Thembinkosi Henry Dladla
Executive Programme Director
CENTURION
Summary
Executive Programme Director with over 25 years of experience in Development Planning, Infrastructure Planning & Management, Programme & Project Management across South Africa. Directs multidisciplinary teams, shapes technical support plans, and strengthens governance for infrastructure delivery and capacity building. Translates policy and legislative requirements into structured programmes that support municipalities and under-resourced communities.
Overview
6
6
Languages
2
2
Certifications
39
39
years of professional experience
Work History
Executive Director
Alkebu Development Alternatives (Pty) Ltd
06.2025 - Current
- Developed proposals for mixed-use property development in Midvaal Municipal area, targeting community needs and growth potential.
- Consulted with prospective investors regarding mixed-use property development initiatives.
- Collaborating with various stakeholders in the built environment to advance property development projects.
- Currently, in partnership with the Institute of Building Inspectors (IBI) to institutionalize building inspectorate practice in the three spheres of government and property development industry.
Gauteng Provincial Programme Manager
Municipal Infrastructure Support Agent (MISA)
10.2018 - 05.2025
- Led and guided District Support Teams of MISA, comprising civil engineers, electrical engineers, and town planners deployed to assist municipalities within Gauteng Province.
- Facilitated development and execution of Technical Support Plans and Capacity Development Plans for municipalities supported by MISA in the province, collaborating with Provincial Treasury and Provincial CoGTA throughout the process.
- Established collaborative partnerships with stakeholders across sector departments, provincial local government, state-owned entities, and public entities to enhance municipal support.
- Directed development and implementation of risk management plan for strategic infrastructure projects, ensuring alignment with organizational objectives.
- Monitored and reported on technical support activities aligned with MISA’s evaluation framework, facilitating informed decision-making.
Programme Manager – Programme Management Office (PMO) 27 Priority Districts, Municipal Infrastructure Support Agent (MISA)
Municipal Infrastructure Support Agent (MISA)
11.2016 - 09.2018
- Championed the establishment and ongoing support of the Programme Management Office (PMO) across 27 Priority Districts to address and reduce service delivery backlogs.
- Facilitated the development of the Programme Project Lifecycle Management (PPLCM) Framework for MISA’s Enterprise Programme Management Office (EPMO).
- Oversaw assessments to identify service delivery gaps and challenges, formulating intervention support plans for targeted districts.
- Facilitated collaboration on support programmes with national sector departments, provincial departments, and professional service providers to enhance municipal infrastructure delivery and address service backlogs.
Chief Executive Officer (Acting)
Municipal Infrastructure Support Agent (MISA)
05.2016 - 10.2016
- Led strategic initiatives for national delivery and management of infrastructure support programmes across MISA branches.
- Directed operations of internal support units at MISA, including finance, supply chain management (SCM), information and communication technology (ICT), legal corporate services, and capacity building, to ensure seamless service delivery.
- Managed strategic technical support collaboration with established partners to enhance municipal capabilities in implementing the comprehensive infrastructure plans.
- Oversaw development and execution of capacity development programmes that empowered municipalities to effectively manage infrastructure planning, delivery, and management.
- Oversaw procurement of service providers to advance MISA initiatives focused on municipal capacity to manage infrastructure delivery and service provision.
Gauteng Provincial Programme Manager & Strategic Support
Municipal Infrastructure Support Agent (MISA)
10.2015 - 04.2016
- Spearheaded identification of technical assistance needs within municipalities across provinces.
- Nurtured partnerships and engaged significant stakeholders, including municipal councilors, sector departments, provincial local government sectors, state-owned entities, and interest groups, to strengthen collaborative efforts.
- Monitored and reported on technical support activities adhering to MISA’s monitoring and evaluation framework.
- Monitored and reported on technical support activities in accordance with MISA’s monitoring and evaluation framework, ensuring compliance and effectiveness.
- Identified risks and escalated critical issues to senior management within MISA, facilitating timely resolution and strategic decision-making.
Head of Division (Acting) – Municipal & Sectoral Technical Support
Municipal Infrastructure Support Agent (MISA)
04.2015 - 09.2015
- Assessed individual municipalities to identify specific support needs, enabling targeted technical assistance.
- Oversaw the development and execution of technical support plans for municipalities targeted for technical capacity support.
- Developed and implemented individual performance plans for all Programme Managers, ensuring alignment with organizational goals through ongoing monitoring and evaluation.
- Consulted with key role players and intergovernmental structures at national and provincial level to reinforce collaboration on the provision of technical support to municipalities.
- Managed the procurement processes to secure service providers supporting municipalities on infrastructure planning, delivery and management.
Chief Executive Officer (Acting)
Municipal Infrastructure Support Agent (MISA)
10.2014 - 03.2015
- Led strategic management of infrastructure support programmes, aligning efforts with organizational goals.
