Full name: Thato Abegail Tsautse Current position: CEO: SA Association of Ship Operators and Agents. Born: 13 September 1967 Educated: Matriculated Holy Cross High School, Umtata; tertiary education in Durban. First job: Candidate attorney How did you get involved in the freight industry?: Transnet was a client while I was an attorney and I later joined them at the Port of Durban. Most notable changes in the industry in your time: Tremendous growth in the import and export business post 1994. Most influential person in shaping your career: I would say everybody, friends and family have contributed to where I am today. Best personal achievement: Every day I put forward the best I can but would say raising my children. Best professional achievement: Winning a Holland and Knight scholarship to train at Holland and Knight in New York where I also attended maritime law lectures at Fordham University. Greatest challenge that SA faces: Achieving true unity in our country, a world class health system and sustaining our economy with a good educational system. Business icon you most admire: Warren Buffet Most meaningful quote: You shape your own world Favourite reading: The Bible but currently I am reading The Secret. Favourite airline: South African Airways RAY SMUTS AS THE price of crude continues to hover near the US$100 per barrel level and Opec heads of state prepare to debate whether or not to increase oil prices further, imminent freight rate hikes are a dead cert. Shippers should therefore brace themselves to pay more for shipping their cargo as a good many carriers – Evergreen, Singapore’s NOL group and COSCO Container Line – report sound financial results on the back of higher rates. Recently-appointed Safmarine Container Line chairman Eivind Kolding, on his first visit to South Africa in his official capacity last week, told FTW that rate hikes were definitely on the cards. While there was no specific reference to the trades that would be most affected, supply and demand will dictate the levels. “There is no other way with the very high oil price we have now, which has not really been passed onto our customers – so higher prices will certainly impact on them.” Kolding, also CEO of Maersk Line, said he expected Maersk to return to profitability by 2009. Get ready for freight rate hikes Favourite holiday destination: The Caribbean Islands Your views on Transnet Freight Rail: With the correct capital infrastructure injection they will be able to move cargo successfully and exceed customer expectation. Your views on SA Revenue Service Customs: A collaboration and commitment between customs users and Sars Customs needs to be struck to sustain the economy of South Africa (Pty) Ltd. Your views on Transnet Port Terminals:TPT is a freight logistics division of Transnet which has to contribute to the government imperative of growing the economy by 6% whilst reducing the cost of doing business. Your views on Zimbabwe: A vibrant democratic system must be entrenched, supported by firm intellectual debate. Outside interests: Golf and outreach programmes to empower women and children.
