JG Afrika (Pty) Ltd, a leading multi-disciplinary engineering and environmental consultancy in South Africa, is pleased to announce a series of promotions effective 1 March 2026.

Zama Xaba Promoted to Technical Director

Zama Xaba has been promoted to Technical Director, recognising her longstanding contribution to wastewater engineering and municipal infrastructure development.

Since joining JG Afrika in 2005, Zama has progressed steadily through the ranks, building deep expertise in wastewater treatment and water quality management.

A registered PrEng with a Master’s degree in Water Quality from UCT, she has led major upgrade and refurbishment projects for the City of Cape Town and eThekwini Water and Sanitation, while also contributing to national Green Drop and Blue Drop initiatives.

Byron Mawer Promoted to Technical Director

Byron Mawer has been promoted to Technical Director, recognising more than a decade of growth and contribution within the company.

Byron joined JG Afrika through the company’s Bursary Programme in 2011. After completing his BSc (cum laude) and Master’s degree in Geotechnical Engineering at the University of Cape Town, he formally joined the firm in 2015. He has since built extensive expertise in geotechnical and solid waste engineering, leading complex municipal and private sector infrastructure projects nationwide.

A registered PrEng and PrCPM, Byron has played a key role in major sustainability-driven developments, including the Coastal Park MRF project for the City of Cape Town.

Tanya McCann Promoted to Executive Associate

Tanya McCann has been promoted to Executive Associate, recognising her strong financial leadership and the important role she plays in supporting JG Afrika’s strategic and governance objectives.

Since joining the company in 2024 as Group Financial Manager, Tanya has led the Group Finance function with a clear focus on accuracy, compliance and meaningful financial insight. She works closely with executive leadership on budgeting, forecasting and cashflow management, ensuring the business is supported by reliable, timely financial information.

A Chartered Accountant (SA) with more than 15 years’ experience, Tanya has held senior finance roles in complex group environments and began her career at PwC in South Africa and the United States.

Keelan McAvoy and Dr Dylan Jacklin Promoted to Associates

JG Afrika has also promoted Keelan McAvoy and Dr Dylan Jacklin to Associate, reflecting the company’s commitment to developing emerging leaders within its Municipal Infrastructure and Environmental teams.

Keelan McAvoy, a registered Professional Engineering Technologist, has contributed to a wide range of municipal and land development projects, including bulk services, housing developments and wastewater treatment works.

Dylan Jacklin began his journey with JG Afrika as a student in 2018 and formally joined the company in 2021. Working within the Solid Waste and Environmental teams, he has supported municipal technical advisory projects and innovative water resilience initiatives across Africa, focusing on sustainable and nature-based solutions.

Phakamile Ngqumshe, Managing Director at JG Afrika, says:

“These promotions are about far more than new titles. They reflect the kind of people we have at JG Afrika; talented, committed and willing to step up when it matters.

Zama and Byron’s appointments as Technical Directors come after years of consistent hard work and technical excellence. They’ve led complex infrastructure projects that genuinely improve lives in communities across South Africa. Their careers show what’s possible when ability is matched with dedication and a real sense of responsibility.

I’m also delighted to recognise Tanya McCann’s promotion to Executive Associate, alongside her continued role as Group Financial Manager. Tanya brings strong commercial insight and valuable experience from the retail sector, which supports our strategy to grow and diversify the business. As we look ahead, her perspective will play an important role in strengthening our financial foundation and guiding our next phase of growth.

Keelan and Dylan’s promotion to Associate speaks to the depth of talent coming through in our teams. They represent the next generation of leaders at JG Afrika, professionals who not only deliver excellent technical work, but who understand the importance of collaboration, innovation and service.

At JG Afrika, we’re not just focused on delivering infrastructure. We’re focused on building careers, developing leaders and growing a firm that makes a meaningful contribution to society. To each of them, congratulations. This recognition is well earned, and we’re excited to see what they achieve next.”

JG Afrika congratulates Zama, Byron, Tanya, Keelan and Dylan on their well-deserved promotions and looks forward to their continued contribution to the firm’s growth and impact.