The Team
Collaborating with our clients to harness our collective strengths and achieve excellence together.
Maurice Ubhibhi
Safety Mascot
Fostering a Culture of Safety
Maurice Ubhibhi the Meerkat is Prommac’s cheerful and vigilant safety mascot, embodying our core values of safety, agility, responsibility, and putting people first. Maurice is ever-ready to share valuable safety tips and reminders, ensuring that everyone, from our team to our clients, understands the importance of safety in all aspects of life. We chose a meerkat as our safety mascot because meerkats are known for their teamwork, alertness, and protective nature—traits that align perfectly with our commitment to safety. In the wild, meerkats work together to keep their community safe, with some standing guard while others forage for food. Similarly, Maurice represents the vigilant and collaborative spirit of Prommac, always on the lookout to ensure a safe environment for everyone. Maurice’s friendly and approachable demeanour helps make safety protocols engaging and accessible, fostering a culture where safety is paramount. His presence symbolises Prommac’s dedication to maintaining the highest safety standards while highlighting our innovative spirit. By inspiring positive change, Maurice plays a crucial role in helping us achieve our vision: empowering our people to inspire positive change and serve our stakeholders by delivering excellence with purpose. Stay tuned to see where Maurice will pop up next, continuing to champion safety and innovation within Prommac and beyond.
Dany de Barros
Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
Building on a Legacy of Excellence in Construction
Dany de Barros, a seasoned leader with over 15 years of construction experience, steers Prommac's course as Chief Executive Officer. Prior to assuming the CEO role in 2017, Dany served for three years as Prommac's COO, bringing a strategic understanding of the company's operations. His qualifications are impeccable, holding a CA (SA) designation and a Leadership and Management Diploma from Gibbs. Dany's career trajectory is impressive. He spent three years at Murray & Roberts as General Manager of the Resources and Industrial Division, demonstrating his prowess in managing large-scale projects across diverse industries. Before that, he honed his financial acumen as Financial Director at Kentz Engineers & Constructors for over seven years. His early career involved managing commercial aspects of construction projects in Angola, showcasing his adaptability and global perspective. Dany's expertise spans a wide range of sectors, including Petrochemical, Oil & Gas, Metals, Power, and Mining. Throughout his career, he has fostered strong relationships with blue-chip clients such as Anglo, Outotec, Sasol, and Sherritt, to name a few. His ability to navigate complex projects and deliver exceptional results is a cornerstone of Prommac's success.
Benny Howard
Managing Director (MD)
A Veteran Leading the Charge in Multi-Disciplinary Construction
Benny Howard, a seasoned professional with over 25 years of experience, spearheads Prommac's operations as Chief Operating Officer (COO). His impressive career trajectory is marked by leadership positions at prominent companies within the construction industry, including Murray and Roberts, Group Five, Stefanutti Stocks, and Grinaker LTA. At each of these esteemed institutions, Benny served as a board director, solidifying his reputation as an industry leader with a strategic vision. Benny's academic foundation is equally noteworthy. He holds a National Diploma in Mechanical Engineering from the Durban University of Technology, which, coupled with his extensive real-world experience, positions him as an expert in multi-disciplinary construction across diverse sectors. His portfolio encompasses a wide range of industries, including Petrochemical, Oil & Gas, Metals, Power, Mining, Pulp, and Paper. Benny's exceptional leadership is further cemented by his proven track record of success in collaborating with numerous blue-chip clients. His impressive client list features industry giants like Anglo, Sasol, Vale, PetroSA, Natref, Chevron, Engen, and many more. Benny's focus on innovation, operational excellence, and fostering strong client relationships is a driving force behind Prommac's continued growth and leadership within the construction industry.
