All-female SA maritime cadets set sail for Antarctica
A group of women cadets has set sail for Antarctica becoming only the second all-female South African crew to sail the open seas.
The women, who are from across the country including KwaZulu-Natal, departed on the SA Agulhas on Friday.
They will spend the next 80 days or so earning their sea legs on the research trip. They are joined by a team of scientists.
The cadets are undergoing training and were chosen based on their experience and qualifications.
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For some, it will be their first training opportunity at sea.
Sibusiswe Ncabanana from Kokstad says she is excited.
"I am looking forward to getting trained and qualifying as a navigation officer. I am definitely looking forward to going to the ice and being part of people who get to experience the Polar codes," she said.
The South African Maritime Safety Authority's Acting CEO, Sobantu Tilayi said: “It is important that we use every opportunity we get to open up the maritime industry to all, this voyage is proof that South Africa is on-board with the international drive to empower women and is committed to do away with the notion that the maritime industry is a male dominated industry.”
