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PMAESA Chairperson

Adv. Phyllis Difeto

Ag. Chief Executive – Transnet National Ports Authority (South Africa) and PMAESA Chairperson

Advocate Phyllis Motšatši Difeto (in picture) is a business executive of more than 20 years’ experience in operations, maritime, human resources, legal, dispute prevention and resolution with transformational leadership experience, natural ability to cultivate relationships and value driven decision making.

She worked as the Senior Commissioner for the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA).

She has a long history in Transnet that commenced in 2005. Phyllis has held numerous executive positions within Transnet, making her a well-rounded and grounded individual in senior management. Her Masters Degree in Law; Masters of Commerce in Maritime and Masters in Business Leadership as well as extensive experience at Transnet Group and Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) have given her in- depth understanding of logistics industry and seaborne trade.

Her experience in the maritime space and leadership is not limited to Transnet. She was the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Auditor for the South African Government under the IMO Voluntary Organization Audit Scheme and has experience as the Secretariat for the South African and Global BRICS Business Council.

She chaired Port Operations, Marine Protection, Safety & Security Committee, a sub- committee of the Port Management Association for the Eastern & Southern Africa (PMAESA).

Phyllis was a member of the Government established South African Working Group to review legislation and develop new enabling maritime labour legislation as a process of ratifying the Maritime Labour Convention.

She also participated in the Presidential Ocean Lab initiative intended to maximise the economic potential of South Africa’s ocean. She was the Councillor for the South African Council for the Quantity Surveying Profession (SACQSP), for two consecutive Terms. As the Chairperson for the Human Resources Committee of the Council, she was able to participate in pushing transformation agenda in the Council.

Phyllis was the Department of Trade and Industry Special Economic Zones (SEZ) Advisory Board Member. Also served as the Chairperson of the SEZ Technical Advisory Committee. She is the newly elected Chairperson of the South African Chapter of Women in Maritime in Eastern and Southern Africa. Global Ports & Terminal Woman of the Year 2018 and Certified Global Port Manager Award 2018