Inaugural South African Shipping Gala a grand success, uniting SA’s shipping elite

The elite of the shipping, freight, and maritime industry was present at the inaugural South African Shipping Gala at the Durban ICC on the 25th of November 2024..

Emmanuel Ntshangase, Chairman of the Board @ eThekwini Maritime Cluster welcomed the gathering which included several dignitaries from the industry and government including Michelle Philips, CEO of Transnet, Narend Singh, Deputy Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and Environment, members of SAMSA, SAASOA, and the wider shipping and freight community..

Speaking on the sidelines of the South African Shipping Gala, Ntshangase said “The shipping industry faces global disruptions such as geopolitical conflicts forcing businesses to rethink their strategies for 2025 and beyond.

In this environment, the importance of positioning South Africa as a resilient and forward-thinking player in the global maritime sector should not be underestimated.”

“Such events gives us an opportunity to take stock and reflect on our readiness as an industry” adds Ntshangase..

Ntshangase believes that the South African Shipping Gala is not just a year-end celebration but a crucial event that brings together stakeholders to address these global challenges, explore opportunities, and strengthen collaboration..

SA Shipping Hall of Fame

The event honoured two prominent figures in the South African shipping community, Capt. Salvatore Sarno, Chairman of MSC South Africa, and Mr. Prasheen Maharaj, CEO of Sandock Austral Shipyards, by inducting them into the SA Shipping Hall of Fame..

Capt.Sarno

While acknowledging there were several problems in the country’s ports, Capt.Sarno applauded the tenacity of the South African port workers..

“South African port workers are among the best in the world. The problem lies with the failure to invest in modern equipment and proper maintenance” said Sarno..

In a rousing speech, Capt. Sarno highlighted the importance of cooperation and collaboration and encouraged the private sector and government to work together to address the challenges facing South Africa’s ports and unlock the country’s potential as a global shipping hub..

From his side, Capt. Sarno reiterated his commitment that he would rest only after the SA ports achieved good productivity at their container terminals and solicited the support of the SA shipping community in making this a reality..

Prasheen Maharaj

While accepting his nomination to the SA Hall of Fame, Mr.Prasheen Maharaj gave an inspiring speech aimed at the youth of the country..

Highlighting Sandock’s dedication to workforce development, especially through its artisan internship and in-service training program in marine engineering—the largest of its kind in South Africa—Maharaj underscored the vital importance of investing in people.

“When the youth lose hope, the country’s future is at risk. That’s why talent development is so crucial,” Maharaj remarked..

Speaking of his journey which began when he was just a 30-year-old with four partners to being the CEO of Sandock today, Maharaj explained that the key to Sandock’s success lay in fostering partnerships, embracing innovation, and ensuring that South Africa remains a competitive and capable hub for shipbuilding and repair..

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Charity & Thanks

The event also featured a donation of ZAR 50,000, presented by Mrs. Zenzile Gwamanda, Managing Director of eThekwini Maritime Cluster, and Mr. Durand Naidoo, CEO of Linsen Nambi, to Mr. Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, Commissioner of Police in KZN, for the South African Police Charity..

Durand Naidoo thanked the event’s

Main sponsors

• Sandock Austral Shipyards
• MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company
• Linsen Nambi

Premium sponsors

• AMSOL – African Marine Solutions Group
• Interte
• Sturrock Grindrod Maritime
• Bidvest Tank Terminals
• FFS Refiners
• Dormac Marine Engineering
• STE Scaffolding Associates

Collaborators

• Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers, SA Branch
• eThekwini Maritime Cluster
• SAASOA

Media sponsors

• Shipping and Freight Resource
• IBIA
• Unlocking Oceans Economy

This successful event aims to bring together the SA shipping community with a commitment to driving change that will contribute to the improvement and growth of the industry..