Dikeledi Rapodile
Benoni
Summary
Experienced Programme Lead with nearly 30 years in municipal planning and integrated infrastructure management. Specialised in aligning spatial planning with development finance to enhance infrastructure delivery in under-resourced municipalities. Led advisory services integration into the Spatial Transformation Agenda, facilitating compliance with legislative and policy frameworks. Proven expertise in stakeholder engagement and unblocking fiscal allocations to drive sustainable outcomes across various sectors.
Overview
2027
2027
years of professional experience
Work History
Head Spatial Restructuring Programme
Development Bank of Southern Africa
Midrand
01.2020 - 10.2022
- Facilitated funding and managed project implementation for various initiatives since programme launch in 2018.
- Assisted municipalities to institutionalise programmes, policies, and legislation related to Spatial Transformation Agenda (STA) through funding and facilitation of spatial planning and land use instruments.
- I directly managed and coordinated projects in municipalities where there are no Provincial Programme Management Units, such as Kwazulu-Natal and North-West.
- Collaborated with Provincial Programme Units and multi-disciplinary team to link DBSA with municipalities, enhancing communication and project alignment.
- Provided support to local government initiatives
Head Spatial Development Frameworks
Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality
Kempton Park
04.2002 - 03.2006
- The planning, facilitation, co-ordination and monitoring of spatial development in the Ekurhuleni region; The facilitation, management, monitoring and co-ordination of urban and settlement growth.
- This included the formulation of a vacant land audit and the monitoring of land reform programmes in order to put in place an equitable land release programme; Co-ordination and management of spatial development resources (manpower and consultants).
- To give direction development should take within the Ekurhuleni area of jurisdiction.
- Successor in title of the Eastern Gauteng Services Council
- This included skills transfer to students under internship programme and induction of the relevant newly appointed staff.
Programme Manager
Development Bank of Southern Africa
Midrand
01.2018 - 12.2019
- Developed a catalytic programme focused on urban planning to facilitate formalisation of areas in both urban and rural regions, including those under the custodianship of traditional authorities.
- Assessed impact of revenue enhancement and management on municipal revenue, supporting infrastructure planning and development to address backlogs and attract new revenue sources from municipal partners.
- Provided technical expertise and business insight to enhance erf-based revenue processes, leading revenue enhancement initiatives within projects executed by Development Bank of Southern Africa.
- Provided support to local government initiatives by facilitating communication and collaboration with stakeholders.
- Executed job tasks according to policies and legislative guidelines.
Programme Manager
Development Bank of Southern Africa
Midrand
04.2015 - 12.2017
- Managed programme development for SA Financing initiatives
- Advanced delivery of municipal infrastructure in under-resourced municipalities by expanding collaborative alliances with key stakeholders to unlock new development growth.
- Improved municipalities’ balance sheets to enable addressing of basic services backlogs and economic infrastructure.
- Assisted municipal clients with town planning, focusing on Spatial Planning and Land Use Management Act (SPLUMA) requirements during pre-planning for infrastructure investment.
Specialist (Development Planning)
Development Bank of Southern Africa
Midrand
08.2009 - 03.2015
- Over and above this, I assisted municipal clients with town planning-related matters, especially with the Spatial Planning and Land Use Management Act (SPLUMA) requirements as part of pre-planning activities for infrastructure investment.
- Accelerated infrastructure investment through advisory and technical support, focusing on strategic sectors: roads, water & sanitation, and electricity.
- Facilitated financial planning for South African projects, ensuring alignment with regulatory requirements and stakeholder expectations.
Programme Manager
Development Bank of Southern Africa
Midrand
03.2007 - 07.2009
- Monitored programme performance against key performance indicators KPIs, adjusting strategies to achieve desired results.
- Engaged with senior management to report on programme status, risks, and achievements, securing ongoing support and resources.
- Upgraded programme management procedures for compliance with best practices.
- Assisted municipalities in developing social compacts that aligned community vision, roles, and rules of engagement.
- Supported municipalities in establishing communities that embrace principles of sustainable development.
Technical Expert (Development Planning)
Development Bank of Southern Africa
Midrand
05.2006 - 02.2007
- Facilitated municipalities in expediting planning and implementation of infrastructure projects.
- Trained candidate planners to be registered with SACPLAN.
- Ensured alignment of infrastructure delivery with the spatial development frameworks.
Acting Regional Executive Manager City Planning
Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality
Kempton Park
07.2003 - 07.2004
- Implemented spatial planning, integrated development planning, land use management, planning information management, and planning support services in Eastern Service Delivery Region.
