Following a rigorous selection process from a long list of candidates, the Johannesburg Roads Agency (JRA) has appointed civil engineer Dr Sean Phillips as its new MD.
Phillips, who boasts a master’s degree in science and management, as well as a doctorate in civil engineering, will assume his new position from May 1.
Phillips is experienced in performance monitoring and evaluation at national and municipal levels and has had operational management experience in local roads authorities.
Phillips was CEO of the Municipal Infrastructure Support Agent – a government component in the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs – from April 2015 to April 2016. Prior to that, he spent five years as director-general of the Department of Performance Monitoring and Evaluation in The Presidency. Phillips also held various positions within the private and public sectors, including the Department of Public Works in Limpopo and Gauteng.
The JRA notes that it is embarking on an “exciting new phase” of the city’s journey in roads infrastructure and that Phillips’ vast experience in engineering, coupled with his strategic leader- ship and management skills, will serve the city and the JRA well in its commitment to providing high-quality roads that are safe and accessible for the local community.
Phillips will replace acting MD Mpho Kau, who aided the JRA in achieving a clean (unqualified) audit for a second consecutive year. Kau also helped strengthen the JRA’s turnaround strategy through an engineering-based approach to infrastructure development and maintenance.