Kumeshnie Nair

School: Past Scholar - Simon’s Town Lawhill Maritime Centre, 2018 – 2020

Currently: Maersk, Cape Town

Kumeshnie Nair started at Simon’s Town High School Lawhill Maritime Centre (“Lawhill”) at the beginning of her Grade 10 year in 2018. Kumeshnie is originally from Durban, KwaZulu-Natal.

‘Growing up in Durban, the sea was always just there, not really a part of our life but just there,’ recounts Kumeshnie. ‘The presenter from Transnet excited me in the prospect of a career in the maritime sector – he had a son at Lawhill. And the rest, they say, is history.’

‘I was the first person in my family to even consider a career in the maritime sector. It’s not really a traditional female career option, but I’ve only experienced support from everyone regarding my choice. It takes boldness to move out of traditional roles – on the part of the individual as well as those affording the opportunities. I am extremely grateful to the Rialto Project for the chance that was given to me,’ says Kumeshnie.

Kumeshnie matriculated at the end of 2020 and she was accepted to the 2021 Maersk Learnership Programme in Cape Town, a 12-month programme combining classroom based learning and practical work experience. On completion of the learnership programme, Kumeshnie was appointed in a permanent role at Maersk as a Cargo Care Operator. The Cargo Care team is at the heart of Maersk’s operations and is focused on enabling cost efficient and smooth cargo operations for customers’ cargo to and from all Maersk vessels.

Kumeshnie is currently studying part-time towards a Bachelor of Commence in Supply Chain Management through Regent Business School. “None of this would have been possible without the help of Mrs Owen, the Futuregrowth Community Property Fund and the Capital Land team, and I’ll always be grateful to you all” says Kumeshnie.