Page 11 - DOE Infrastructure Project List

Pro le
Mr Tsepo Pefole Director
Infrastructure Delivery
Mr Tsepo Pefole started working in the construction sector in 1996 after completing his studies in architectural technology. He has vast experience gained in both the private and public sectors including ten years at the Department of Public Works where he was responsible for infrastructure delivery and property management in the OR Tambo region. Tsepo recently celebrated a three-year work anniversary with the Department where he is responsible for school infrastructure delivery.
“When I joined the Department there were several challenges that I had to deal with ranging from taking control of our Implementing Agents, organising and making full use of the EFMS data repository for the smooth management of projects, and building the human capacity in our unit to manage the implementation of our infrastructure programme.”
“My role is to manage projects through a helicopter view - coordinating the many facets inherent in infrastructure delivery. There are many different role-players in our environment and each play a critical function in the infrastructure delivery value chain.”
According to Tsepo, the two critical success factors for infrastructure programme delivery is to ensure that capital projects are well managed and that there is effective communication between the teams responsible for project implementation (implementing agents, contractors, consultants) and project bene ciaries.
We have come a long way these past few years and, although things are not perfect, I am happy that we now have a de ned centre for infrastructure delivery – we know what we are doing, which projects we are rolling out, where these projects are located, and how much we are spending.
“I have learned quite a lot these past few years – growing and understanding the very dynamic nature of schools’ infrastructure planning and delivery. On a typical day, I deal with answering questions around projects – when projects will be implemented and nished, when payments will be made and why certain projects are not delivered on schedule. I also deal with the more dif cult questions posed by oversight bodies to whom we are accountable - such as treasury and parliament – primarily on the appropriate and optimal use of public funds.”
“I am surrounded by a competent team of quali ed, experienced and skilled professionals including project managers, works inspectors, chief education specialists, engineers, architects, and quantity surveyors, amongst others. These people play a pivotal role in coordinating our infrastructure work programme.”
Tsepo says he hopes for a future when the private sector fully understands the business of the government. This would be the greatest achievement - when the skills that are produced in the country responds to the requirements of the industry. “I would like to see universities responding to the need on the ground for what is required to assist us in achieving the mandate of the Department in terms of the skills required for the construction sector.”
No challenge is too big or too small for Tsepo who lives by the motto ‘I am all He says I am.”
Infrastructure Project List 2018/19 | 8