Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Affiliations
Additional Information
Timeline
Generic

Zola Ntshangase

Imbali

Summary

Versatile Managing Director with proven abilities across all levels of organizational management. Talented in developing partnerships, overseeing personnel and developing tactical plans to meet strategic goals. Proven leader with significant background in the Energy Sector, within South Africa, SADC Region and internationally.


Strategic and results-oriented business leader with experience in strategy, planning and operations. Skilled in developing and executing business plans to maximize profitability, streamline operations and maintain compliance with industry regulations. Proven people leader motivates and optimizes staff performance and productivity.



Overview

21
21
years of professional experience

Work History

Managing Director and CEO

ZML Africa Group
09.2012 - Current
  • Primary responsibility for all major corporate decisions, managing overall operations and resources of company
  • Leading development and execution of long-term strategies, with goal of increasing Company value
  • Leading development of company’s short- and long-term strategy
  • Maintaining awareness of competitive market landscape, expansion opportunities, industry developments, etc
  • Project Director and Management Services on all company projects
  • Financial Management and Planning
  • Hiring of resources in line with Project delivery objectives and office management
  • Report writing & Tender Specification
  • Manage Contractor project plans, cashflows, work execution and quality
  • Provide technical support to Construction Teams
  • Provide engineering oversight and technical support to Engineering and Construction function
  • Implementation of building management systems through design integration of new equipment
  • Implementation of substantial projects (Electrical, electronic, civil, mechanical and general building) from feasibility through to commissioning
  • Business Development
  • Strengthening of client relationships with regular communication, timely project delivery, and high-quality services.
  • Continuous increase in overall company performance by implementing strategic management initiatives and streamlining operations.
  • Development of comprehensive business plans, outlining long-term goals and actionable steps toward success.
  • Oversee complex negotiations with suppliers/vendors for favourable contract terms that achieve cost savings to company.
  • Delivery of consistent revenue growth through identification of new business opportunities and expanding service offerings.
  • Effective Risk Management through instituting comprehensive mitigation strategies across organisation's operations.
  • Implementation and Management of robust financial controls and reporting systems, ensuring accurate forecasting and budget management.
  • Directed large-scale projects from inception to completion on time/budget with strict adherence to quality standards.
  • Strengthening of stakeholder relationships, providing regular updates and managing expectations through effective communication strategies.
  • Secured significant investments for expansion projects by presenting compelling business cases to potential investors.
  • Training and guidance of team members to maintain high productivity and performance metrics.
  • Management of partnerships and strategic business relationships by negotiating contract terms and handling conflicts.
  • Analysis of industry trends and tracking of competitor activities to inform decision making.

Managing Director and CEO

Umsenge Infrastructure Development
06.2022 - Current
  • Primary responsibility for all major corporate decisions, managing overall operations
  • Developing and directing organisational strategy
  • Business development and new market identification
  • Drafting organisational policies and philosophies
  • Overseeing day-to-day business activities
  • Conducting performance reviews
  • Preparing comprehensive budgets
  • Reporting on revenue and expenditure
  • Engaging with community groups
  • Creating sound business plans
  • Coaching department heads
  • Overseeing financial accounts
  • Collection and analysis of information and initial plans developed by municipality related entities to their vision/conceptualization of Smart City concepts
  • Analysis of municipalities’/ department’s governance and planning capacities (Municipal Development Plans, Urban Plans, Operational Plans, among others)
  • Analysis of status and potential of municipal services earmarked for improvement using Smart City technologies/concepts, identifying critical challenges and opportunities for moving forward with implementation of a Smart City Action Plan
  • Identification of synergies and strategic alliances with public and private sectors (local, national and foreign) that could be harnessed in support of transformation of municipality into Smart City
  • Identification of viable technological solutions for territory to respond to problems or opportunities identified
  • Development of action plans for ransformation of Client municipality into a Smart City to improve efficiency of municipal management and promote local economic development in systematic and sustainable way
  • Identification of short, medium and long-term actions (and investment plans) for Client municipalities/ departments to facilitate their transformation, along with clear implementation methodologies, indicators and timelines
  • Identification of portfolio of potential investment projects and potential resources for financing.

