Rakgadi Ntoagae

Strategic, high-impact Safety and Risk Management Executive with over 18 years of experience leading enterprise-wide SHEQ frameworks, Facilities Management operations, corporate security integration, and statutory compliance across heavy industry, mining, defense, and public sectors. Holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA), a Postgraduate Diploma in Project Management, and a B-Tech in Safety Management. Demonstrated expertise in shaping zero-harm workplace cultures, managing multi-million rand operational budgets, establishing robust governance and assurance frameworks, and maintaining strict compliance under the Mine Health and Safety Act (MHSA) and the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA/OSHA).

Proven record of driving continuous improvement, leading high-performing teams, and interfacing directly with executive boards, regulatory authorities, and key industry bodies.

Divisional Manager: SHEQ / Strategic Systems & Compliance (2025-03 – Present)

• Strategic Safety Alignment: Direct executive-level strategic and management review processes, translating corporate mandates into actionable safety, environmental, and risk management strategies across high-hazard operations.
• Governance & Assurance Frameworks: Formulate, maintain, and enforce enterprise-wide safety policies, systems, and procedures to provide senior leadership and the Board with assurance that organizational risks are effectively mitigated.
• Regulatory Compliance & Audits: Oversee multi-system compliance (ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 45001, ISO 17020) and audit schedules to satisfy Department of Employment and Labour legal standards for explosive and hazardous facilities.
• Incident Management & Continuous Improvement: Direct incident investigations, non-conformance analyses, and corrective action implementations to reduce exposure and champion operational excellence.
• People & Financial Leadership: Lead, coach, and mentor a multidisciplinary team of safety and health professionals while overseeing divisional operational budgets and resource allocation.

Regional Senior OHS / Governance Officer at Department of Environment, Forestry and Fisheries (2021-03 – 2025-02)

• Risk Mitigation & Site Assessments: Conducted regular OHS site assessments, risk evaluations, and safety inspections; formulated targeted risk containment strategies to address compliance gaps.
• Executive Reporting & Policy: Authored safe work procedures, technical risk analyses, and performance reports to keep executive leadership aligned with legislative shifts.
• Safety Culture & Alignment: Spearheaded safety awareness campaigns, new-employee orientations, and specialized training programs to embed zero-harm practices across regional operations.

SHEQ Manager (Provincial Disaster Management Centre) at Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA) (2017-07 – 2019-07)

• Facilities Operations & Risk Management: Managed overall corporate facility operations, structural integrity, essential service maintenance (HVAC, electrical, water, waste), and emergency preparedness for the Provincial Centre.
• Budgetary & Resource Control: Developed and managed the SHEQ unit budget, driving cost-effectiveness in equipment procurement, contractor appointments, and facility maintenance.
• Regulator & Stakeholder Advisory: Represented the organization at Joint Operational Centre (JOC) and Venue Operational Centre (VOC) safety committees; advised provincial departments, municipalities, and statutory bodies during major events under SASREA and OHSA.

SHEQ / Strategic Management Consultant (Construction & Mining) at Thapo Holdings Ltd (Pty) (2015-03 – 2017-06)

• Mining & Heavy Industry Risk Strategy: Advised senior corporate management in the mining and heavy construction sectors on risk-containment strategies, SHEQ system optimization, and statutory compliance under MHSA and OHSA.
• Hazard Control & Audit Scope: Developed internal audit plans, evaluated hazard control programs, and analyzed safety incidents to optimize health, safety, and business performance.

OH&S Officer & Facilities Specialist at SA Navy (2007-01 – 2015-01)

• Facilities Oversight (2007–2013): Supervised base facilities staff and external contractors, coordinating essential base services, structural maintenance, cleaning crews, and environmental safety.
• OHS Operations & Assurance (2013–2015): Conducted safety file audits, workplace hazard inspections, and risk reporting for executive safety committees.

Master of Business Administration in Strategic Management, Corporate Strategy, Financial Management, Leadership, Human Resource Development, Operations Management – Management College of South Africa (MANCOSA)

Postgraduate Diploma in Project Management in Project Communication & Risk Management, Project Leadership, Project Scope & Time Management – MANCOSA

B-Tech in Safety Management in Safety Management – University of South Africa (UNISA)

National Diploma in Safety Management in Safety Management – University of South Africa (UNISA)