State-owned Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) has appointed Sphiwe Mthembu as East London port manager, with effect from August 1.
He will be responsible for leading the port, which is South Africa’s premier hub port enabling and facilitating trade between South Africa and the world, in alignment with the National Ports Act and Transnet Strategy.
"This appointment brings certainty to TNPA. All TNPA commercial and seaports are now fully resourced with permanent port managers," TNPA notes.
Mthembu brings a wealth of maritime and logistics knowledge to the role, with his more than 20 years of experience in the industry.
He holds a Master of Commerce in Leadership Studies from the University of KwaZulu-Natal, a Bachelor of Commerce Honours in Management from University of the Western Cape, a diploma in Supply Chain Management from the South African Production and Inventory Control Society and a diploma in Packaging Technology from The Institute of Packaging South Africa.
Mthembu is currently enrolled with the University of KwaZulu-Natal for a Doctor of Philosophy in Leadership Studies, specialising in maritime, TNPA says.
His tenure at Transnet began in 2013 when he joined Transnet Port Terminals as operations manager in East London where he managed the Container Terminal, Ro-Ro, Bulk and Breakbulk Terminals.
"His strong ability to learn and continuously dedicate himself to the improvement of the company led him to be promoted two years later as TNPA’s marine operations manager for the Port of Durban. Mthembu’s extensive background is instrumental in building and turning around the Port of East London," TNPA says.