- Enhanced the management of infrastructure planning, delivery, operations and maintenance programmes local and district levels.
- Coordinated a focused technical support programme with existing partners to assist municipalities in executing their Comprehensive Infrastructure Plans.
- Coordinated development and implementation of capacity development programmes, empowering municipalities in infrastructure management.
Head of Division (Acting) – Municipal & Sectoral Technical Support
Municipal Infrastructure Support Agent (MISA)
09.2013 - 09.2014
- Same as those indicated above.
Senior Manager – Provincial Project Manager (Director)
Department of Cooperative Governance – Technical Support Unit
10.2011 - 08.2013
- Managed and implemented Municipal Infrastructure Grant (MIG) programme, supporting Mpumalanga province and municipalities in enhancing local infrastructure.
- Evaluated performance in infrastructure delivery and adherence to Division of Revenue Act (DoRA) provisions regarding municipal infrastructure grant programme.
- Guided municipalities in infrastructure planning and facilitated the involvement of key stakeholders in municipal infrastructure project execution.
- Facilitated local Economic Development Programme activities and built partnerships to enhance service delivery effectiveness.
- Provided support to Mpumalanga Provincial CoGTA and Provincial Treasury, working with SALGA, to improve municipal planning, delivery and management of infrastructure.
Senior Manager - Municipal Infrastructure Grant (MIG)
Department of Cooperative Governance
10.2008 - 09.2011
- Implemented Municipal Infrastructure Grant Programme, ensuring alignment with regional infrastructure needs.
- Managed compliance with the Municipal Infrastructure Grant Programme in accordance with DoRA specifications.
- Oriented Councilors across provinces on MIG programme, enhancing their understanding and engagement.
- Provided municipal infrastructure programme management support to provincial administrations and municipalities.
- Advised municipalities on infrastructure planning best practices, facilitating effective sector collaboration.
Manager (Deputy Director) - Municipal Infrastructure Grant (MIG)
Department of Provincial & Local Government (DPLG)
02.2006 - 09.2008
- Assessed and monitored the quality of project registrations, ensuring the accuracy of monthly and quarterly reports (incl DoRA, Commitments, Project Lists, and KPIs).
- Developed and maintained monitoring and evaluation systems to enhance project oversight and accountability.
- Supported municipal Project Management Units (PMUs) in creating systems for effective implementation and oversight of infrastructure projects.
- Formulated proposals addressing challenges in resource-limited municipalities to strengthen capacity interventions.
Principal Planner
Regional Land Claims Commission – Gauteng & North West
10.2004 - 01.2006
- Conducted project research by screening land claims, performing archival research, and conducting in loco inspections to inform land use decisions.
- Compiled comprehensive research reports with recommendations for the Minister of Agriculture & Land Affairs to guide land claim settlements.
- Negotiated settlement offers with land claimants and property owners, drafting terms of reference for service providers to conduct market valuations of properties.
Principal Member
Okwam Development Alternatives cc
02.2004 - 10.2004
- Directed the design of a database system for the Bakwena Development Fund, involving the development of tables, forms, queries, and reports while overseeing data input.
- Conducted survey for Hammanskraal to assess economic activities and develop strategies for local economic enhancement, supplying data to Bakwena Platinum Corridor for Support Centre evaluation.
- Conducted feasibility studies for Riverlea Erven 30 to identify profitability opportunities, presenting design alternatives based on stakeholder feedback.
Development Planner
Settlement Planning Services (Setplan)
02.2002 - 01.2004
- Managed and coordinated the Socio-Economic Development Programme of Bakwena Platinum Corridor SDI, a major spatial development initiative targeting economic stimulation across three provinces.
- Undertook various development planning initiatives including liaising with key stakeholders, conflict mediation, and compiling regular progress reports on development programmes.
- Provided advisory services to key contractors engaged in construction and operations related to the project, including appraising business proposals for funding from the development fund of Bakwena.
- Conducted feasibility studies for establishing Support Centres and engaged junior officials and stakeholders to ensure alignment and support for development efforts.
Assistant Development Planner
Settlement Planning Services (Setplan)
02.1998 - 01.2001
- Conducted Development Planning and Town Planning activities, undertaking research and surveys on socio-economic development projects while designing database systems for research analysis.
- Drafted notices for Town Planning applications involving rezoning, removal of restrictive conditions, and tribunal hearing preparations.
- Managed field surveys in various locations for housing studies, determining the demand for housing and compiling reports to support subsidised housing applications for the housing board.
- Coordinated public involvement processes for integrated development projects, stimulating local economies and forming partnerships with civil society and public/private sectors to maximize impact.
Professional Educator
Progress Comprehensive High School
07.1987 - 02.1997
- Professional Educator specialising in Electronics (Digital and Industrial), Physical Science, Mathematics, and Technical Drawing.