Director

BVi Consulting Engineers
10.2020 - 10.2022
  • Lead for technical operations engineering programmes including process and project support
  • Skills Management
  • Project Execution and quality management
  • Strategic and end-to-end thinking
  • Coaching and developing teams of Engineers and Technologists
  • Hiring of resources in line with Project delivery objectives and office management
  • Supervising and training of staff within various departments
  • Project Director and Management services
  • Management of Tender submissions
  • Provision of technical advice for compliance with BVi programme goals and policies
  • Evaluation and approval of designs, development and coordination of projects
  • Leading a committee to improve service offering and quality
  • Working with team of engineers to set goals, plan projects, build timelines, and manage budgets
  • Approval of MV/LV Electrical Systems’ Designs (Emergency & UPS)
  • Approval of Electronic security (Access control, intruder detection, CCTV and BMS) Systems’ and Fire Detection systems
  • Site surveys
  • Report writing & Tender Specification
  • Management of Multi-discipline Contracts during construction phase of Particular project
  • Management of Contractor project plans, cashflows, work execution and quality
  • Provide technical support to Design Engineering department
  • Provide engineering oversight and technical support to engineering function
  • Business Development
  • Presentation Skills: through presenting proposal solutions to clients complete with technical, life-cycle costing and capital costs and motivating for funding for various regional projects.

Associate Director

BVi Consulting Engineers
12.2018 - 09.2020
  • Lead for technical operations engineering programmes including process and project support
  • Skills Management
  • Project Execution and quality management
  • Strategic and end-to-end thinking
  • Coaching and developing teams of Engineers and Technologists
  • Hiring of resources in line with Project delivery objectives and office management
  • Supervising and training of staff within the various department
  • Project Director and Management services
  • Management of Tender submissions
  • Provision of technical advice for compliance with BVi programme goals and policies
  • Evaluation and approval of designs, development and coordination of projects
  • Leading a committee to improve service offering and quality
  • Working with team of engineers to set goals, plan projects, build timelines, and manage budgets
  • Approval of MV/LV Electrical Systems’ Designs (Emergency & UPS)
  • Approval of Electronic security (Access control, intruder detection, CCTV and BMS) Systems’ and Fire Detection systems
  • Site surveys
  • Report writing & Tender Specification
  • Management of Multi-discipline Contracts during construction phase of a Particular project
  • Management of Contractor project plans, cashflows, work execution and quality
  • Provide technical support to the Design Engineering department
  • Provide an engineering oversight and technical support to the engineering function
  • Business Development
  • Presentation Skills: through presenting proposal solutions to clients complete with technical, life-cycle costing and capital costs and motivating for funding for various regional projects.
  • Led teams of up to 8 personnel, supervising daily performance as well as training and improvement plans.
  • Assisted senior leadership in managing all aspects of operations.
  • Managed cross-functional teams for multiple large-scale projects, successfully completing each on time and within budget constraints.
  • Mentored junior staff members, providing guidance on professional development opportunities and career progression paths within the company.
  • Oversaw annual budget planning processes, ensuring financial goals were met while maintaining optimal resource allocation across departments.
  • Maintained compliance with industry regulations while adapting to changes in legislation or best practices as needed.
  • Developed detailed plans based on broad guidance and direction.
  • Recruited, interviewed and hired employees and implemented mentoring program to promote positive feedback and engagement.

Senior Engineer

Bidvest Facilities Management (Formely TFMC)
08.2008 - 08.2012
  • Design of MV/LV Electrical Systems (Emergency & UPS) for Telkom Sites
  • Design of Electronic security (Access control, intruder detection, CCTV and BMS) Systems for Telkom sites
  • Design of Fire Detection systems for Telkom Sites
  • Site surveys
  • Report writing & Tender Specifications
  • Manage Electrical & Electronic security Contractors during construction phase of a Particular project
  • Manage Contractor project plans, cashflows, work execution and quality
  • Provide technical support to Maintenance Engineering department
  • Implementation of building management systems through design integration of new equipment
  • Business Development.
  • Mentored junior engineers, providing guidance in best practices and fostering professional growth opportunities.
  • Controlled project costs by approving expenditures.
  • Evaluated project outcomes against objectives, identifying areas for improvement and implementing corrective actions.
  • Fostered culture of continuous improvement, organising regular training sessions on latest engineering methods.
  • Led engineering teams to successfully complete projects on time and within budget.
  • Verified construction documentation to meet client requirements and vision.
  • Developed comprehensive engineering documents for all projects.
  • Developed high-quality engineering designs and plans to meet industry standards.

