Women in Leadership - Michelle Phillips

Interview With Transnet CEO

By Jessie Taylor

With more than two decades of experience, Transnet Group Chief Executive Michelle Phillips is ideally placed to help the state-owned enterprise create jobs and add to economic growth. Michelle took over the position in March, bringing extensive technical expertise and institutional memory to the Transnet leadership.

She has managed the SOE’s port terminals and most recently served as the CEO of Transnet Pipelines, a company that manages and operates 3800km of underground, high pressure petroleum and gas pipelines and said that the appointment is a highlight in her career. "It's a major achievement. It's not necessarily where I was aiming to be in my career, but I was called to serve, and I am always going to answer that call," she said.

Simply graduating was a significant step for a young Michelle Phillips, as the first member of her family to complete a university degree. "I come from very humble beginnings. Matriculating and finishing university for someone who comes from where I do is a major achievement. I always wanted to be a lawyer because I felt it was one way of doing better in life. I felt that if I studied hard enough, I would be able to overcome my circumstances and help others."

As an advocate, Michelle started her career as a forensic investigator at the Special Investigating Unit. She joined Transnet in 2001 as a manager at Transnet National Ports Authority, which is responsible for improving the infrastructure of ports across South Africa. After joining Transnet, she found herself drawn to the operations side of the company. She first entered operations as a way to "become a better lawyer".

"I realised that law was the opening of a door to other things. In operations, the bug bit, and I felt I could make a better contribution. My legal skills allowed me to identify problems and solve them," she said.

Leading As A Woman

Aside from decades of experience, Michelle brings a range pf leadership skills that make her uniquely suited to lead Transnet. "I'm pretty much a problem solver, a fixer, so to speak. I purely want to be known for the contribution that I may have made in whatever capacity."

Aside from her talents as a problem solver, she brings many other qualities to her leadership positions - a hard worker who is dedicated to inspiring her team.

"I'm probably best in a team. I'm very positive and motivational, so I'm always trying to get people to do their best. And I think my ability to engage people at all levels is a strength. As somebody who does not come from a privileged background, I'm particularly respectful of people because I understand that everybody has a difficult life and most people have problems, so they all have to figure things out," she said.

Ms Phillips dreams of a Transnet that reaches its full potential, adding to the growth of the South African economy. "I really want Transnet to be everything it can be for this country. I want to see it remain sustainable and make a contribution as a stateowned asset. It's so fundamental to the growth of the economy and South Africa. We're in the business of moving cargo, and I would like to see us doing that well," she said.

Michelle added that she believes Transnet has made great strides in terms of transformation, saying that all demographics, races and genders have been welcomed in its ranks. "When I first was interviewed, I asked about the possibilities and they told me it was endless and that has been my experience," she said.

A Brief History of Transnet

Transnet's roots date back to the 1850s when railway transport was proposed for the harbours in the Cape and Natal. The two rail systems became government property in 1872 and 1877, respectively, linking to the harbours in Durban and Cape Town. This network soon expanded to accommodate the gold rush in the Transvaal Republic.

In 1910, the South African Railways and Harbours Administration (SAR&H) became an arm of the Union government. Its reach expanded during the 1930s with the opening of mainline passenger links and a network of urban and metropolitan train services.

In 1981, the country’s railway, harbour, road transport, aviation and pipeline operations became known as South African Transport Services (SATS), and in 1990 SATS was given company status. The new, limited liability company, representing a vast transport network, was named Transnet SOC Ltd.

Since 1994, Transnet has kept pace with a fast-changing society, dealing with a multitude of challenges in an emerging democracy. Transnet, realising these challenges, has met them head-on by investing heavily in infrastructure and integrating and coordinating programmes within the country.

Sources: Transnet | Daily Maverick | Africa CEO Forum