Dyer Island Cruises is committed to supporting the local community.

Dyer Island Cruises and Marine Dynamics initiated the ‘Nolwandle’ project as part of their ongoing commitment to ‘responsible tourism’. This holistic approach to running a tourism business means that consideration is given to the social, economic and environmental impact of the operation, therefore spreading the benefits that tourism can bring.

Schemes are already in place to help conserve ocean wildlife, and the company has a strict policy to employ and train local, previously disadvantaged people. 

With initial funding provided by the British High Commission, Marine & Coastal Management redirected funds to us to establish ‘Nolwandle’ in March 2006. The Overstrand Municipality granted us the use of an area around the taxi rank in Mashakane township and donated an unused warehouse building to house the project.

Dyer Island Cruises, Marine Dynamics and Grootbos  contributed additional funds for the initial manufacture of elementary crafts. The British High Commission funding was utilised to provide a weekly remuneration to all trainees while undergoing formal instruction.

We worked with a number of different trainers during the first few months. Skilled instructors are hard to come by, especially when quality craftsmanship is the ultimate goal. In order to facilitate the training, we applied for a skills development grant from the Department of Labour. The finance has been provided to cover a six-month start-up period, and Motsoho Training has been appointed as the official training body. The formal training programme commenced last month.

Dyer Island Cruises & Marine Dynamics will continue to be involved in the training process until such a time that ‘Nolwandle Crafts’ becomes independent and able to manage its own affairs.

By joining forces with Grootbos, The Great White House and other associates in the tourism industry, we will be able to supply ‘Nolwandle’ with a market for their products. We would like to see ‘Nolwandle’ develop the necessary skills to become an exceptional and sustainable enterprise, even if this means that the initial assistance with training has to be extended to achieve that.

This project has been made possible because we passionately believe that every ‘drop in the ocean’ counts.