Durban port captain gets his marching orders

Terry Hutson DURBAN PORT captain, Derrick Cooke, was asked by the National Ports Authority (NPA) to vacate his post with immediate effect shortly before Christmas. Attempts to obtain confirmation from NPA officials have been unsuccessful. Port manager Nosipho Sithole, who handed Cooke his letter of dismissal, was on leave and other management personnel were unavailable for comment at time of writing.Captain Dave Sumpton, deputy port manager, who himself had just returned from leave, has been appointed acting port captain until further notice. FTW understands that Cooke's dismissal relates to a perception by the NPA that he had not fully embraced transformation. Several examples were given. It is known that he was reluctant to accept the new title of harbour master because he regarded this as a downgrading of his position and rank. Cooke however told FTW in October that he had changed his mind, had accepted the altered ranking and had written to NPA confirming this, but had received no confirmation. FTW understands that Captain Cooke will challenge his dismissal through the legal process, probably involving the CCMA. Derrick Cooke was appointed Durban's 34th port captain in 1996. He has worked for the port authority since 1970, having been a tug master and pilot at various ports and port captain at East London. Prior to 1970 he served at sea with several P&O companies. During his term of office at Durban the often outspoken port captain stamped his mark through a number of notable projects. These included the provision of a marine pollution vessel for the port, the introduction of a helicopter pilot service at Durban, the conversion of N shed into modern, air conditioned passenger terminal facilities and the redevelopment of the old Point Railway Station at 111 Point Rd into modern offices and wardroom for the marine service.