New president for African Harbour Masters’ Committee
South African elected as president
The African Harbour Masters’ Committee (AHMC), a regional committee of the International Harbour Masters’ Association (IHMA) has elected South African, Thulani Dubeko as its new president to serve a term of two years.
The election was announced during the 14th International Harbour Masters’ Congress held last week in Tangier, Morocco. The IHMA Congress is a biennial event that provides a forum for IHMA members, industry stakeholders, innovators and suppliers from across the global ports sector to come together to collaborate, network, share knowledge and provide updates on the latest industry technology and solutions.
Captain Dubeko, who has served as Vice President of the Committee since October 2022, is currently the Harbour Master at the Transnet National Ports Authority’s (TNPA’s) Port of Ngqura. The AHMC was formally established in January 2021.
As the president of the AHMC, Captain Dubeko will be responsible for developing Harbour Masters across the continent through the exchange of knowledge and training to help improve safety and customer service. The role includes advancing the African Integrated Maritime Strategy 2050, which aims to improve maritime conditions related to environmental and economic development within the African countries.
Growing up in Lusikisiki, Captain Dubeko joined the South African Navy before pursuing a qualification in maritime studies at the Durban University of Technology. In his second year of studies in 1998, he was awarded a Transnet Bursary.
Upon acquiring his qualification, he joined TNPA as a trainee in marine operations and received marine pilot training in Rotterdam. Dubeko progressed through various positions within the South African port system including Tug Master, Marine Pilot, Marine Operations Manager, and Deputy Harbour Master before assuming his current position.
A number of other South Africans have held positions within the IHMA’s executive committee and council including Captain Naresh Sewnath and Captain Sabelo Mdlalose.
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