Captain Matlala is making waves as a female Harbour Master
Limpopo-born, Captain Kgadi Matlala says if someone like her, who had never been to the sea before or seen the ocean, can work in the port system, then so can the youth in the province.
POLOKWANE – In celebrating its 20th year of existence, Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) is honouring the strides made since its first group of marine trainees of colour, including females, began their maritime careers two decades ago.
Among those celebrated was Limpopo-born, Captain Kgadi Matlala, who joined TNPA’s Port of Port Elizabeth in 2007, where she worked as a trainee tug master, tug master, marine pilot and later, served as Deputy Harbour Master, before taking up her current role.
She achieved this goal through hard work and determination, with the support of mentors, who were willing to share their knowledge and skills and gave selflessly of their time.
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Captain Matlala says she has had many mentors in her time and as a result, has learned a lot from people in the maritime field. “The first was Desmond Basson, Marine Technical Manager in the Port of Port Elizabeth. He was a tug master at the time and taught me everything about port operations, especially the admin side. Most of us mariners don’t enjoy paperwork much, but he was one person who really set me up for success,” she said.
“Another was Captain Brynn Adamson, Harbour Master at the Port of Port Elizabeth, who I worked with for eight years. I had the privilege of working with him as a Deputy Harbour Master. He taught me a lot about leadership, how to create a conducive environment for people and the importance of seeing the whole team win. He played a crucial role in my training and in shaping the person I am today as a Harbour Master.”
Captain Matlala says another role model and source of inspiration was Xoliswa Bekiswa, Marine Operations Manager in the Port of Ngqura who was one of the first Black women in this role, under whom she worked as both a tug master and marine pilot during her time at the Port of Port Elizabeth.
“I don’t think one can ever really understand the hard work and challenges that one goes through. For me, she paved the way. I remember when I started as a pilot and was focusing only on jobs that were required for my next licence, she would always encourage me to do more. I think I obtained my open licence quicker thanks to her motivation and encouragement.”
The support she received throughout her own journey has fuelled Captain Matlala’s passion for helping younger employees thrive in the space.
Captain Matlala’s advice to the youth looking to join the industry is to find a mentor, work hard and have fun. “I started as a cadet, somebody like me, from Limpopo, who had never been to the sea before or even seen the ocean, is now working in the port system. The same opportunities that I had are available to the youth of today,” she concluded.
