Get It - Dec 2012

Get it Promotion
‘Communication is key’
Port Manager, Preston Khomo, Port of Richards Bay attributes
the success of his career to setting challenging goals
Can you tell us a bit about your background?
I was born in Port Shepstone and graduated from Adams College before
undertaking several years of study, including obtaining degrees from HED
at Fort Hare (B.Sc Hons), Alabama University (M.Sc), RAU (Dip Human
Resources Mgmt), De Montfort University in the United Kingdom (MBA)
and attending various leadership courses at, to name but a few, the
Gordon Institute of Business Science and experiencing leadership and
management training in Antwerp, Belguim.
Can you briefly elaborate on some of your
previous posts and what led to your eventual
move to Zululand?
I started my professional career as a geologist in the coal division of Shell
SA in the early eighties. I then spent time lecturing and teaching before
joining the President Brand Gold Mine. I have also had the privilege of
managing the Phalaborwa Municipality and teaching and managing in
various posts including Rio Tinto and the South African Port Operations.
In 2004 I was appointed as Head of Infrastructure Development at
Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) Richards Bay.
Assuming the role of Port Manager at Richards
Bay is a challenging task. How
have you approached the new
responsibilities so far?
I have to ensure the Port constantly achieves the
objectives set by the Market Demand Strategy
(MDS). This means the Port contributes
towards the development of the country as a
whole - while also remaining poised to become
one of the world’s largest freight hubs and
logistics groups.
Do you have a specific vision -
what are some of your shortterm
and long-term
goals?
My short-term goals include
successfully completing the
various Port projects for this financial year. Looking into the near future,
I have to ensure that we achieve our objectives as set out in the MDS,
while our seven year goal is to unlock the country’s economic potential by
spending billions on infrastructure projects. I look forward to witnessing
the Port develop and hence the expansion of the Richards Bay area too.
The Port is the nation’s ‘asset’ and it should be developed so that the
entire community can benefit from the Port. My vision is to see the Port
of Richards Bay positioned as the best bulk Port in the world.
Can you elaborate on your family? Children?
I am married to Zanele and we have five beautiful children, including a
set of twin boys, who are in Grade 4. I also have a son in Grade 8, and two
adult daughters.
I’m sure your career puts demands on your life.
How do you manage to balance work and family
life?
I commute every weekend to Durban to spend quality time with my
family. I also take full advantage of all forms of communication available
to keep in touch with them constantly. Communication is the secret to
a healthy family relationship, and I place enormous importance on this
aspect of our lives.
What are some of your hobbies and what do you
do to unwind?
I love playing golf whenever I have the opportunity. My relaxing and
unwinding time is shared between this sport and others, including
watching international sport and following the various soccer leagues. I
enjoy cooking and tasting traditional food, and have spent time travelling
to enjoy the various delights our country has to offer. I love visiting the
game reserves we are blessed to have in our vicinity and venturing into
local history by visiting battle trails.
What is your motto in life or is there any driving
motivating factor?
I firmly believe that once you succeed, you are ‘driven’ to move on. The
level of success determines the next level of success. Keep aiming high,
and keep moving forward.
What do you love most about Zululand?
What I love most about Zululand is … the people! Having come from
the South Coast, what fascinates me is the dialect of the people. Just by
listening to them, you can identify from which area they originate within
our close, yet diverse communities.
Yvonne Tabrett with a young
Henkel’s Yellowood (Podocarpus
henkelii), which she feels
is the perfect option for an indigenous
Christmas tree