Karen Cumming
CG Tech Group Chief Financial Officer
Financial Leader with a Proven Track Record
Karen Cumming is a seasoned financial executive with over 20 years of experience in industries such as engineering, construction, energy, and consulting. She currently serves as the Chief Financial Officer at Prommac and the Group Chief Financial Officer for CG Tech. In these roles, she leverages her exceptional leadership and strategic financial acumen to drive growth and profitability. Karen's career is marked by pivotal positions. She was the Head of Asset Management at Red Rocket South Africa (Pty) Ltd and a Financial Consultant at Twilla (Pty) Ltd. Her extensive experience includes being a Part-time Financial Director for Building Energy and holding various leadership roles within Group Five Engineering and Construction (Pty) Ltd, where she managed complex financial portfolios. Karen began her career at PwC as a Trainee Accountant. This strong foundation in accounting principles, combined with her diverse experience, allows her to bring a wealth of knowledge in financial analysis, risk management, and corporate finance to every role. She is recognised for her dedication to financial excellence and commitment to the success of the organisations she serves.
Emmanuel Ratshikhopha
Executive Director, Construction Projects Divisional Director
Adeptly Steering Complex Construction Projects
Emmanuel Ratshikhopha, a stalwart in the construction industry, brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to his role as Executive Director and Divisional Director for Construction Projects at Prommac. Since joining Prommac in 2019 as a Business Unit Manager, Emmanuel has consistently demonstrated his exceptional ability to lead and execute challenging, large-scale projects. Emmanuel's career commenced in 1999 as a Junior Engineer with a leading engineering and construction group in Johannesburg. This initial role provided him with a springboard to delve into diverse engineering and construction projects, encompassing Mining, Power Generation, and Petrochemical infrastructure. His academic qualifications are equally impressive, holding a National Diploma in Mechanical Engineering from Pretoria University of Technology and a Programme for Management Development (PMD) from Gibbs Business School. Emmanuel's 20-year career trajectory has equipped him with a comprehensive understanding of project management across various industry segments. His expertise encompasses both greenfield (new build) and brownfield (existing facility) projects, making him an invaluable asset to Prommac. His leadership and focus on meticulous project execution ensure successful delivery for clients.
Raymond Eva
Alternative Director
Adeptly Leading Maintenance Operations with a Drive for Efficiency
Raymond Eva, a proficient engineer with over a decade of experience in the oil and energy industry, serves as the Alternative Director of Maintenance Operations at Prommac. Raymond's educational background equips him with a strong foundation for success, holding a Project Management certification from the University of Pretoria, complemented by a Diploma in Mechanical Engineering from Tshwane University of Technology. Prior to his current role, Raymond consistently demonstrated exceptional leadership as the Business Unit Manager at Prommac Maintenance & Shutdowns. His expertise encompasses a wide range of project management aspects, including meticulous planning and preparation, resource management, and ensuring the implementation of stringent quality control measures. Raymond's commitment to excellence is further reflected in his proven ability to deliver successful project outcomes.
Eric Zulu
Executive Director, Electrical & Instrumentation Divisional Director
Leading the Charge in Electrical & Instrumentation Projects
Eric Zulu, a powerhouse in the electrical and instrumentation (E&I) field, brings over 14 years of experience to his role as Executive Director and Divisional Director for E&I at Prommac. Eric's educational background is formidable, with a degree in Electrical Engineering from the Vaal University of Technology and a Postgraduate Diploma in Project Management from Cranefield College. He further bolstered his expertise with advanced project management training through Enterprise Project Solutions. Eric's career began with a solid foundation, starting as a Boilermaker apprentice at Genrec, a division of Murray & Roberts. Before joining Prommac, he gained valuable international experience working on a coal expansion project in Mozambique for SNC Lavallin. Previously, he honed his project engineering skills at Fluor SA on a Sasol project in Secunda, South Africa. The cornerstone of Eric's career was his seven years at Kentz SA, where he traversed various departments, including estimation, project planning, and site supervision. These experiences equipped him with a comprehensive understanding of E&I projects from conception to execution. Eric's industry expertise encompasses Petrochemical, Oil & Gas, Metal, and Minerals sectors. His impressive client list includes Sasol, PetroSA, Vale, and Mondi, among others. Eric's leadership and technical prowess are instrumental in driving Prommac's E&I division to new heights.