Strategic Planner Regional Planning Department
Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality
Germiston
01.1999 - 03.2002
- Provided development direction for spatial initiatives within Ekurhuleni area.
- Coordinated and monitored spatial development processes, ensuring alignment with regional planning objectives in Ekurhuleni.
- Engaged stakeholders and facilitated skills transfer to students in internship programme while onboarding newly appointed staff.
Town and Regional Planner
Amatola District Municipality
East London
02.1998 - 12.1998
- Managed Development Control under Land Use Planning Ordinance (Ordinance 15 of 1985), overseeing subdivisions, township establishment, rezoning, consent uses, relaxation of building lines, removal of restrictions, and approving building plans.
- My duties included Development Planning issues inter alia the development of Land Development Objectives/ Integrated Development Plans (following the Development Facilitation Act, 1995 and Eastern Cape Land Development Regulations, 1997; Local Government Transitional Act – Second Amendment; Restitution of Land Rights Act, 1998).
- Facilitated Amatola District Council's determination of growth and settlement patterns to inform five-year planning cycles.
Programme Lead - SIP Management Office
Infrastructure South Africa
Sandton
12.2023 - Current
- Provide strategic and technical support pertaining to the coordination and oversight of the Strategic Integrated Projects.
- I work with various infrastructure specialists and project pipeline development team within Infrastructure South Africa to unblock challenges and help accelerate implementation.
- In this role, I also track and assess the performance and progress made in delivering on the National Infrastructure Plan 2050 and the gazetted Strategic Integrated Projects.
Assistant Town and Regional Planner
National Department of Human Settlements
06.1997 - 01.1998
- Managed programme for Bulk and Connector Infrastructure Grant, overseeing water, sanitation, roads, and stormwater projects to support housing development; developed national housing land delivery strategy aligned with land reform policies; promoted relevant tenure systems; monitored land delivery for land reform; formulated and administered legislation; facilitated operations of Development and Planning Commission.
- Facilitated workshops educating communities on urban renewal and sustainable development, enhancing local engagement and understanding.
- Analysed available data and applied to evaluation of potential developments, assessing project viability.
- Consulted with council, landowners, and national authorities to secure permissions and advance projects within deadlines, ensuring compliance and timely delivery.
Education
MPhil - Development Finance
Stellenbosch University
01-2014
Masters - Town and Regional Planning
University of Kwazulu-Natal
01-1997
Bachelor of Social Science - Social Science
University of Kwazulu-Natal
01-1997
Skills
- Spatial Planning
- Land Use Management
- Infrastructure Planning
- Township Establishment
- Financial Modelling
- Strategic Planning
- Project Management
- Programme Management
- Policy Development
- Legislative Knowledge
- Budget Management
- Infrastructure Funding
- Stakeholder Engagement
- Rural Development
- Project Preparation
- Analytical Thinking
- Collaborative Problem Solving
- Communication Skills
- Team Player
- Policy Writing
- Strategic Planning
- Policy writing
Accomplishments
- Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality Women Achievers Awards, 2003-01-01
- DBSA Chief Executive Officer’s Award, 2007-01-01
Custom
- Professional Town and Regional Planner, South African Council of Professional Planners
- Member, South African Planning Institute
Timeline
Assistant Town and Regional Planner
National Department of Human Settlements
06.1997 - 01.1998
Head Spatial Development Frameworks
Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality
04.2002 - 03.2006
Programme Manager
Development Bank of Southern Africa
01.2018 - 12.2019
Programme Manager
Development Bank of Southern Africa
04.2015 - 12.2017
Specialist (Development Planning)
Development Bank of Southern Africa
08.2009 - 03.2015
Programme Manager
Development Bank of Southern Africa
03.2007 - 07.2009
Technical Expert (Development Planning)
Development Bank of Southern Africa
05.2006 - 02.2007
Acting Regional Executive Manager City Planning
Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality
07.2003 - 07.2004
Strategic Planner Regional Planning Department
Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality
01.1999 - 03.2002
Town and Regional Planner
Amatola District Municipality
02.1998 - 12.1998
Programme Lead - SIP Management Office
Infrastructure South Africa
12.2023 - Current
MPhil - Development Finance
Stellenbosch University
Masters - Town and Regional Planning
University of Kwazulu-Natal
Bachelor of Social Science - Social Science
University of Kwazulu-Natal
Head Spatial Restructuring Programme
Development Bank of Southern Africa
01.2020 - 10.2022