Seventeen cadets from the Massachusetts Maritime Academy will be in the province for three weeks as part of a KwaZulu-Natal cultural exchange programme. The cadets are being hosted by the eThekwini Maritime Cluster (EMC) from 8 July.

The activation and official welcome of the cadets was held recently at the Royal Natal Yacht Club. It was directed by EMC’s Managing Director Zenzile Gwamanda. The programme forms part of the province’s programmes aimed at enhancing the Oceans Economy and positioning Durban as a Smart Port City.

The cadets will be afforded the opportunity to engage and exchange cultural knowledge by participating in cultural tour activities across the province.

The programme aims to enhance mutual understanding among South Africa and the United States of America. Durban was selected for the Massachusetts Maritime Academy Annual Cultural Tour this year. 

Eric Apelgren, Head of the City’s International and Governmental Relations Unit said the cadets are welcome in the City. He offered a gift of appreciation from the City, a portrait of sailing boats at the Durban Harbour and a tour book that demonstrate the beauty of KwaZulu Natal.

US Consul General Anne Linnee encouraged the cadets to “engage in conversations of politics and challenges that South Africa face”.

“I also encourage you to talk about the challenges we have in the United States as part of your important cultural exchange,” she said.

EMC is a non-profit company supported through the City’s Economic Development Unit. The EMC provides a platform for collaborative engagement between different levels of government, state-owned enterprises, and the maritime community to implement programmes of common interest that support the growth and improve the performance and competitiveness of the maritime industry.