Pinky’s living her dream
BECOMING the Port of Durban’s first black female deputy harbour master is all in a day’s work for Pinky Zungu, who has been breaking barriers her whole career.
Zungu was also one of the first three women in Africa to obtain a marine pilot open licence in 2011, a week after which she piloted the MSC Chicago – at the time the largest container vessel to visit South Africa’s shores – just after the entrance channel had been widened.
The Transnet National Ports Authority oversaw the widening of the harbour mouth to make way for a new generation of container ships.
“I’m very excited and I know this job will bring with it many challenges. I cannot run away from that, but I am looking forward to the journey,” she told The Mercury.
“Being a marine pilot is a big responsibility. You have to study the sounding charts daily and have an accurate mental picture of the seabed.
“You have to know what’s underneath you, including port depths, as the equipment on board the visiting ships doesn’t always work.”
In her new role, one of her key responsibilities will be managing the marine pilots under her wing.
“I have the technical handson experience to provide guidance and assurance. From this position I will also have an overall view of what is required to ensure safe operations.”
She will also help to oversee dredging operations at the port and make sure that dangerous goods make their way into the port safely while adhering to international laws.
Lamontville-born Zungu, who now lives in Wyebank with her family, said the field has “chosen” her.
“I had just finished matric and I had no idea what I wanted to do with my life. I went to the Durban University of Techonology and spoke to some of the career counsellors.
“They told me that with maritime studies, I could travel the world. As a young girl, I jumped at the chance.”
Later – during her cadetship – she realised that the “free” travel had its drawbacks.
“While I got to see most of Europe and west Africa, I spent the first eight months on a bulk carrier as the only woman in a crew of 28 Russian men. The only person who could speak a little bit of English was the captain.”
After her cadetship Zungu completed a compulsory oral exam with the South African Maritime Safety Authority to obtain a Class 3 ticket to be a junior deck officer responsible for auto-piloting vessels and managing safety equipment. She then trained and worked as a tugmaster at TNPA, manoeuvring ships in and out of the harbour with the aid of small tugs.
Zungu then completed a one-year pilot training programme to qualify as a junior pilot before progressing through the various licence grades.
Zungu – who calls herself a “professional juggler” – also has three children between the ages of 8 and 1½.
“I’m lucky to have the support of my husband.
“With his support, I can do anything.”
She said: “My oldest son is very proud of me too; he thinks I own all the ships in the port!”