assistant Trade Manager.

TA: How important is it for you in Managing and motivating a team?

SS: I am highly motivated which makes my tasks little easy to demonstrate the same to my team as I am also motivated, nature of our job environment requires much teamwork / better understanding as I interact on regular bases, communicate internally and external / interacted frequently with other groups like Management, Customer Service, I enjoy a fast-paced / team-oriented environment like this as it keeps me on my toes without leaving rooms for failures.

TA: Why is it important to be Highly motivated and passionate about shipping in order to succeed?

SS: It’s very important to be highly motivated / passionate as that may inspire others and believe me in shipping there are lots challenges of which I normally call “exciting challenges” and also be mindful of not trying to be a “hero” without proper consultations as that may lead to some deer consequences.But in short, I am positive and a big believer in the philosophy that the passion can motivate to do greater / fruitful where one would have thought the impossible.

TA: What is the work environment like at at MSC?

SS: Work environment is very, very professional / committed to sharing knowledge, delivering training and support makes our environment much easier to adapt due to professionalism growth. MSC is a professional / family orientated business, so it’s much easier to wake up in the morning understanding that you are to work where you feel appreciated and supported at all costs by Management which has been the case to my growth within the organization, personally it is exciting to be part of MSC family for the past 18 years, also understanding the global economic challenges evolving.

TA: What are your ambitions and plans for the future?

SS: My ambitions is to grow within the company / not taking light of all the support / opportunities entrusted on to me by MSC Management which is more humbling thus far, also knowing the fairness opportunities / providing long-term career development, embracing and valuing all cultures. It is fulfilling to be part of the winning MSC family,

TA: Thank you Sipho I wish you all the best for your career.

Everyone would like to be successful but how? Here are my personal steps to success that I am trying to implement in my life as much as possible. However people do fall short of what they say they are all about at times, so a rule-book or game plan can keep them focused. I hope it can help you as well.

1: EXCEED THEIR EXPECTATIONS

Go above and beyond expectations to ensure the highest level of customer satisfaction. Combine top quality service and products with hands-on and attentive customer service. This level of service will build a rapport with your customers, which in turn should create customer loyalty and long-lasting relationships.

2: GETTING PERSONAL IS GOOD BUSINESS

I don’t believe in separating business relationships from personal relationships. When my team works with a client, we really try to get to know the team well, go out for drinks. It’s nice to work with people whom you like both professionally and personally, and it helps in creating long-term bonds.

3: STAY IN TOUCH

Even when your customers are not buying, you need to stay in touch with them so you are top of mind. I suggest touching base once a month by phone, letter, or electronic. I love finishing my conversations by asking, “Is there any way I may be of service?”

4: LISTEN TO YOUR CUSTOMERS

The more you listen to your customers and demonstrate that you truly value their opinion, the more they’ll support you and your company’s mission. Consistently communicate that you value your customers’ feedback and you appreciate their voice and opinion. Let them know their voice is always being heard.

5: BREAK RULES

I find that being willing to break my own rules is important in maintaining relationships with customers. Delivering value is vital, of course, but that’s the default exchange. When something goes wrong, or when you can deliver a lot of extra value by breaking your own rules, the customer appreciates that, and it shows you’re there for them on multiple levels (and don’t see them as a number)

An interview by Tony Amatulli

Last week I had the pleasure of meeting with Mr. Ngcebo Ngwenya, Cashbook Accountant & Controller at Mediterranean Shipping Company. We enjoyed a slice of cake together at the 6th floor of MSC House, in Langalibalele Dube Street.

TA: Can you describe your background and how you started at MSC?

NN: I was fortunate enough to be hand-picked by MSC while in high school and placed in a program which would see me working for MSC a few years later after my University studies.

TA: How important is it for you in Managing and motivating a team?

NN: My management strategy is fully based on respect. If you respect people, young and old, above or below you, they will give back the same respect to you. I believe this motivates each person to feel as important as the next.

TA: Why is it important to be Highly motivated and passionate about shipping in order to succeed?

NN: Motivating a team is always of paramount importance, I encourage this as it is always rewarding to see people grow. You achieve the most out of motivated and well trained staff. Give your team the tools to deliver what you need

TA: What is the work environment like at at MSC?

NN: We have a formal environment with clear rules and processes.

TA: What are your ambitions and plans for the future?

NN: Enrich the mind and body with as much knowledge as possible. I think I will do my Masters degree next

TA: Thank you Ngcebo, I wish you all the best for your career.

