Chief Executive Officer

Thanduxolo Mendrew

Thanduxolo Mendrew is Chief Executive Officer of the Johannesburg Development Agency.  Before leading the agency, Mendrew was its executive manager for risk and compliance management and human resources, a position he held since 2007. 

After receiving his LLB degree from Wits University, Mendrew started with legal firm Edward, Nathan & Friedland in Sandton as a commercial lawyer specialising in corporate law.  Here he first sharpened his teeth on risk and legal compliance in the corporate world before extending his scope to commercial banking, gaining much experience in the legal compliance side of corporate finance and debt management.

In 2004, he joined the City of Johannesburg as director of corporate governance, where he oversaw the group risk compliance and financial stability of the City's municipal-owned entities.

Mendrew grew up in Burgersdorp in Eastern Cape and is married with two children.

Company Secretary

Adam Goldsmith

Adam Goldsmith is the company secretary of the JDA, previously having spent two decades – from 1981 to 2001 – in the City’s housing and the inner city units.

During this period, he was responsible for undertaking broad-based social science research and survey work in support of the council’s housing strategy.

He holds a bachelor of arts degree from Unisa, the University of South Africa.

Non-Executive Director

Nopasika Lila

Ms Nopasika Lila (CA) SA is a Chartered Accountant and Chief Financial Officer of the Eskom Pension and Provident Fund and serves as the non-executive Director of the Johannesburg Development Agency and chairs its Audit Committee.

Additionally, she serves as a member of the Audit Committee of the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) as well as the National Arts Festival Her vast experience and areas of interest cover finances, corporate governance, management, retirement industry, strategic issues and training and development.

She is also a business woman who ran her own company, Astute Intellect for a considerable period of time. Apart from being an effective communicator and trainer she speaks and writes Mandarin (Chinese principal dialect) with relative ease, having earned a qualification in Taipei, Taiwan in 2008.

Non-Executive Director

Popo Masilo

An attorney with 8 years practical experience specializing in Commercial Law, Criminal Law, Labour Law, Trusts among other things. He started his career with Norton Lambrianos Incorporated, a law firm specializing in debt collection for various major banks in the country.

Popo Masilo is a partner at R Masilo Attorneys, a law firm specializing in Labour Relations Matters, Commercial and Criminal Litigations.

Mr Masilo has been a board member of Bertha Gxowa Hospital for the past 6 years.

Presently holds directorship in the following Companies:
* Ekurhuleni Development Company (EDC) (SoC) LTD, a social housing company owned by Ekurhuleni Municipality
* MAXALEX Investment (PTY) LTD, a private company investing in various business opportunities
* MAXALEX Property Development (PTY) LTD, a private company focusing on property investment porfolio (commercial and residential)

Non-Executive Director

Dayalan Naidu

Dayalan Naidu has a BPaed science degree from the University of Durban Westville, graduating in 1986.

He started his career with Haggie Rand in 1988, thereafter joining OK Distribution in 1990 as an industrial engineer. He spent four years at the retailer before moving to Spoornet, where he was an operations manager for two years.

Naidu later moved to SAB as an operations manager in charge of managing operational productivity and warehouse stock. In 1998, he joined World Class Industrial as a general manager. He is currently responsible for market development and production management.

Naidu has extensive management skills and knowledge and has been exposed to several industries.

Non-Executive Director

Ashram Alli (Boeta) Rajah

Ashram Alli (Boeta) Rajah was member of the negotiating team that established the first democratic local government structures in Johannesburg. He also served as a Councillor of the City of Johannesburg from 1994 to 2011. His responsibilities included sports, arts, culture and recreation; planning and development; housing and urbanisation; finance and services; and he served as Chair of the Inner City Committee. Boeta has qualifications in local government and project management and has experience in labour relations and dispute resolution from his work as a unionist.

Non-Executive Director

Pamela Segakweng-Mashiane

Non-Executive Director

Wellington Didibhuku Thwala

Wellington Didibhuku Thwala is an associate professor at the University of Johannesburg (UJ) in the Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment. He has a PhD in Engineering from Wits University and his research focus includes the job creation impact of construction programmes. Wellington holds leadership positions in a number of professional and industry bodies, and serves as editor-in-chief of the Journal of Construction Project Management and Innovation.

In addition to the non-executive directors, three independent members have been appointed to the Audit Committee. These are Mr Krishna Govender; Ms Janine Vergotine; and Ms Nokuthula Selamolela.

Non-Executive Director

Khangekile (Getty) Simelane

Khangekile (Getty) Simelane is a Human Resources specialist, with qualifications from the University of Zululand, Wits Business School, Bath University (UK) and North Western University (USA). She is a member of the Board for Personnel Practice, and holds leadership positions with the Bridgman Youth Centre in Soweto and St Mungos Diepsloot Social Action Company. Getty recently completed a term as a Director and Chairperson of City Power and takes over as Chair of the JDA's Board of Directors.

Non-Executive Director

Papi Kubu

Papi Kubu has had a wide-ranging career in the military, tourism, hospitality, and media industries. He has a BA qualification from the University of London, and diplomas in journalism, auctioneering and printing techniques. He is a member of professional and industry associations; and has held directorships with the National Tourism Forum, the National Museum Council and the Veterans Foundation. Papi is currently Chairman of PKX Capital, a financial services company.

Non-Executive Director

Buyiswa Octavia Majola

Buyiswa Octavia Majola is a community activist with qualifications in law, public relations and business management. She has worked in various positions in the construction, security and hospitality industries; and has held leadership positions in political and community structures. Buyi's interests and causes include the elderly and the youth, and she is an active member of committees representing taxi stakeholders, women, commuters and developers amongst others. Buyi will Chair the new Social and Ethics Committee of the JDA.