Shulami Qalinge has been appointed to succeed Richard Vallihu as CE of the Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA), effective July 7.
She is the first female CE of the TNPA and will provide strategic direction and leadership in the implementation of the overall TNPA strategic objectives and operational targets, including total oversight of the operation of eight commercial ports with more than 3 500 employees.
She will also drive Transnet’s overall strategy to ensure attainment of growth targets and compliance to the National Ports Act, No 12 of 2005.
Qalinge joined Transnet 23 years ago as an engineering technician at Transnet Freight Rail (TFR). She rose through the ranks and held various GM positions at TFR and at the group corporate office before joining the group CE’s office as GM.
“Qalinge has a demonstrable record in people management and development, results orientation, building successful teams and a vast knowledge and understanding of the Transnet corporate direction and its operations,” TNPA said in a statement.
She holds an MBA from De Montfort University in the UK.
Vallihu has been appointed Transnet Corporate Centre group executive: operational readiness.