TPT restructures top management

In a recent review of its executive and management structure in Durban, Transnet Port Terminals (TPT) has decided to split the KZN operations section into two portfolios, according to CE Karl Socikwa. “The KZN region is home to the country’s largest and busiest container terminal, as well as ro-ro, MPT and bulk operations,” he told FTW in an e-mail. “We have come to realise that the size of the container terminals and the complexity of the other terminals cannot easily be incorporated into a single portfolio without losing concentration.” The split will be based along cargo commodity lines. That is the container terminals and the bulk, breakbulk and automotive terminals. Against this backdrop, the following changes to GM portfolios were implemented with effect from December 1. Zeph Ndlovu, formerly GM for all KZN operations has become GM risk and corporate affairs; Nombuso Afolayan, formerly GM commercial & planning has become GM KZN operations for bulk, breakbulk and automotive; Brenda Magqwaka, formerly terminal manager of Cape Town has become GM KZN operations for containers; Michelle Phillips, formerly GM safety, security and sustainability has become GM commercial and planning; and Dr Deidre Ackermann, formerly GM EIMS and innovation, has taken on the sustainability function to become GM EIMS, innovation and sustainability. Probably the single most important change here is for the KZN container terminals. The responsibility for these units now lies in the hands of new GM, Brenda Magqwaka. And her performance in Cape Town, we have been told, has enjoyed outstanding success. Now that is not a quote from TPT, but from Peter Newton, director of Seaboard, and a harsh critic of any executive failures at the Mother City’s terminal facilities. “Durban can only benefit from the presence of Magqwaka who has been an absolute star down here in the Cape,” he told FTW.