Ports authority celebrates journey since ‘Class of 1999’
Transnet National Ports Authority has commemorated its 20th year of existence and the strides made since its first marine leaders of colour, including women, began their maritime training and careers two decades ago.
THROUGHOUT September, port landlord Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA), has commemorated its 20th year of existence and the strides made since its first marine leaders of colour, including women, began their maritime training and careers two decades ago.
The celebratory programme coincided with Heritage Month and the global commemoration of World Maritime Day on 24 September, under the theme Sustainable shipping for a sustainable planet.
TNPA’s first group of transformed marine trainees are dubbed the ‘Class of 1999’. The 12 candidates were selected for an accelerated training programme in Rotterdam aimed at bringing in a new generation of marine pilots, managers and other marine professionals into an industry which at the time was reluctant to change.
Two decades later, many of them have ascended to senior roles in the industry as documented in the book and documentary.
Others who have made their mark and continued the legacy in subsequent intakes since the Class of 1999 have included TNPA’s harbour masters and deputy harbour masters.
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The fast-tracked training of the Class of 1999 and others to follow was introduced to address a critical shortage of marine pilots in South Africa and globally, as well as the need to create opportunities for previously disadvantaged individuals in a democratic South Africa.
More recently, TNPA also developed its own insourced aviation service, manned by a new generation of helicopter pilots and avionics engineers from previously disadvantaged backgrounds, taking its transformation agenda to the skies.
To view TNPA’s Maritime Transformation Legacy coffee table book, visit: https://ow.ly/eTHq50BwXXJ
To view TNPA’s Maritime Transformation Legacy documentary, visit: https://youtu.be/xDI0tLr4o_0
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