APPOINTMENT: Harbour Master
New Harbour Master for Port of Port Elizabeth
SOUTH AFRICA: Captain Vuyani Ntsimango has been appointed as the new Harbour Master at the multi-cargo Port of Port Elizabeth (PoPE), effective July 2025.
Launching his career as a cargo handler in 1999 at the then then Portnet Fruit Terminal in Port Elizabeth, Captain Ntsimango has over 25 years of experience in the maritime and port operations sector. He then transferred to the South African Navy in 2000 and served as part of the Defence Force until 2008 when he returned to the port sector to take up a position as a trainee tug master.
Since then, he has been served in various key roles such as Tug Master, Open Licence Marine Pilot and Deputy Harbour Master for the Port of Port Elizabeth.
“This appointment is 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,” said David Goliath, Acting Port Manager.
Born and raised in Zwide township in Gqeberha, Captain Ntsimango is now at the helm in his home ground port, responsible to operate as 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.
The Gqeberha local, Captain 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.
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