Kumeshnie Nair

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

Currently: Maersk Shipping Cape Town

It was a chance encounter at the Grade 9 careers’ day that saw Kumeshnie Nair break with family tradition and move from Durban to Lawhill Maritime Centre in Simon’s Town on a bursary in Grade 10. The opportunity was so convincing that her twin sister chose to accompany her on the adventure to Cape Town.

‘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.’

For academically inclined Kumeshnie the move to boarding school in Cape Town would have almost been a bridge too far on her own she maintains: ‘My sister is outgoing and sporty. Having her by my side helped me adapt to my new surroundings.’ Clearly the new environment worked for Kumeshnie. She soon took up rowing and sailing, and was fortunate to attend a school tour to Palma de Mallorca in 2019 when an international regatta was taking place.

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.

‘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.