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Brenda Magqwaka (Supplied)
Fin24 user Brenda Magqwaka is currently the only woman terminal manager out of 14 terminals in SA. She shares how she copes in a man's world:
I AM running a container terminal in Cape Town, which is the second largest container terminal after Durban's. Our terminal is handling imports/exports and transshipments cargo.
We are the first port of call from North America and Europe. Our geographical positioning gives us a unique advantage of handling high value time sensitive cargo, as well as providing a just-in-time (JIT) service for exporting fruit to Europe.
Due to the nature of our business and the industry we service, my job requires the highest levels of efficiency in terms of operations and safety.
Port operations' efficiency is measured in terms of quick vessel turnaround time, ship working hours (SWH), gantry crane moves per hour (GCH) and truck turnaround time (TAT).
The more efficient the terminal, the more reliable and predictable is the service.
It is this reliability that gives terminals a competitive advantage, as shipping lines prefer and require predictability, fluidity and high levels of efficiency.
A man's world
It is pretty much still a man’s world. For instance, currently I am the only female terminal manager out of 14 terminals.
I have worked twice as much just to turn around a poor terminal performance and negative public and people perception around women running a port terminal.
I let my work speak for me.
I have earned the respect as an operations expert for the container sector and as such, running a flagship container terminal for Transnet Port Terminals.
One has to work twice as hard to prove one's worth, not only to colleagues, but also to the industry, stakeholders and organised labour.
Advice for women
Believe in yourself. Master your area of responsibility. Build a strong team with a good value system.
Always be fair, consistent and just when dealing with people in all walks of life.
Make it your business to develop, motivate and coach other women and the youth, preparing them to become exceptional leaders.
- Fin24
* This is a Fin24 user submission. Add your voice to our Women's Wealth Issue and help empower others this Women's Month.
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Share your coping tips
Ask the experts
I AM running a container terminal in Cape Town, which is the second largest container terminal after Durban's. Our terminal is handling imports/exports and transshipments cargo.
We are the first port of call from North America and Europe. Our geographical positioning gives us a unique advantage of handling high value time sensitive cargo, as well as providing a just-in-time (JIT) service for exporting fruit to Europe.
Due to the nature of our business and the industry we service, my job requires the highest levels of efficiency in terms of operations and safety.
Port operations' efficiency is measured in terms of quick vessel turnaround time, ship working hours (SWH), gantry crane moves per hour (GCH) and truck turnaround time (TAT).
The more efficient the terminal, the more reliable and predictable is the service.
It is this reliability that gives terminals a competitive advantage, as shipping lines prefer and require predictability, fluidity and high levels of efficiency.
A man's world
It is pretty much still a man’s world. For instance, currently I am the only female terminal manager out of 14 terminals.
I have worked twice as much just to turn around a poor terminal performance and negative public and people perception around women running a port terminal.
I let my work speak for me.
I have earned the respect as an operations expert for the container sector and as such, running a flagship container terminal for Transnet Port Terminals.
One has to work twice as hard to prove one's worth, not only to colleagues, but also to the industry, stakeholders and organised labour.
Advice for women
Believe in yourself. Master your area of responsibility. Build a strong team with a good value system.
Always be fair, consistent and just when dealing with people in all walks of life.
Make it your business to develop, motivate and coach other women and the youth, preparing them to become exceptional leaders.
- Fin24
* This is a Fin24 user submission. Add your voice to our Women's Wealth Issue and help empower others this Women's Month.
Write a guest post
Share your coping tips
Ask the experts
