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uMngeni-uThukela Water has a three-tiered management structure:
The 13-member, non-Executive Board guides the Executive team on strategic policy issues, and the sub-committees of the Board meet regularly and provide guidance to Management. Sub-Committees report to the Board on their activities in line with the developed terms of references.
The Chief Executive assisted by the Executive Committee implements decisions of the Board and manages the organisation on a day-to-day basis. This Executive structure is supported by a number of Senior Managers who provide technical information and assist the Executive team. On areas of strategic importance to the organisation, uMngeni uThukela Water consults and shares and receives information through Staff Information Sessions, Site Visits, the Staff Advisory Council and through bilateral meetings with Nehawu, the recognised union at the organisation.
Normal management meetings with staff are ongoing. Regular consultation and information meetings are held with customers, the Department of Water and Sanitation and the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Water and Sanitation, as well as with the investor community, to inform them of organisational matters.
BSc in Chemistry and Microbiology, University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN), Bachelor of Technology in Biotechnology, Master’s in Environmental Biotechnology, Durban University of Technology (DUT), MSc (Eng) in Water and Environmental Management, UKZN, MBA, Milpark Business School, Senior Management Program, Harvard Business School.
Appointed as the Chief Executive in June 2024
Sandile Mkhize brings extensive experience in the environmental and water services sectors. With a strong academic background and a career in both the public and private sectors, Mr Mkhize has spearheaded initiatives in mining, environmental management, and water services. He has held positions at the Department of Water Affairs and Forestry, Gauteng Provincial Department of Environmental Affairs, Development Bank of Southern Africa, Chevron, and AngloGold Ashanti. At Magalies Water, he served as General Manager and Chief Executive Officer, leading significant asset growth and achieving consistent clean audits. Renowned for his strategic vision and commitment to sustainable practices, his expertise and leadership are expected to elevate uMngeni-uThukela Water, enhancing water and sanitation services for KwaZulu-Natal communities.
The public sector experience spans across a municipality, two municipal entities, and a section 3A state-owned entity.
Chartered Accountant (SA) (SAICA); BCom Degree (UNIZUL); BCom Honours (UKZN); Chartered Accountant (SAICA); Certificate in VAT (UNISA); Executive Development Program (WITS).
Appointed as the Executive Finance in February 2022
Appointed as Chief Financial Officer in June 2022
Appointed as the Chief Financial Officer in August 2024
The former Chief Financial Officer of the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA).
Thami has accumulated work experience of 21 years of which 12 years was in the private sector and 9 years in the public sector as chief finance officer. Of the 21 years, 15 years has been at the management level and 12 of those years at the senior management level.
The private sector experience spans across the automotive, retail and wholesale, import and export of medical equipment, and the logistics sectors. Two of the entities were part of the listed group of companies.
The public sector experience spans across a municipality, two municipal entities, and a section 3A state-owned entity.
Appointed as Acting Chief: Shared Services in December 2023
Moketeyane Moleko was the GM: Corporate Services at the former Mhlathuze Water since July 2022. Prior to joining Mhlathuze Water she held the position of GM: Shared Services at the former uMngeni Water for a period of 5 years.
She holds a Postgraduate Diploma: Business Management, BCom. Industrial Psychology and a Certificate: Management Development Programme. Her area of expertise spans across a field of disciplines which includes, Human Resource Management, General corporate Services, Communications, Organisational Development and Human Resources Development.
Moketeyane sits on the Board of Black Management Forum (2021), Member of South African Reward Association (SARA) and represented as a Board Member at the Board of the Council of Umgungundlovu TVET College.
Admitted Attorney of the High Court of South Africa, LLM (UKZN), LLB (UZ); Postgraduate Diploma in Compliance (UJ).