An interview by Tony Amatulli

Last week I had the pleasure meeting with Mr. Zane Godwin, the Trade Manager ISC at Mediterranean Shipping Company. We enjoyed a cup of coffee together in a beautiful, large and sunny office on the 6th floor of MSC House, in Langalibalele Dube Street.

TA: Dear Zane, thank you for your time. First of all, how do you create a trade strategy and communicate this to the team?

ZG: When creating a strategy the key principle is to see if there is a demand for it and at what price, once this has been established and agreed to we will then roll it out to the various facets within our marketing team, We are a global brand with a huge footprint and healthy market share in South Africa.

TA: How does MSC Execute their marketing plans across the region?

ZG: Well, each region will not necessarily have the same marketing plan, as an example, across South Africa we have differing commodities in the Western Cape to that of Gauteng and we would tailor make that strategy. We would inherently filter the information to our regional managers and then onto the Sales Managers to action the target market set.

TA: Why is it important for you to manage and motivate your team?

ZG: Motivating a team is always of paramount importance, I encourage this as it is always rewarding to see people grow. You achieve the most out of motivated and well trained staff. Give your team the tools to deliver what you need!

TA: Can you describe your background and how you started at MSC?

ZG: I started at MSC in 2000 – after completing my financial and commercial studies and after a short stunt in the retail sector I joined the world of shipping! After 18 years of working my way up from a client services clerk to trade manager and in addition National Sales Co Coordinator it has been an exciting Journey.

TA: Why is it important to be highly motivated and passionate about shipping in order to succeed?

ZG: The demands of the shipping sector are high, but incredibly rewarding! You start to feed off the energy it generates which motivates you even further to achieve your goals. With any industry to be successful you have to take pride in what you do and have passion in executing your tasks in order to succeed.

TA: What is the work environment like at at MSC?

ZG: The work environment is unique! It is a corporate company with a family feel – who has their chairman come to the staff’s desk twice a day to see how your day is going? Very blessed to be part of this MSC Family.

TA: Thank you Zane, I wish you all the best for your career.

An interview by Tony Amatulli

Two weeks ago I had the pleasure of sitting down with Captain Ian Rosario, the Head Operations at MSC.

 TA: Dear Ian, thank you for your time. Can you briefly tell me about your career in shipping?

 IA: I joined sea in 1992 as a Deck Cadet. Thereafter I wrote the Competency Exams at various levels to rise in rank as a Third Officer, Second Officer, Chief Officer and Master (Captain). I was Captain for nearly seven years; in 2010 I was tasked to take up the responsibility of managing operations for South Africa.

 TA: Operation management is an important part of maritime traffic supervision: what is the most difficult and the most attractive side of your job?

 IA: My career at sea empowered and trained me to deal with all challenging tasks and situations; in essence nothing in the job is actually difficult. The attractive side is the varied challenges faced every day. Each day poses its own encounters and these challenges keeps the interest peaked at all times. Being involved with many individuals is very stimulating as each person has their own limitations and strongholds.

 TA: What are your primary duties and responsibilities?

 IA: Ensuring timeous berthing, sailing of ships across South African ports, with quickest possible turnaround times. Ensuring shortest possible transit times for trans-shipment cargo, trans-shipped via South African ports. Planning Cargo, ensuring the stability aspect is respected as well as the cargo intake is optimized and ensuring effective measures are in place to control costs to the Company.

 TA: From negotiating skills, management of diverse work groups and financial acumen: which is the most important in your job?

 IA: I think all the above features are inter-related and equally important to effect a successful business module. None can be excluded to enhance productivity and garner efficiencies.

 TA: Why is it important for Shipping Company managers to develop the efficiency of their personnel?

 IA: Developing skills and efficiencies of personnel has always been proven to be a key factor to running a successful Business House. It pays back to invest, so as to produce a proficient and resourceful organization. It enhances the responsibilities towards the tasked projects and instils a sense of empowerment.

 TA: Do you have any advice for young people wishing to pursue a career in shipping?

 IA: A career in Shipping can be quite an interesting option to pursue. Given the diverse applications, it is a career worth chasing; jobs could be sought in the Freight Forwarding, Customs Compliance, Legal, Claims, Operations, Sales and Marketing, Planning, Logistics, Human Resources, Accounts, etc. Having said that, there is no short cuts to hard work, dedication and passion!

 TA: Thank you IAN!