Zimile

ABOUT ZIMILE

Zimile’s core competency is the design, construction and supervision of various infrastructure projects through a single source support framework from concept planning through to completion. We are a Proudly South African, Level 1, 100% black-owned and managed company with a strong focus on youth employment.

Our company has an  extensive footprint across South Africa with a strong presence in  both the public  as well as private sectors. Our experience across diverse industries and includes, but is not limited to, work on several rehabilitation, maintenance and upgrades of roads; preliminary, detail design and environmental impact assessments;  tender documentation; taxiway reconstruction; and  the rehabilitation of runways.

We are Zimile – where bold ideas meet practical solutions. We fuse technical excellence with imaginative thinking to design infrastructure that serves today and shapes a sustainable tomorrow. Rooted in African ingenuity, we engineer with purpose, passion, and a commitment to meaningful impact.

Vision

To be the engineering service provider of choice to all of our new and potential clients by inspiring engineering excellence across South Africa and beyond.

Zimile’s mission is to provide clients across South Africa and beyond with professional and quality engineering services, from concept planning through to completion for infrastructure development projects, through the deployment of a highly skilled professional team.

Mission

Serving our communities

Where communities are affected, projects are structured to allow community input and participation in the planning, design and implementation stages. This transparent approach allows the community to participate on an equal level with professionals enabling the transfer of skills and empowerment of the community. Job creation and training form part of the overall strategy in the execution of all projects assigned to the Company.

SENIOR MANAGEMENT TEAM

SHAWN GAMA

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

With nearly 20 years of experience in the civil engineering industry, Shawn specialises in transport infrastructure and has a strong focus on the development of rural infrastructure. He holds a B.Tech in Civil Engineering from the University of Johannesburg, along with a PDBA, PGDip, and MBA from the Gordon Institute of Business Science. He is a registered professional with the Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA) and a member of the South African Institution of Civil Engineering (SAICE).

As Chief Executive Officer, Shawn is responsible for leading the development and execution of Zimile’s long-term strategy to create lasting stakeholder value. His role includes overseeing day-to-day operations, ensuring the successful implementation of strategic plans, and driving the organisation’s growth and sustainability. He serves as the primary liaison between the Board and management and represents the company in engagements with shareholders, employees, government authorities, and broader stakeholders.

STEPHANI SERFONTEIN

CHIEF OPERATIONS OFFICER

Stephani holds a Bachelor of Science degree and an MBA, and brings over 25 years of experience across strategic project management, governance, operational leadership, and business improvement. Her extensive background in the engineering consulting sector has equipped her with deep insight into both project execution and business performance.

Known for her analytical thinking and solution-oriented mindset, Stephani excels at interpreting key business metrics to drive performance and develop effective strategies. She combines tactical execution with strategic initiatives, aligning organisational goals with innovative technologies, streamlined processes, and commercial priorities.

Stephani plays a pivotal role in driving accountability, improving project margins, and supporting individuals and teams to reach their full potential. Her ability to build strong relationships and foster behavioural change ensures lasting impact across the business.

VICTORIA ABE

FINANCE MANAGER

Victoria holds a B.Compt degree and an Honours in Management Accounting. She is professionally registered with the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA) as an Associate General Accountant AGA(SA).

With over eight years of accounting and audit experience across the energy, construction, engineering, financial services, and public sectors, Victoria brings valuable insight to Zimile. She is responsible for overseeing the company’s financial health, advising executives on accounting and tax compliance, guiding investment decisions, and shaping the business’s financial strategy. As a skilled auditor and accountant, she also leads the implementation and maintenance of strong internal control processes.

NELLE KLEYNHANS

HUMAN RESOURCES MANAGER

Nelle holds a BA Honours degree in Industrial Sociology and Human Capital, as well as a BA in Social Sciences. With more than 20 years of experience in HR business partnering across diverse industries and regions, she brings deep expertise in aligning people strategies with business goals to drive organisational effectiveness and long-term growth.

As Human Resources Manager at Zimile Consulting Engineers, Nelle provides tailored advisory services that support improved organisational performance and sustainable success. She works closely with leadership to implement strategic HR initiatives focused on organisational development, performance management, and stakeholder engagement.

Known for her hands-on, practical approach, Nelle is passionate about delivering people-focused solutions that make a tangible difference and contribute to business outcomes.

LETLOTLO BORANE

BUSINESS UNIT HEAD: WATER

Letlotlo is a seasoned Senior Civil Engineer with over a decade of experience in the design and delivery of complex infrastructure projects. His expertise spans the full project lifecycle—from planning and cost estimation to contract management, construction supervision, and quality control. Letlotlo has successfully delivered large-scale projects including municipal infrastructure, bulk water supply systems, water and sewer reticulation networks, roads and stormwater infrastructure, and residential developments.

His mining sector experience includes conducting feasibility studies and designing clean and dirty water stormwater systems, stormwater and pollution control dams, silt management strategies, and the design of silt traps and storage pads.

A strategic thinker with strong technical, business development, and financial acumen, Letlotlo is deeply committed to safety, sustainability, and client satisfaction. He is also a dynamic leader, known for his excellent communication and team management skills.

He holds a BSc (Eng) in Civil Engineering from the University of the Witwatersrand and a Business Consulting Engineering Certificate from CESA (Consulting Engineers South Africa).

MXOLISI NKOSI

ACTING BUSINESS UNIT HEAD: TRANSPORT

Mxolisi, a registered Professional Engineering Technologist holding a BTech in Civil Engineering and an NDip in Civil Engineering, brings over 23 years of experience across civil engineering disciplines such as roads, water, and mining infrastructure. A graduate of Durban University of Technology, he has held diverse technical and leadership roles in both consulting and construction, ranging from Civil Engineering Technician to Senior Project Manager and CPG Specialist.

Currently supporting Zimile’s operations in KwaZulu-Natal, Mxolisi plays a key role in delivering major infrastructure projects for clients including SANRAL and various municipalities. He is highly skilled in stakeholder engagement and Community Participation Goal implementation, advocating for local SMME inclusion and labour participation to ensure projects are not only technically robust but also socially sustainable.

He is also highly experienced in stakeholder engagement, transformation facilitation, and Community Participation Goal (CPG) implementation, where he advocates for local SMME inclusion and labour participation. 

CHARMAINE ACHOUR

DIGITAL COMMUNICATIONS SPECIALIST

With over 34 years of experience, Charmaine leads Zimile’s digital communication strategy, bringing deep expertise in storytelling, user experience, and cross-functional collaboration. She is passionate about driving innovation, enhancing brand visibility, and delivering communication solutions that reflect Zimile’s technical excellence and client focus.

Charmaine oversees the company’s digital platforms, including the SharePoint intranet, corporate website, social media channels, as well as PR and media engagement. Her focus is on creating seamless, user-centred experiences that align with strategic business objectives.

She plays a key role in driving digital transformation and introducing automation to streamline communication processes and improve operational efficiency. Her collaborative approach across marketing, engineering, and product teams ensures that Zimile communicates with clarity, impact, and consistency to both internal and external audiences.