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Cebile Mashau: Marine Pilot at the Port of Cape Town

HER VOICE empowered participants to tell their stories through photography and shared reflection.

Equity & Transparency Learning from the Past

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Cebile Mashau, Marine Pilot

Pilot Cebile Mashau, port of Cape Town, South Africa

Introduction

Cebile Mashau is a dedicated Marine Pilot at the Port of Cape Town, South Africa, with a career in the maritime industry that began in 2016 as a Deck hand on the Tug boats. She has progressed through key operational roles, as an Officer of the Navigational Watch, advancing to Tug Master, and earning her first Pilot Licence in January 2022. Since then, she has steadily worked through the pilotage licenses, building a strong record of competence and professionalism in one of the country’s busiest ports.

Holding a Degree in Maritime Studies and committed to pursuing her Master’s qualification, Cebile is deeply passionate about education and lifelong learning. Her enthusiasm for developing others has inspired her to expand her expertise into Training and Development, where she aspires to merge her hands-on marine experience with academic insight. She is driven to contribute meaningfully to the maritime sector by mentoring and empowering young  mariners in South Africa and across the world.

As a mother and wife, Cebile has mastered the balance between demanding 12-hour shifts and family life, embodying resilience, discipline, and purpose. She continues to build a career defined by excellence, leadership, and a commitment to uplifting others within the maritime industry.

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