It’s taken years of sweat and blood, but township kid Knowledge Bengu is now living his dream — at the helm of the SA Agulhas II icebreaker, plying some of the most forbidding seas on the planet.
After starting out as a bricklayer’s apprentice in Umlazi, Bengu has worked and studied his way to the command of the polar supply and research ship, and has earned an MCom degree in maritime studies as the latest feather in his cap.
He completed the degree at the same time he was in charge of the vessel during its most famous mission so far — the discovery in March last year of the wreck of the Endurance, polar explorer Ernest Shackleton’s ship that sank off Antarctica in 1915.
It’s been an eventful voyage from Umlazi, where Bengu’s father worked as a driver and his mother was a teacher.
“I grew up as an independent child,” Bengu said this week, speaking from Marion Island where the icebreaker is providing the transport for the annual change-over of scientific research staff.
“There were periods when I lived by myself because my family had to relocate to Mandini, which is our ancestral home. I later lived with my grandmother, who happened to be my teacher at Umlazi Primary School.”
Bengu’s first job was as a bricklayer.
“My uncle is a professional bricklayer and well respected for his precision. I started as his assistant and gained the skill, which helped [me] make money.”
This is like my second nature, I enjoy being at sea because you don’t have to deal with all the issues on land
— Captain Knowledge Bengu
His interest in a maritime career was encouraged by a neighbour, who worked as a seaman and a training instructor for a shipping company. “He brought me shipping-related magazines and pamphlets to read and advised me to take this opportunity.”
Unicorn Shipping awarded him a bursary to pursue maritime studies and he then joined African Marine Solutions — operator of the SA Agulhas II — which funded his national higher diploma at the Cape Town University of Technology and later his MCom from the University of KwaZulu-Natal.
For those who stick to it for five years or more, life at sea is a genuine calling, Bengu says.
“This is like my second nature, I enjoy being at sea because you don’t have to deal with all the issues on land. We naturally default to being a family onboard and generally look out for one another in all aspects.”
However, studying on a rolling ship in remote waters has not been smooth sailing.
“I really struggled due to my demanding job as a master. This vessel conducts specialised, complex operations in mostly harsh environments, which always require my full attention.
“Another challenge was the lack of reliable internet bandwidth to send and receive notes and assignments. I had to apply for special exams every time I missed an exam date because I was at sea,” Bengu said.
He will never forget the discovery of the Endurance on the seabed last year.
“Once the high-resolution cameras confirmed it was Endurance, the voyage leader gave me the opportunity to announce her discovery. The noise was incredible. It was a joyful moment. Lots of high fives.
“On our way back to Cape Town, we passed South Georgia Island where Shackleton’s body is laid to rest. I presented a laminated photo to his grave and said a few words,” Bengu said — the gesture was a form of closure for Shackleton’s doomed expedition.
Bengu first took command of the SA Agulhas II in 2013 when the vessel was just a year old.
“I had just turned 33 and believe me, it was not handed to me on a silver platter. Blood and sweat went with it, major sacrifices were made, especially extended tours of duty and time away from loved ones, missing out on important family gatherings just to fulfil my dreams and ambitions,” he said.
Bengu will miss another important event — his graduation ceremony on Tuesday.
“Unfortunately, I will still be away and won’t be able to attend the ceremony. I always looked forward to this day, however I am at peace because this will not be the last graduation,” he said.
His father, Benjamin Bengu, said his son had always been a go-getter.
“I was so scared when he went to sea. As a father, I wanted to protect him but then he invited us on board and once I saw how good he is at his job, I felt better about him being there. My son always had big dreams and we are so proud of him. He knows what he wants and he goes after it,” he said.
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.