- Facilitated learning and managed technical education activities at school level, participating in broader management activities and aiding the development of the Curriculum 2005 initiative.
- Advanced to the role of Departmental Head of the Technical Division.
- Facilitated learning and managed technical education activities, participating in broader management initiatives and contributing to development of Curriculum 2005 initiative.
Education
Master of Public Administration -
Management College of South Africa (MANCOSA)
Johannesburg, South Africa10-2024
Postgraduate Diploma in Public Management -
Regenesys Business School
Johannesburg, South Africa10-2013
National Diploma in Town & Regional Planning (ND – TRP) - Town & Regional Planning
University of Johannesburg (Then, Technikon Witwatersrand)
Johannesburg, South Africa01-2001
Secondary Teacher’s Diploma (Technical) [S.T.D. (Tech-Electrical)] - undefined
Tshwane University of Technology (Then, Technikon Northern Transvaal)
Pretoria, South Africa01-1988
Senior Certificate - undefined
Jabulani Technical High School
Soweto, South Africa01-1983
Skills
Strategic Planning
Programme Management
Project Management
Stakeholder Engagement
Development Facilitation
Infrastructure Management
Development Planning
Risk Management
Monitoring and Evaluation
Capacity Building
Regulatory compliance
Budget Maintenance on Infrastructure
Additional Information
Strategic Initiatives of National & Provincial Importance
- Spearheaded the development of An Industry Guide : Infrastructure Service Delivery Levels and Unit Costs 2010, as Senior Manager at National CoGTA.
- Led the Infrastructure & Service Delivery Team at Mpumalanga in the development of the Local Government Turnaround Strategy in 2009.
- Led the Mpumalanga Provincial Team on the development and implementation of Municipal Turnaround Support Plans for municipalities in the province.
Certification
Project Management — Regenesys – School of Public Management — 2005
Leadership Experience
- Acting Chief Executive Officer at Municipal Infrastructure Support Agent (MISA)
- Chairperson of the Bursary Committee at MISA
- Member of the ICT Committee at MISA
- Head of Programme Management Office (PMO) at MISA
- Head of Municipal & Sectoral Technical Support (MSTS) Division at MISA
- Head of Department at Progress Comprehensive High School Area
- Chairperson of the South African Democratic Teachers Union (SADTU)
Timeline
Executive Director
Alkebu Development Alternatives (Pty) Ltd
06.2025 - Current
Gauteng Provincial Programme Manager
Municipal Infrastructure Support Agent (MISA)
10.2018 - 05.2025
Programme Manager – Programme Management Office (PMO) 27 Priority Districts, Municipal Infrastructure Support Agent (MISA)
Municipal Infrastructure Support Agent (MISA)
11.2016 - 09.2018
Chief Executive Officer (Acting)
Municipal Infrastructure Support Agent (MISA)
05.2016 - 10.2016
Gauteng Provincial Programme Manager & Strategic Support
Municipal Infrastructure Support Agent (MISA)
10.2015 - 04.2016
Head of Division (Acting) – Municipal & Sectoral Technical Support
Municipal Infrastructure Support Agent (MISA)
04.2015 - 09.2015
Chief Executive Officer (Acting)
Municipal Infrastructure Support Agent (MISA)
10.2014 - 03.2015
Head of Division (Acting) – Municipal & Sectoral Technical Support
Municipal Infrastructure Support Agent (MISA)
09.2013 - 09.2014
Senior Manager – Provincial Project Manager (Director)
Department of Cooperative Governance – Technical Support Unit
10.2011 - 08.2013
Senior Manager - Municipal Infrastructure Grant (MIG)
Department of Cooperative Governance
10.2008 - 09.2011
Manager (Deputy Director) - Municipal Infrastructure Grant (MIG)
Department of Provincial & Local Government (DPLG)
02.2006 - 09.2008
Principal Planner
Regional Land Claims Commission – Gauteng & North West
10.2004 - 01.2006
Principal Member
Okwam Development Alternatives cc
02.2004 - 10.2004
Development Planner
Settlement Planning Services (Setplan)
02.2002 - 01.2004
Assistant Development Planner
Settlement Planning Services (Setplan)
02.1998 - 01.2001
Professional Educator
Progress Comprehensive High School
07.1987 - 02.1997
Senior Certificate - undefined
Jabulani Technical High School
Secondary Teacher’s Diploma (Technical) [S.T.D. (Tech-Electrical)] - undefined
Tshwane University of Technology (Then, Technikon Northern Transvaal)
National Diploma in Town & Regional Planning (ND – TRP) - Town & Regional Planning
University of Johannesburg (Then, Technikon Witwatersrand)
Master of Public Administration -
Management College of South Africa (MANCOSA)
Postgraduate Diploma in Public Management -
Regenesys Business School