Chief Harbour Master at Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA), Captain Rufus Lekala, returned to the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) after four years to graduate with a Master of Commerce in Maritime Studies degree.
Lekala’s dissertation, titled: ‘Assessing the Impact of Increased Container Vessel Size for Durban Container Terminal’, was supervised by UKZN maritime economist, Dr Sanele Gumede, and maritime industry expert, Dr Siphiwe Mthembu.
His research is especially timely as the Port of Durban was recently ranked among the lowest-performing ports in the international Container Port Performance Index, despite being the busiest container port in the southern hemisphere. The study examined whether the port’s infrastructure, equipment and operational systems are adequately prepared to efficiently handle larger vessels.
The research revealed that while the Durban Container Terminal has made progress in accommodating larger ships, challenges remain in berth productivity, yard capacity, equipment availability and landside co-ordination. The study recommends targeted infrastructure upgrades, improved planning and scheduling systems, enhanced collaboration among port stakeholders and continued investment in skills development to ensure the terminal remains competitive and resilient.
Lekala’s passion for Maritime Studies is driven by the critical role the maritime sector plays in growing South Africa’s economy, trade and regional integration.
“As a coastal country with major ports, our ability to manage maritime operations efficiently directly influences economic growth, job creation and global competitiveness. My professional journey has deepened my appreciation of how strategic maritime leadership can drive national development,” he said.
Lekala’s career began from humble beginnings as a taxi driver in Mamelodi, Pretoria. He later joined Transnet, serving as a Tug Master in the Port of Cape Town before becoming a Marine Pilot in the Port of Saldanha Bay.
In 2002, he became the first Black Harbour Master in the Port of East London and later served in the same role in Cape Town and Durban before his appointment as Chief Harbour Master of TNPA in 2011. He currently serves as Acting Managing Executive at TNPA, where his responsibilities include ensuring safe navigation, port efficiency and regulatory compliance.
Beyond his professional role, Lekala has a strong interest in maritime policy, port governance and capacity-building within the sector. He is also passionate about mentoring emerging maritime professionals and contributing to discussions that advance sustainable and efficient port operations.
He is confident that his research will support evidence-based decision-making in ports, particularly as vessel sizes and operational demands continue to increase.
“I envision my research contributing to improved port planning, safer marine operations, and more efficient cargo flows across South African ports and the broader maritime sector,” he said.
A committed lifelong learner, Lekala graduated with a Postgraduate Diploma in Maritime Studies in 2022 before embarking on his master’s journey.
Reflecting on his latest academic success, he said: “This achievement represents not only personal growth, but also my commitment to lifelong learning and contributing meaningfully to the maritime industry.”
On behalf of the supervision team, Gumede congratulated Lekala on his resilience in completing the research, noting that the study could contribute significantly to South Africa’s maritime sector and efforts to address unemployment and slow economic growth.
Words: Hazel Langa
Photographs: Sethu Dlamini and supplied