Appointed as Company Secretary in January 2014
Re-Appointed as Company Secretary in January 2022
Appointed as the Chief Governance and Compliance Officer in August 2024
Prior to occupying this position, he was the head of uMngeni-uThukela Water’s Legal Services Department. Prior to joining uMngeni-uThukela Water, he was the Competition Commission’s Legal Counsel and has extensive experience in private legal practice.
Professionally registered engineer with the Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA). BSc Chemical Engineering(UKZN), Bachelor of Engineering Honours(UP) in Water Utilisation, BCom Financial Management (UNISA), and is currently pursuing a Master of Engineering degree from UP.
Appointed as the Area Manager in June 2020
Appointed as the Executive Operations in August 2022
Appointed as Acting Chief Operating Officer in January 2023
Appointed as Chief Operating Officer in June 2024
Sanele has more than 12 years’ experience in design and operations in process engineering from various industries including speciality chemicals, FMCG, pulp and paper, and water and wastewater.
He is a Board Member for the Water Institute of Southern Africa (WISA) since 2019 where he is responsible for strategy formulation and implementation on water governance and management in Southern Africa. He is also an Industry Advisory Board Member for the Department of Chemical Engineering in UKZN since 2017 where he gives critical input on academic programmes to be aligned with the industry needs.
Ph.D. Degree in Chemistry (UCT), MBA Degree (cum laude) (UKZN) in 2017 and an ND: in Management Development Programme (University of Stellenbosch).
Appointed as the Manager of Lab Services in 2016
Appointed as Executive Scientific Services in August 2022
Re-Appointed as Executive Scientific Services in September 2024
Ntsapo’s employment history dates back to 2007 as a Contract Chemistry Lecturer at the Vaal University of Technology, a position she assumed just after completing her studies. In the same year, she secured employment with Tongaat Hulett, initially as a chemist for 7 years, and was later promoted to Analytical Manager.
She was appointed as the Laboratory Manager for Umgeni Water in 2016 – 2022. Her roles included ensuring smooth running of the Laboratory Services Department, which comprised of four modern ISO/IEC 17025 accredited laboratories (Chemistry, Soil Chemistry, Microbiology and Hydrobiology) with a long-established reputation of meeting international standards. The laboratory department provides a world-class analytical and technical service 365 days a year, in support of the primary business; that is rigorously testing.
She has also served as the Chairperson of the Chemistry Board at Durban University of Technology and as the Vice-chairperson of the Chemistry Board at Mangosuthu University of Technology.
BSc: Civil Engineering (University of KwaZulu-Natal) and MSc: Engineering (University of WitsWatersrand).
Appointed as the Executive Infrastructure Development in August 2024.
Engineering Council of South Africa, Professional Engineer (20180207)
South African Institute of Civil Engineering, Member (2011243)
Mr. Cele is a Professional Engineer with experience in both the Private and Public Sector. He is currently serving as the Acting Executive: Operations since the 1st of January 2023. Prior to joining Umgeni Water, he was the Senior Engineer and Key Account Manager at Royal HaskoningDHV (2018 to 2020).
A strong advocate for service delivery, mainly focusing on the delivery of infrastructure projects for the beneficial use of citizens in both urban and rural areas.
Certified Mechanical Engineer (GCC Factories) with a National Diploma in Mechanical Engineering from the Vaal University of Technology,
Maintenance Management Certificate from the University of Pretoria,
Executive Development Program at Stellenbosch Business School.
Currently: Master of Business Administration (MBA) at Robert Kennedy College.
Appointed as the Executive: Operations in September 2024
Mr Phokela Jonathan Maponya is seasoned executive with over 25 years of experience in Engineering, Maintenance, Operations, Business Development, and Executive Management across various industries, including Energy, Oil & Gas, Mining, Chemical, Pulp & Paper, Manufacturing, and Water sector.
Before joining the water board, he served as Senior Vice President - Sub-Sahara Africa and Managing Director for both South Africa and Namibia at Quant Services, Sales and Marketing Director and Business Director at Siemens, where he excelled in optimizing business performance and delivering value to stakeholders. His expertise in developing and implementing business strategies, leading high-performing teams, and fostering customer relationships has been the driving force to his success.
