IT APPEARS that the drain on experienced senior management at Portnet is not yet over, following several recent resignations.
Latest to go include Ton Bestenbreur, until recently national divisional manager for the container terminals, as well as the recently appointed manager of the Durban container terminal, Sithembiso Mthethwa. FTW has learned that Shaun Elliott, a senior technical manager based in Johannesburg, has also left the company.
The departure of Mthethwa comes as a shock to many who have had dealings with the Durban terminal, as he had quickly earned their respect despite his short tenure in office. It is understood that he has left to go into private practice in a related field. Portnet's road transport manager at Durban, Temba Gwala, who has been with Portnet for 17 years, has been appointed acting terminal manager until a permanent replacement is appointed. Dumile Cele, Portnet's business development manager at Durban, will act as road transport manager in the meantime.
A replacement for Bestenbreur has not yet been announced, but the appointment will be made from Portnet head office in Johannesburg.
In a statement to FTW, Durban port manager Bax Nomvete said these changes would in no way compromise operations at the ports. We have new blood coming in who I have every confidence will rise to the challenges with enthusiasm, he said.
BY TERRY HUTSON