Carmen Larsen
Support Services Executive
Orchestrating Excellence in Support Services
Carmen Larsen, a committed professional in project management and commercial operations, demonstrates her broad experience as the Support Services Executive at Prommac. Over a 20 year career, her skills have grown, enabling her to effectively lead significant projects across different industries. Carmen transitioned from Operations Manager to Support Services Executive, bringing a background in project execution and resource optimisation. Previous roles in commercial dynamics and project management at Bevline Mechanical Projects, Group Five - Oil and Gas Division, and Murray & Roberts have shaped her detail-oriented, forward-thinking approach to contract management. Carmen is recognised for her adaptability, stakeholder relationships, and team leadership skills. Carmen's skillset, encompassing contract administration, project planning, risk management, and client liaison, positions her as a pivotal member of Prommac's support services team. Her unwavering commitment to excellence and her strategic acumen continue to propel the company forward in its mission to deliver top-tier projects within set budgets and timelines.
Joseph Zinyana
Non-Executive Director
A Welding Specialist with a Global Reach
Joseph Zinyana, the founder and CEO of New Age Engineering, brings over 25 years of experience in the welding industry to his role as Non-Executive Director at Prommac. Joseph's qualifications are impressive, holding credentials as a Metallurgist, Welding Engineer, and IPE inspector. Joseph's career began with a focus on quality management and welding procedure qualification for Sasol in Secunda, South Africa. His expertise extends beyond procedure development, as he has a proven track record of certifying and approving welding procedures for various companies, including Kentz (SNC Lavalin), DB Thermal, Trotek, Eskom, and many others. Joseph's entrepreneurial spirit led him to establish New Age Engineering in 2002, initially providing specialised welding support services to Sasol. His vision extended beyond a single client, and New Age's services have expanded to include specialised welding support in Germany, nuclear projects, and collaborations with major corporations like Chevron, Eskom, NECSA, Sasol, Natref, Hitachi, Areva, Ponticelli, and Prommac itself. Joseph's global experience and exceptional skills in welding position him as a valuable asset to Prommac. His ongoing commitment to innovation and quality in the welding industry contributes significantly to the company's success.
Suzan Zinyana
Non-Executive Director
A Passionate Leader Championing Social Development
Suzan Zinyana, a co-founder of New Age Engineering Solutions, brings her entrepreneurial spirit and dedication to social responsibility to her role as Non-Executive Director at Prommac. Suzan's journey began by selling welding consumables at the company's inception, a department that blossomed into a cornerstone of New Age's business. Her dedication and leadership qualities were evident from the start, as she and her driver were the company's first employees, nurturing its growth to new heights. Currently serving as New Age's Business Development Director, Suzan oversees and manages the administrative teams in both Cape Town and Secunda offices, along with the marketing department. Her passion for social development is woven into the fabric of New Age, where she spearheads all company initiatives in this area. Suzan's commitment to empowering others is further exemplified by the youth incubation program she introduced in 2016, fostering the growth of a young South African-owned company, Isotec. Furthermore, Suzan actively supports a female-owned business specialising in the production of household cleaning products. Suzan's interests extend beyond the corporate world, and she is a savvy businesswoman with a portfolio of lodging facilities in various locations. Understanding the value of work-life balance, Suzan can arrange unforgettable experiences for those seeking rejuvenation after a demanding professional season, including Big 5 game viewing, exquisite meals, and a selection of South Africa's finest wines. At Prommac, Suzan's social conscience, business acumen, and ability to connect with people are invaluable assets.