Phokela is also passionate about mentorship and leadership development. As Chair of the Board of the NGO, Thuto Ke Motheo, he actively mentors and coaches the next generation of leaders, particularly in the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). His dedication to empowering future leaders reflects his commitment to making a positive impact both within his industry and in the broader community and to leave a lasting legacy that extends beyond his professional achievements.
Msc Civil Engineering (Wits), PhD (UJ) In progress, Professional Registrations: PrCPM (SACPCMP) & PrTech Eng (ECSA).
Appointed as Executive: Special Projects in November 2022
In Sandile Bonga Dube’s 23 years long career, he has been directly involved in contract supervision, civil and structural designs, contract administration and management duties of rural and urban roads, railways, water & sanitation, structures, buildings and electricity & mechanical in various Provinces around South Africa.
He Joined uMngeni-uThukela Water in 2021 as an Executive: Operations and has held various Executive Management positions from 2009 till to date. Some of his previous Executive positions include, Chief Engineer (MISA), HOD: Operations (JRA), Act Unit Head (DBSA) and Strategic Executive Director (Newcastle Municipality).
LLB degree and is an admitted attorney of the High Court.
Postgraduate diploma in Strategic Management and Corporate Governance,
Certificate in Public Sector Governance from the Chartered Governance Institute of Southern Africa.
Appointed as the Company Secretary in August 2024.
Ms Mbatha brings a wealth of experience in the company secretariat field and is pivotal in providing legal and governance advice to the Board, while managing risk and compliance matters. Her responsibilities’ include servicing all Board and Committee meetings, not only at a group level but also for its subsidiaries, ensuring effective governance across the organisation. Prior to joining the former Mhlathuze Water in 2019, she served as the first Company Secretary at the Agribusiness Development Agency, a state-owned entity under the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Agriculture and Rural Development.
Ms. Mbatha's career spans both the public and private sectors. She has previously worked in the Trust and Fiduciary Services department of Nedgroup Trust (Nedbank Private Clients). Additionally, her experience includes roles at the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development, and Legal Aid South Africa.
She is also and has further qualifications, including a postgraduate diploma in Strategic Management and Corporate Governance, and a Certificate in Public Sector Governance from the Chartered Governance Institute of Southern Africa.
In addition to her legal qualifications, Ms. Mbatha is a non-practicing member of the Legal Practice Council and a member of the Institute of Directors in Southern Africa (IODSA), reflecting her strong commitment to corporate governance and leadership.
uMngeni-uThukela Water, a state-owned entity, is one of Africa’s most successful organisations involved in water management and is the largest supplier of bulk potable water in the Province of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.
The organisation was established in 1974.
310 Burger Street Pietermaritzburg 3201. South Africa
PO Box 9,
Pietermaritzburg 3200
KwaZulu-Natal.
South Africa
Tel: +27 (33) 341 1111
Fax: +27 (33) 341 1167
Toll Free: 0800 331 820
7 Portland Road Mkondeni
3201. South Africa
PO Box 9,
Pietermaritzburg 3200
KwaZulu-Natal.
South Africa
Tel: +27 (33) 846 1700
Fax: +27 (33) 386 3673
Toll Free: 0800 331 820
13 Pineside Road
New Germany
3610. South Africa
PO Box 11,
New Germany 3620
KwaZulu-Natal.
South Africa
Tel: +27 (31) 719 7300
Fax: +27 (31) 719 7325
Toll Free: 0800 331 820
Cnr South Central Arterial & Battery Bank Alton
Richards Bay, 3901
KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
Private Bag X1047,
Richards Bay, 3900
KwaZulu-Natal.
South Africa
Tel: +27 (35) 902 1000
Fax: +27 (35) 902 1111
Toll Free: 0800 331 820
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