Retshepile Jakobo

Transport economist and maritime logistics specialist with 14 years' experience delivering high-impact transport policy, infrastructure strategy, and port–hinterland integration solutions within complex public sector environments. Demonstrated ability to translate economic analysis into implementable policy and investment decisions, supporting multimillion-rand transport programmes and strategic logistics initiatives. Proven track record in integrating transport planning, maritime systems, and regional logistics networks to improve efficiency, coordination, and system performance.

Internationally trained with dual master's degrees, including an MSc in Maritime Affairs, with exposure to global shipping, port governance, and supply chain systems. Brings a scarce, cross-disciplinary skill set spanning transport, economics, maritime and port systems, infrastructure planning, policy development, and governance. Experienced in working across government, SOEs, and multi-stakeholder environments, with strong capability in evidence-based decision-making, economic modelling, and strategic advisory.

Assistant Director: Policies, Research, and Systems - Western Cape Department of Mobility

(2017-01)

• Since 2017-2020, provided operational support as a secretariat for both the West Coast and Overberg District Road Traffic Management Committees. Produced strategic reports and supported high-level decision-making processes.
• Since 2017-2020, project managed the development and update of Integrated Transport Plans (ITPs) for the Overberg District Municipality and its four Type B Municipalities, enhancing coordinated regional transport planning. (R600 000).
• In 2017, was an assistant project manager for the update of the 2016/17–2021/22 PLTF, ensuring alignment with the 2014–2019 WCG Strategic Plan and strengthening its strategic and operational impact. (R5.738 million).
• In 2022 was an assistant project manager for the development of the 2023/24–2027/28 Provincial Land Transport Framework (PLTF). This project, valued at R8 million, aims to align the PLTF with the 2019 Western Cape Government (WCG) Strategic Plan, enhancing its strategic, tactical, and operational responsiveness through research. (Ongoing).
• Seconded (August 2025 – Present) to the Provincial Project Management Unit for the Port of Cape Town, Saldanha Bay Port, and Port of Mossel Bay, supporting the coordination of strategic initiatives to improve operational efficiency, optimise infrastructure performance, and enhance resilience across critical port systems in the Western Cape. (R2 million).
• Coordinated stakeholder engagement across provincial and national institutions.
• Supervised Administrative Clerks.

Transport Economist (Junior Level) - Department of Police, Roads, and Transport

(2011-01 - 2017-12)

• Supported development of integrated transport plans and policies.
• Contributed to logistics infrastructure planning, including Harrismith Logistics Hub, and provided analytical support to senior management.
• Conducted economic research to inform planning decisions.

Lecturer for Public Transport & Fleet Management | PTM100 - STADIO (Pty) Ltd

(2022-07 - 2023-01)

• Delivered lectures in public transport and fleet management.
• Developed course materials and assessed students.

MSc - Maritime Affairs, Specialising in Shipping Management & Logistics - World Maritime University (2024-01)

Masters - Transport Studies - University of Cape Town (2021-01)

Bachelor's Honours Degree - Transport Economics - University of South Africa (2015-01)

Bachelor's Degree - Transport Economics - Northwest University, Mahikeng (2011-01)