New navy boss must 'retain skills'

South Africa's new navy boss has been warned that the job is challenging, and this includes ways to attract and retain skills in the "People's Navy".

Yesterday, in Simon's Town , Vice-Admiral Johannes Mudimu told incoming Vice-Admiral Mosiwa Samuel Hlongwane that there were programmes and projects he would have to "follow up to fruition".

Of concern to Mudimu was the completion of work to re-establish the naval base in Durban to "support anti-piracy operations in the Mozambique Channel".

During his tenure the SA Navy appointed six female admirals. Several women have also taken command of ships and shore units.

Hlongwane holds a diploma in ship command and several military courses. "I am excited that I [have been] given such a huge responsibility by my country. I really appreciate [it]," he said.