The Induction and Hall of Fame at the South African Shipping Gala (SASG) is a tribute to excellence, leadership, and legacy in the maritime sector. Its purpose is to honour individuals and organisations who have made significant, lasting contributions to South Africa’s shipping and maritime industry.
By recognising pioneers and trailblazers, the Hall of Fame serves not only as a moment of reflection and celebration but also as a source of inspiration for the next generation. The induction highlights the importance of preserving maritime heritage while encouraging continued innovation and growth in the sector.
INDUCTEES
Peter Besnard
Chief Executive Officer at South African Association of Ship Operators and Agents (SAASOA)
Peter Besnard is a highly respected maritime professional with a career spanning several decades in the ships agency industry. Beginning as a boarding clerk with the former Safcor Ships Agency in the late 1970s, he went on to hold roles with the former SA Ships Agency, US Lines, African Coaling, Bridge Shipping, Green Africa Shipping, and Evergreen Ships Agency South Africa, where he retired as Senior Vice President. His experience across agency operations, cargo handling, port activities and senior management has given him extensive expertise in every aspect of the business.
Since 2013, he has served as Chief Executive Officer of the South African Association of Ship Operators and Agents (SAASOA). Peter has also made significant contributions beyond his executive role, serving on industry committees including TETA, PCC and NPCC while mentoring and guiding the next generation of maritime professionals.
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Xolani Mbambo
Chief Executive Officer at Grindrod Ltd
Before joining Grindrod in March 2013, Xolani accumulated over ten years of experience in the mining sector, holding various roles that spanned accounting, finance, and project execution at Anglo-American. His diverse experiences included tenures in Johannesburg and London corporate offices and operational roles in Mpumalanga and Gaborone, which shaped his acumen for driving business performance and strategy execution.
Having worked as Grindrod’s Freight Services CFO since 2013, Xolani accepted a Group Financial Director role in September 2018. In February 2021, he returned to Freight Services to assume the CEO responsibilities. Xolani was appointed CEO of Grindrod Limited on 01 January 2023. Xolani is a Director of various businesses in which Grindrod has a shareholding.
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Captain Brendon Hawley
Chairman of The Nautical Institute - Southern Africa
Captain Brendon Owen Hawley has over 52 years of experience in the maritime industry, including 18 years at sea, rising from cadet to Master Mariner (Class 1 Foreign Going – Unlimited). He later held senior leadership roles with Gearbulk Shipping and the Wilhelmsen Group, leading maritime operations, logistics and port development across North America, Europe, Asia and Africa.
A respected global maritime leader, Captain Hawley has served on the Maritime Anti-Corruption Network (MACN) Board, is an international conference speaker, and has received numerous honours, including Chartered Master Mariner status, the Freedom of the City of London, Honorary Fellowship of the Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers (London), and his appointment as Chairman of The Nautical Institute – Southern Africa.
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INAUGURAL INDUCTEES
CAPT. SALVATORE SARNO
Chairman of Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC)
Captain Salvatore Sarno is an Italian-born shipping magnate and master mariner who built a distinguished career in global shipping and logistics. He served for decades in senior maritime roles before establishing the Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) in South Africa.
Under his leadership, MSC became a major player in Southern Africa’s shipping and tourism industries. Known as “Captain Sarno,” he is also a passionate supporter of South African sailing and business development.
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PRASHEEN MAHARAJ
Chief Executive Officer at SanDock Austral Shipyards
Prasheen Maharaj is the CEO of South African Shipyards and a leading figure in the country’s maritime and manufacturing sectors. With a background in finance and business leadership, he has driven innovation and growth in shipbuilding and industrial development.
He advocates strongly for African industrialisation and skills development through strategic partnerships. Maharaj is recognised as a dynamic leader committed to transforming South Africa’s maritime economy.
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