Transnet National Ports Authority appoints first woman chief exec

Shulami Qalinge

Qalinge 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 the organisation’s overall strategy to ensure attainment of growth targets and compliance with the National Ports Act 12 of 2005.

She joined Transnet 23 years ago as an engineering technician at Transnet Freight Rail (TFR). She rose through the ranks and held various general management positions at TFR and at the group corporate office before joining the group chief executive’s office as general manager. She also holds an MBA from De Montfort University in the UK.

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An industrial engineer by qualification, she has most recently been Transnet’s group executive: strategy, where she was responsible for leading and directing the organisation's growth strategy in international markets, with a particular focus on generating revenue from the rest of the African continent and the Middle East.

The appointment is of significance for an organisation that prides itself on its advancement of women in the male dominated maritime industry.