Research Assistant

University of KwaZulu-Natal
01.2007 - 07.2008
  • Subject content development and contact-lecturing
  • Communication skills: developed through contact lecturing, presentations and interacting with other institutions and industry
  • Preparation and marking of examinations
  • Laboratory work design
  • Supervise laboratory sessions
  • Supervision and mentoring students in design projects
  • Performance management: Continuous monitoring of students’ performance
  • Research output
  • Research skills: Through own research and development of study material for students.
  • Participated actively in regular meetings with fellow researchers to discuss project updates, challenges faced, and lessons learned during ongoing activities.
  • Conducted literature reviews to support hypothesis development and identify gaps in existing knowledge.
  • Managed laboratory equipment and resources, ensuring proper maintenance and optimal functionality.
  • Utilized statistical software for data analysis, generating accurate insights into complex datasets.
  • Translated research findings into actionable recommendations, influencing policy and practice.
  • Analyzed complex data sets to uncover critical insights, driving direction of research projects.
  • Collaborated with researchers and scientists to design and execute experiments.
  • Interpreted laboratory results to provide technical advice to scientists.

Assistant Plant Engineer

De Beers
01.2006 - 12.2006
  • Maintenance of plant machinery
  • Maintenance engineering principles of electrical and mechanical plant machinery
  • Maintenance tasks’ scheduling
  • Management of personnel resources in mechanical, electrical, turning & fitting and boiler-making shops
  • Teamwork skills: Developed through listening to others' ideas during machine breakdowns and problem-solving
  • Supervision of plant projects
  • Enforcing and ensuring statutory compliance within plant
  • Communication skills: developed through presentations and interacting with colleagues at work and Contractors, etc
  • As well as through report writing and tender specifications.
  • Provided technical support during emergency situations, minimising damage to equipment and ensuring rapid recovery of operations.
  • Stayed current on industry advancements by attending conferences and workshops, integrating new knowledge into daily practices at plant.
  • Implemented safety protocols and procedures, maintaining safe work environment for all employees.
  • Served as liaison between management and engineering staff, fostering effective communication across departments.
  • Facilitated training programs for plant technicians, enhancing their skills and improving overall team performance.
  • Managed various capital projects from concept to completion, ensuring timely delivery within budget constraints.
  • Participated in regular audits, correcting any identified discrepancies to maintain operational excellence.
  • Developed comprehensive preventive maintenance plans, extending life of critical machinery.
  • Played key role in achieving regulatory compliance through meticulous record-keeping and adherence to industry standards.
  • Assisted with development of annual budgets for engineering department based on historical data analysis.
  • Served as point of contact during plant emergencies, overseeing disaster recovery and expediting restoration efforts.
  • Audited and trained maintenance personnel to verify presence of necessary skills and competencies.
  • Reduced downtime and increased production capacity with strong maintenance plans.
  • Built inventory management systems for industrial facilities and reviewed existing systems to identify potential for optimisation.
  • Evaluated proposed project investments by conducting cost-benefit analyses.

Engineer-in-Training

De Beers
01.2004 - 12.2005
  • Revised outdated procedures with updated methods based on industry advancements for streamlined execution of tasks across departments.
  • Collaborated with main engineer to prepare engineering assignments, code analysis, calculations and system design.
  • Compiled plan developments and project documents associated with inspection, design and construction.
  • Assisted planning, design, construction, maintenance and operation of projects to test success.
  • Studied specifications and safety documents to address organisational and regulatory demand.
  • Performed assignments requiring application of professional methods and techniques.
  • Assisted senior engineers in developing detailed project plans, ensuring timely completion of tasks within budget constraints.
  • Applied analytical mathematics to assist engineering staff in compiling blueprints and plans.
  • Supported engineering supervisor in organising complex projects for sign-off.
  • Performed rigorous testing and validation of engineering designs to ensure compliance with industry standards and client specifications.
  • Utilised advanced software tools for accurate simulations and modelling of real-world scenarios, contributing to better decision-making in design process.
  • Estimated and drafted drawings, permits and pre-construction estimates, addressing practical issues.
  • Created detailed reports on engineering activities and findings.

