JG Afrika, a proudly South African multi-disciplinary engineering and environmental sciences consultancy with over a century of excellence, has appointed Phakamile Ngqumshe as its new Managing Director (MD). Ngqumshe succeeds Paul Olivier, who dedicated 40 years of loyal service to the firm. Having joined JG Afrika as a bursary student in the early 90s, Ngqumshe has also been with the company for over 30 years.

With more than a decade of experience managing JG Afrika’s operations across four provinces as Regional Director (Northern Region) and Johannesburg Branch Manager, Ngqumshe is well-positioned to lead the firm into its next phase of growth. The Northern Region market has continued to flourish under his leadership, and he now takes on the broader responsibility of overall company management, overseeing staff well-being from shareholders to support staff.

“I feel both honoured and humbled by this appointment,” says Ngqumshe. “This is because I am stepping into the shoes of my predecessors whom I hold in high esteem. I deeply appreciate the trust the JG Afrika Partners have placed in me, and I will uphold the firm’s tradition of excellence with a strong sense of responsibility.”

A Commitment to Excellence

Under Ngqumshe’s leadership, JG Afrika will continue its ethos of striving to be the best rather than the biggest. He is committed to raising the already high benchmark for quality engineering and environmental science solutions across the firm’s diverse markets.

“Our strength lies in the passion and expertise of our people,” he explains. “JG Afrika has always been a place where professionals can upskill and collaborate with seasoned experts. Continuous improvement is at the heart of our culture, and I am confident that our team will continue to push the boundaries of excellence.”

Ngqumshe’s leadership style is defined by decisiveness and inclusivity. While he acknowledges that not all decisions will be universally popular, he emphasises the importance of strategic alignment. “Once a decision is made, it is vital for everyone to pull in the same direction. In time, even initially unconvinced colleagues often recognise the rationale behind seemingly tough choices,” he notes.

Nurturing a Strong Workplace Culture

Recognising the value of JG Afrika’s people, Ngqumshe is committed to fostering an environment where employees feel valued and motivated. He believes that when team members take pride in their work and align with the company’s vision, they contribute meaningfully to its success.

“As a provider of professional services, it is crucial that every employee understands their role in driving profitability and mitigating risk. A clear sense of purpose enhances efficiency and enables us to meet our targets,” he says.

JG Afrika’s strong workplace culture, where staff view their colleagues as a ‘work family’, will continue to be a cornerstone of the company. “Our offices are professional yet positive spaces where respect, knowledge-sharing, and teamwork thrive. ‘. A cohesive team culture is essential for productivity and to foster a culture of innovation.”

Driving Innovation and Sustainability

Innovation has long been a defining feature of JG Afrika’s service offering. As Ngqumshe highlights, the firm is deeply invested in developing sustainable solutions that help both public and private sector clients operate efficiently while minimising environmental impact.

Investment in digitalisation is another priority. JG Afrika has significantly upgraded its IT infrastructure to stay ahead in an increasingly technology-driven world. The company is closely monitoring the rapid advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning, recognising their potential to enhance efficiency. However, he is also mindful of the risks posed by automation, particularly in an organisation committed to developing young South African engineers and environmental scientists.

“Our firm has a proud history of nurturing talent. Many of our senior professionals have been with us for over 20 years, rising through the ranks to strategic positions. As we embrace new technologies, we must also ensure that we continue to create opportunities for young professionals to thrive,” he adds.

Expanding Horizons: Local and Global Opportunities

While JG Afrika continues to strengthen its presence in South Africa, Ngqumshe sees vast potential for expanding the firm’s footprint beyond Africa. Enhanced digital capabilities have opened new markets, and he plans to leverage these tools, along with the company’s vast technical expertise, to drive international growth.

At the same time, he remains deeply invested in the future of South Africa. “It is easy to be discouraged by the challenges our country faces, but for those with a positive outlook, there are always opportunities. The deteriorating state of water and sanitation infrastructure, failing transport networks, and backlogs in essential services present immense opportunities for innovation. Greater private sector participation (in collaboration with government institutions) in infrastructure development could be a game-changer, and JG Afrika is positioned to play a critical and supportive role in these developments.”

Retaining and Developing South Africa’s Engineering Talent

A critical challenge that concerns Ngqumshe is the increasing emigration of skilled professionals. “Young engineers and environmental scientists bring fresh perspectives, energy, and a strong grasp of emerging technologies. However, many are drawn abroad by the promise of stability and personal safety. Competing with international firms on these fronts is difficult, but we must find innovative ways to retain and develop local talent.”

As he takes the helm, Ngqumshe remains committed to ensuring JG Afrika’s continued success while fostering a culture of excellence, innovation, and collaboration. “This firm has a remarkable legacy, and I am excited to lead it into a new era of growth. With the dedication of our talented team, we will continue to set the standard for engineering and environmental consulting in South Africa and beyond.”