Heinrich (Steps) Stapelberg
Alternative Director
A Safety Champion with a Focus on Operational Excellence
Heinrich Stapelberg, also known as "Steps," brings over 23 years of experience in occupational safety to his role as Alternative Director at Prommac. Steps joined Prommac in 2007 as the SHERQ Manager, where he shouldered the responsibility of managing and governing the company's Safety, Health, Environment, Risk, and Quality (SHERQ) department. Steps' leadership extends beyond Prommac, as he has served as a consultant for various clients within the safety field, providing valuable guidance and expertise. Steps' investigative skills are highly regarded, with over 10 years of experience investigating occupational incidents within the South African Police Service (SAPS). During this time, he collaborated closely with the inspector of mining and minerals, ensuring adherence to safety regulations and best practices. Steps' commitment to safety is further emphasised by his qualifications. He is a registered member of the South African Council for Project and Construction Management (SACPCMP) and a technical member of the South African Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (Saiosh). Steps' background extends beyond safety, with experience in ISO 9001:2015, ISO 14001, and ISO 45001:2015 Management Systems. He has actively participated in developing various training modules and initiatives to promote a culture of safety within the occupational field. Steps' expertise spans various sectors, including Gas, Petrochemical, Power & Energy, and Water Treatment. His prior experience at BMW further instilled in him the importance of client relationship management and customer satisfaction. Over the past 17 years at Prommac, Steps has been instrumental in ensuring safety compliance across numerous shutdowns and projects for clients like Sasol, Natref, Sapref, and Chevron. His dedication to safety and focus on operational excellence make him a valuable asset to the Prommac team.
Jason English
Non-Executive Director
A Global Construction Leader with a Strategic Vision
Jason English, a multifaceted leader with extensive experience in the construction industry, serves as a Non-Executive Director at Prommac. Currently, Jason holds the position of Chief Ecosystem Officer for CG Tech, while simultaneously leading Al Laith, a CG Tech Group Company, as its Chief Executive Officer based in Dubai. Jason's impressive tenure at Prommac began in 2012 when he assumed the role of Chief Executive Officer. Prior to that, Jason spent over a decade at a leading international engineering company, where he spearheaded international development and strategic projects across diverse countries as the Global Project Development Director for Technical Support Services. His leadership extended to overseeing site project operations in South Africa and Africa, where he successfully managed large-scale shutdowns and projects across various sectors, including Petrochemical, Mining, and Power. The list of blue-chip clients Jason has collaborated with throughout his career is extensive, featuring Chevron, Sasol, BP, Shell, Engen/Petronas, Queensland Gas, British Gas, Bamangwantu Copper Limited, and Fluor. A proud South African, Jason holds qualifications in Mechanical Engineering, Project Management, and a Master's in Business Administration (MBA) from Milpark Business School. He actively participates in the Johannesburg and Dubai chapters of YPO, serving on executive boards for several initiatives. Jason's strategic vision, global experience, and extensive network within the construction industry make him a valuable asset to Prommac's continued growth and success.
Niall Carroll
Non-Executive Director
A Financial and Investment Expertise Spanning Three Decades
Niall Carroll, a seasoned professional with over 30 years of experience in finance and investment, brings his strategic vision and leadership to his role as Non-Executive Director at Prommac. Niall is the co-founder and chairman of CG Tech, an owner-managed services group focused on driving client success through high-performing teams and innovative technologies. His leadership extends beyond CG Tech, as he was the founding CEO of Royal Bafokeng Holdings in South Africa, which has grown to become the world's largest community-owned investment company. Niall's career began at Deutsche Bank South Africa, where he steadily rose through the ranks to become the head of investment banking and joint head of the South African business. His academic qualifications are equally impressive, holding a Bachelor's degree from the University of Cape Town and a Master's degree from Trinity College London. Niall is a Chartered Accountant and Chartered Financial Analyst, showcasing his in-depth understanding of financial complexities. Niall's expertise encompasses various sectors, including financial services, natural resources, and the non-profit sector. His dedication to ethical and sustainable business practices is a cornerstone of his leadership philosophy. At Prommac, Niall's financial acumen, strategic vision, and extensive experience in leading successful organisations contribute significantly to the company's growth and stability.