Education

Master of Science - Power And Energy Systems

University of KwaZulu-Natal
Durban, South Africa
04.2012

Bachelor of Science - Electrical Engineering (Heavy Current)

University of Cape Town
Cape Town, South Africa
12.2003

Skills

  • Operations Management
  • Client Relationships
  • Strategic Planning
  • Partnership Development
  • Project Management
  • Budget Development
  • Business Development
  • Strategic Partnerships
  • Contract Management
  • Financial Management
  • Organizational Development
  • Corporate Governance
  • Revenue Growth
  • Business Leadership
  • Policy Development and Enforcement
  • Staff Development

Affiliations

  • Professional Engineer (Pr.Eng.), Electrical - Engineering Council of South Africa
  • Senior Member (SMIEEE)- Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE), USA
  • Senior Member (SMSAIEE) - South African Institute of Electrical Engineers (SAIEE)
  • Member (M.Inst.D.) - Institute of Directors of Southern Africa (IoDSA)

Additional Information

- Appointed as a Member of the Industry Advisory Board Mangosuthu University of Technology (MUT); Feb 2022 – Jan 2025

- Appointed as a Member of the Electrical, Electronic and Computer Engineering (EECE) Industrial Advisory Committee (IAC) University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN); Oct 2021 – Oct 2026

- Appointed as a Panel Member for the review of Masters and Doctoral programmes at TUT Tshwane University of Technology (TUT); 2019

- Appointed as a Member of the Electrical, Electronic and Computer Engineering (EECE) Industrial Advisory Committee (IAC) University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN); 2018

- Appointed as an ECSA Reviewer, Interview Panel Member and Mentor for Pr.Eng applications in KwaZulu-Natal Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA); Feb 2016 – Nov 2018

- Appointed as a Member of the Industry Advisory Board Mangosuthu University of Technology (MUT); 2017

- Appointed as an External Industry Panel Member of the MUT Electrical Engineering Programme 5-year ECSA Review; 2016

- Elected as the Chairman of the SAIEE KZN Committee

- Served as an South African Institute of Electrical Engineers (SAIEE) Council Member; Apr 2017 - Mar 2019

- Elected as the Vice Chairman of the SAIEE KZN Committee; Apr 2015 - Mar 2017

- Recipient of the Eskom/ UKZN Black Researchers and Academic Development (BRAD) scholarship to pursue an M.Sc. (Eng.) degree.

University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN); 2007

- Recipient of the UKZN Postgraduate Study Entrance Merit Scholarship for an outstanding undergraduate degree average; 2007

- Certificate of Exceptional Service & Commitment – Engineering & Built Environment Students’ Council, University of Cape Town (UCT); 2003

- Science Student Council – Community Development Award; 2003

- Kopano Residence Certificate of Exceptional Academic Performance in the 2001 academic year; 2002

- Certificate of Merit – Accenture Leadership Programme; 2002

- Kopano Residence Certificate for Exceptional Academic Performance in the 2000 academic year; 2001

- Golden Key Society invitation; 2001

Timeline

Managing Director and CEO

Umsenge Infrastructure Development
06.2022 - Current

Director

BVi Consulting Engineers
10.2020 - 10.2022

Associate Director

BVi Consulting Engineers
12.2018 - 09.2020

Managing Director and CEO

ZML Africa Group
09.2012 - Current

Senior Engineer

Bidvest Facilities Management (Formely TFMC)
08.2008 - 08.2012

Research Assistant

University of KwaZulu-Natal
01.2007 - 07.2008

Assistant Plant Engineer

De Beers
01.2006 - 12.2006

Engineer-in-Training

De Beers
01.2004 - 12.2005

Master of Science - Power And Energy Systems

University of KwaZulu-Natal

Bachelor of Science - Electrical Engineering (Heavy Current)

University of Cape Town

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Zola Ntshangase