Captain Zanele Madiba, the new officer commanding SAS Amatola.
Image: Supplied
“‘I grew up in the dusty streets of Soweto, so it’s not possible to even imagine the ocean.’”
These are the words of Captain Zanele Madiba, who on Thursday officially made history as the first woman to command a Valour Class Frigate in the South African Navy during the SAS Amatola Change of Command Parade at Naval Base Simon’s Town.
For Madiba, the milestone is not only a personal triumph, but one she believes signals progress for women within the armed forces and South Africa at large.
“It’s a great opportunity for me and I’m grateful for all the training and all the mentorship from all the people that were involved, for me to get where I am today,” she said.
“It’s a great milestone for the South African Navy, SANDF as a whole and South Africa, to show and acknowledge that women are capable on merit and it’s possible for everyone to be treated and qualified on the same level for the same job.”
Born in Mzumkulu in KwaZulu-Natal, Madiba moved to Soweto before the age of one where she was raised by her grandmother, whom she describes as a strong and independent woman who shaped her character and leadership style.
“I think the character that I have is of my grandmother, a very strong woman, independent woman, and a woman of a strong personality who made sure that she instilled that in me,” she said.
“And I think that is what has driven me and got me where I am today.”
Madiba admitted that as a young girl growing up in Soweto, she never imagined she would one day command a warship.
“To be honest, no,” she said when asked whether she ever dreamt of reaching such heights.
She explained that she only saw the ocean for the first time in 2004 when she arrived for basic training.
“That’s when we were introduced to the possible careers and what it can mean to us and I fell in love then and aspired to be a combat officer,” she said.
“Since then I’ve been working hard to make sure of my competency level and the training and that I reach the pinnacle of a combat officer.”
Her journey through the Navy, she said, was far from easy. I won’t lie, my journey wasn’t easy,” Madiba said.
“As we all know, when you are a woman, there’s a high expectation or even less expectation.”
She said she continuously pushed herself through every available course and training opportunity to ensure she remained competent and confident in her abilities.
One of the defining moments in her career came while serving as a navigation officer aboard a vessel, a role she said prepared her for command.
“That navigation officer post really shaped and grew me to be a better officer and to be very particular in my work and also be very serious and strict to make sure things are done correctly or people’s lives are lost.”
As the new Officer Commanding of SAS Amatola, Madiba said her priorities are to maintain an operational ship capable of protecting South Africa’s maritime borders and ensuring the crew is fully prepared.
“The vision is still to have an operational ship for the Navy in order to show the flag diplomatically, also to protect our seas and show presence in our seas to avoid any illegal activities,” she said.
“Priorities is also to ensure that the crew is well rested, well trained and well equipped to do their job.”
Reflecting on the symbolism of the Change of Command Parade, Madiba described it as a public acceptance of accountability and leadership.
“Everything that happens on board is ultimately the responsibility of this OC,” she said.
“That OC needs to understand during that change of command parade the new responsibility, accountability and all the things that come with being the responsible member for everything that happens on board.”
Her message to young women, especially black girls aspiring to leadership roles in male-dominated spaces, was simple: focus on competence first.
“Go there and say, ‘I’m the officer commanding and yes, I’m a woman,’” Madiba said.
“Do your job, be competent, know what is expected of you, then only afterwards remember, ‘Oh yes, I’m a woman.’”
tracy-lynn.ruiters@inl.co.za