Thabo Mphefu

Senior Civil Engineer with 15+ years of experience leading the planning, design, delivery, and maintenance of large-scale infrastructure across rail, transport, and municipal sectors. Combines deep technical expertise with strategic leadership in asset management, capital project delivery, and service optimisation. Proven ability to lead multidisciplinary teams, manage complex infrastructure programmes, and deliver projects aligned with regulatory frameworks, financial controls, and organisational objectives.

Strong background in railways, stormwater systems, roads, bulk earthworks, engineering surveying, geotechnical engineering, water, sewer, built environment, safety, risk, finance, and underground services, supported by advanced modelling and design capabilities. Combines strong technical design capability with practical construction experience and strategic leadership in asset management, service delivery, and infrastructure planning. Demonstrated ability to manage full project lifecycles, lead high-performing teams, and ensure compliance with regulatory, environmental, and safety standards.

Experienced in engaging stakeholders across consulting, contractor, and government environments to deliver sustainable, cost-effective, and resilient infrastructure solutions aligned with national development priorities. Recognised for driving operational efficiency, strengthening governance and compliance, and developing high-performing engineering teams. Passionate about sustainable infrastructure, climate resilience, and long-term asset performance.

Senior Engineer at Transnet Rail Infrastructure Manager (TRIM) – Technical Office (2016-01 – Present)

Lead strategic and technical delivery of civil infrastructure within a major state-owned enterprise, overseeing design, construction, and asset performance across regions.

• Delivered 50+ infrastructure projects across rail and municipal interfaces within scope, budget, and regulatory requirements
• Led a high-performing team recognised with the Transnet Best Team Award (2022)
• Mentored and developed 20+ Engineers-in-Training, strengthening organisational capacity
• Direct multidisciplinary teams in the design, construction, and maintenance of civil infrastructure
• Manage full project lifecycle: feasibility, design, procurement, construction, and closeout
• Approve engineering designs, reports, and contractor deliverables
• Lead budgeting, cost estimation, and financial oversight
• Ensure compliance with environmental, safety, and regulatory frameworks
• Drive asset performance, maintenance strategies, and risk mitigation
• Engage municipalities, consultants, and contractors to deliver integrated solutions
• Contribute to long-term infrastructure planning and capital investment programmes

Civil Engineer at Transnet Rail Infrastructure Manager (TRIM) – Technical Office (2012-07 – 2015-12)

Delivered design and technical solutions for infrastructure upgrades and rehabilitation projects.

• Designed rails, roads, stormwater systems, bulk earthworks, and service infrastructure
• Improved design efficiency and cost optimisation through advanced modelling
• Supported delivery of multidisciplinary infrastructure projects
• Engineering design, analysis, and technical reporting
• Feasibility studies and site investigations
• Hydraulic and drainage design
• Construction monitoring and quality assurance
• Stakeholder coordination and project support

Engineer-in-Training at Transnet Freight Rail – Rail Network Design Office (2010-01 – 2012-06)

Completed structured training in infrastructure design, inspection, and construction support.

• Assisted in the design and drafting of drainage systems, culverts, and rail infrastructure
• Conducted site inspections and supported geotechnical investigations
• Participated in project planning, budgeting, and contractor coordination
• Ensured compliance with safety and quality standards

Master of Engineering in Civil Engineering – University of Johannesburg (2023)

BEngTech (Hons) in Civil Engineering – University of Johannesburg (2022)

B.Tech in Civil Engineering – University of Johannesburg (2012)

National Diploma in Civil Engineering – Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University (2010)