The African Harbour Masters’ Committee (AHMC) has elected South African State-owned Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) Port of Ngqura harbour master Captain Thulani Dubeko as its new president.

He has served as the committee’s VP since October 2022.

The AHMC, which is a chapter of the International Harbour Masters’ Association, brings together African harbour masters to share ideas on the management of all aspects of maritime port operations. It is responsible for ensuring the safe, secure, efficient and environmentally sound conduct of marine operations in port waters.

The AHMC announced Dubeko’s election during the fourteenth International Harbour Masters’ Congress held recently in Tangier, Morocco.

As the president of the AHMC, 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 African countries.

Growing up in Lusikisiki, in the Eastern Cape, Dubeko says he had always dreamt of working in the military. He had no exposure to the maritime sector until his interest was stimulated while working in the South African Navy.

After his time in the navy, he pursued a qualification in maritime studies at the Durban University of Technology. During 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, in the Netherlands. 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.

“It is encouraging that our professionals are able to hold positions of responsibility in such prestigious institutions and worldwide organisations. These institutions are key in driving development and transformation of the maritime sector,” TNPA chief harbour master Captain Rufus Lekala said.

Dubeko’s term as AHMC president will end in 2026.