Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) has appointed Captain Vuyani Ntsimango as the new harbour master for the Port of Port Elizabeth.
TNPA made the announcement on Tuesday, noting that Ntsimango’s appointment took effect from July.
Born and raised in Zwide township in Gqeberha – which is also where Springbok captain Siya Kolisi is from – Ntsimango is now at the helm in his home ground port.
His responsibilities include being the final authority of all matters relating to pilotage, navigation, navigational aids, dredging and aspects relating to the safe and efficient movement of vessels within port limits. He also ensures availability and operational provision of timeous maritime services.
Ntsimango has over 25 years of experience in the maritime and port operations sector.
He began his career in October 1999 as a cargo handler at the then Portnet Fruit Terminal in Port Elizabeth. From 2000 to 2008 he served in the South African Navy before joining TNPA as a trainee tug master in early 2008.
He has also worked as an open licence marine pilot and previously held the post of deputy harbour master at the port.
Acting port manager David Goliath said Ntsimango’s appointment was testament to Transnet’s structured development programmes, which have been instrumental in nurturing and retaining talent.
“Crucial to TNPA’s marine pipeline programme is to build a pipeline of future mariners through a robust progression route which today sees Captain Ntsimango progressing from a trainee tug master to a harbour master,” Goliath said.
Ntsimango matriculated at Mzontsundu High School in KwaZakhele township. He holds a Diploma in Maritime Studies from the Cape Peninsula University of Technology, a Management Development Programme Certificate and a Diploma in Business Management from Nelson Mandela University.
He is currently pursuing an International Harbour Masters qualification at the Lloyd’s Maritime Academy in London.
