Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) has confirmed that Captain Rufus Lekala has returned to his position as chief harbour master.
In a short statement Ayanda Mantshongo, TNPA executive manager of corporate affairs, said whilst Lekala was back at work, Captain Thulani Dubeko, who had been serving as acting chief harbour master, would continue to act in the position until the end of December 2018.
“This will ensure the appropriate onboarding of Captain Lekala,” said Mantshongo.
Welcoming Lekala back to his position the authority, however, was not willing to comment or give insight into his suspension or return to work. It remains unknown why exactly Lekala was suspended, although Mantshongo did confirm he had not been suspended as far back as 2016.
“Captain Lekala has been on precautionary suspension since March 2017,” she said.
Lekala became South Africa’s first black harbour master in 2011, making world history as the youngest person to date to hold such a position.
