19/10/2026
ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT: PHINDILE VANECIA NGCUNGAMA
From South African maritime operations to international academic opportunities, Phindile Vanecia Ngcungama continues to build her career through professional experience, further studies and a growing interest in digital transformation.
Ngcungama graduated from Durban University of Technology (DUT) in 2017 with a Diploma in Maritime Studies (Shore-Based). She later obtained a Postgraduate Diploma in Maritime Studies from the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN). Her professional journey has included mineral exports involving coal and chrome, vessel agency, export administration, charterer representation and branch management. Before pursuing her master’s degree abroad, she served as Branch Manager in Richards Bay for a shipping division within ChromTech Holdings, where she managed stakeholder communications, regulatory reporting, quality assurance and operational teams.
She is currently completing her Master of Science in Maritime Affairs, specialising in Maritime Education and Training, at World Maritime University (WMU) in Malmö, Sweden. Her graduation is scheduled for 31 October 2026. Her dissertation, titled "Digital Leadership Mindset Among Middle Managers in Richards Bay Smart Port Transition", explores how middle managers navigate organisational change as technology transforms port operations.
A key turning point in her career was obtaining a certificate in the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Maritime Single Window (MSW), which sparked her interest in maritime digital systems. Her international exposure has included field studies in the Philippines, attendance at the 12th session of the IMO Sub-Committee on Human Element, Training and Watchkeeping in London, and participation in the Motorways of the Sea Training course through an Erasmus programme with Escola Europea, Intermodal Transport.
Her achievements include more than a decade of operational and management experience in South African maritime logistics and mineral exports, participation in the IMOGENder Mentorship Programme, and international exposure to maritime institutions and industry practices.
Ngcungama credits her DUT qualification with laying the foundation for her professional and academic journey. Reflecting on its impact, she said:
“My Maritime qualification from DUT provided the essential analytical and theoretical scaffolding to understand the complexities of the maritime industry prior to entering the workforce. It served as a passport into the South African maritime industry, enabling me to add value and advance to branch management. My Diploma was the catalyst for my global academic journey. It paved the way for my postgraduate Diploma in Maritime Studies at the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) and, ultimately, my selection as an MSc candidate at World Maritime University. Through this pathway, doors have opened to global arenas like the International Maritime Organization (IMO), opportunities that once felt entirely out of reach.”
Beyond her own advancement, Ngcungama remains committed to sharing knowledge. She recently returned to DUT as a guest speaker, presenting on digital skills and personal branding to students in the Maritime Studies Shipping and Logistics cohort.
Reflecting on the role of education in her journey, she added: “Today, my education allows me to maintain a holistic, global view of maritime policy, international regulation and digital transformation.”
Her journey highlights the value of education, industry experience and continuous learning in creating opportunities both locally and internationally.
📸Photos Supplied
