Move Mountains for Vincent

"Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world." - Nelson Mandela

In the past 3 years, I have been involved in researching a potential career move to the maritime/ocean business in South Africa. I am currently studying a Diploma in Supply Chain Management (final year) and in November of this year, I endeavor to apply and enroll for studying towards a Masters in Business Administration (MBA) with the Gordon Institute of Business Sciences (GIBS) in South Africa (classes starting in 2018). My dissertation (thesis) focus will be on the enhancement of the Maritime Industry Strategy in South Africa for global competitiveness.

The Maritime Transport Sector in South Africa is a high impact sector, which offers significant contribution to addressing South Africa's developmental challenges. Notwithstanding its importance, the Maritime Transport Sector in South Africa lacks the necessary developmental instruments to expand and play an active role in South Africa's rapid developmental agenda. There exists scope to revive the maritime transport sector and enhance its contribution to the growth and radical transformation of the South African economy. Promotion and development of the sector should be seen within the context of the broader agenda of contributing towards the global competitiveness of the country as a trading nation, so as to take its rightful position among leading maritime nations. I am taking this quest as my calling and as a potential job creator in industries that can create mass jobs to change the lives of families in a developing nation like South Africa.

South Africa is the strategic hub for maritime operations in South-South trade corridor for Asia to the East Coast of South America, and for the connector routes along the East and West coasts of Africa. Investors in the Ocean Economy rely on a trained and educated workforce to deliver on their projects and business plans. Maritime studies are a strategic area for skills development in South Africa. Maritime Transport is the jugular vein of the South African economy. The bulk of South African trade is moved by sea through a system of commercial ports of the country. It is estimated that sea borne trade accounts for between 80 and 90 % of the South African economy.The Maritime Transport and Manufacturing vision for the South African Maritime Transport and Manufacturing sector is estimated to increase by 2019 with a contribution to GDP by ZAR 14bn-23bn and the total number of jobs estimated between 40,000 - 50,000.

After completing my studies, I would like to focus entirely on building a South Africa company to compete globally on Shipbuilding and Repairs of large vessels. However, running a successful business requires a deep understanding of business strategies to compete successfully in the modern business world. The MBA studies will assist in preparing me to have deep understanding of crucial aspects of business generally. In addition, the MBA programme is aimed at equipping and creating successful international business professionals interested in developing the necessary skills to become thought leaders in their organizations and in their communities.

I am kindly asking for your donation to be able to pay for my MBA tuition fees for the 2018 academic year. Let's change the world for the better. With the little you can donate, it can make a big impact to enable a possibility to bring light in the lives of many in South Africa.

Best regards,

Vincent Ndzala, BCom (Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University), BCom Honours (University of Cape Town)