Our Team
At Commodore Industries, meet the driving force of seasoned professionals who are at the forefront of the energy sector's transformation. Our executive team's collective vision and expertise are fueling the journey towards a sustainable and prosperous Africa.
Strategic Acumen
Each leader brings a rich tapestry of strategic mastery in sustainable energy development and infrastructure.
Diverse Expertise
From the intricacies of financial structuring to the nuances of stakeholder relations, our team's expertise is as diverse as it is deep.
Innovative Drive
We're united by a common goal to innovate and execute energy solutions that set new standards in the industry.
Chambo Phetla
Group Non Executive Chairman and Advisor
Mr Chambo Phetla has over 35 years' experience in business, particularly in the mining, logistics and commodities space, having successfully started and operated several businesses in those sectors over the decades. He serves as an advisor to the CEO, especially in the rail business, and provides strategic support and direction to the company.
Tokologo Phetla
Group Chief Executive Officer
Tokologo Phetla, otherwise known as 'the Commodore', believes in Africa. His intention is to transform it into a truly independent economic and political power through entrepreneurial leadership and industrial development. Tokologo has been an entrepreneur for over a decade now, since launching his first business as an Allan Gray scholar at the University of Cape Town at the age of 19. His entrepreneurial track record demonstrates his ability to realize success in what he sets his mind to and positions him as one of the most prolific entrepreneurs on the African continent.
Gerhardt Koekoemoer
Head: Project Unit
Gerhardt is a business strategist who is solution driven with an excellent ability to surround himself with very competent people for the specific task at hand. He makes it his business to know the business environment as well as the technical aspects thereof, which is a key component for an entrepreneur. This has culminated in a successful history in the mining industry, focusing on granite, gold and coal. He has vast international experience, specifically in the diverse African business landscape and has built a large network through exports of the commodities.
Thato Motlhabani
Group Business Development Executive
Mr. Motlhabani studied B. Com Accounting Sciences with the University of South Africa (UNISA). His background is in the field of business development and finance, of which he gained experience when he worked at South African Black Entrepreneurs Forum (SABEF). Thato is also a recipient of a WITS Business School Scholarship for a New Venture Creation Entrepreneurship Programme. Over the past 10 years, Thato has championed the Green Youth Indaba’s stakeholder relations under the Green Youth Network where he coordinated the national structures and the implementation of the programmes, driving the renewable energy agenda amongst the youth of South Africa.
Tafara Chidhukwa
Financial Controller
Tafara is a senior accountant, responsible for the books and financial control of the company.
Thato Tenyane
Operations, Sharp Results Logistics
Thato is responsible for the day-to-day operations of our rail logistics business - managing our rail sidings and ensuring flow through of our trains from siding to port.
Yolanda Ramcwa
General Manager, Sharp Results Logistics
With over 20 years experience in Rail, including working experience at Transnet, Yolanda brings a wealth of experience and expertise to our rail business. He is responsible for the overall management of the business from rolling stock to rail sidings and all our concessions.
Kgotso Mentoor
Business Development, Commodore Power Manufacturing
Kgotso leads business development for our manufacturing business, where we locally manufacture various electrical equipment inclusing but not limited to, distribution boards, motor control centres, battery units etc. Visit https://www.swbgroup.co.za/ for more information
Gary Conway
Group Transactional Advisor
Experienced commercial and business development professional with a demonstrated track record of analysing, structuring, negotiating and executing transactions across a range of jurisdictions.
Strong focus on providing business, strategy and commercial leadership and implementing high impact initiatives. Quantitative thinker, capable of assimilating information quickly and applying it effectively to develop cost effective, risk mitigated solutions.
Significant experience across a range of financial products including equity, mezzanine finance and senior debt.
Resilient, outcome focused negotiator with a strong commercial acumen. Experienced in contract management including developing, structuring and negotiating large, complex contracts and transactions with multiple stakeholders.
Excellent communication skills, able to interact, influence and develop meaningful relationships both internally and externally. Proficient at leading numerous transactions simultaneously and able to galvanize multi-disciplinary teams to deliver superior results, often within tight time frames and budget.
Raf Vermerie
CEO: Upgrade Energy
Raf is a qualified lawyer with great entrepreneurial flair. He has set up businesses in trailer manufacturing, storage facilities building, energy efficiency and renewable energy. He has successfully launched the businesses in 12 countries and grew them into significant entities. He also ran and grew a family owned business for 16 years as CEO. Raf sits on the boards of several EU companies and their subsidiaries. In his youth, Raf was President of Law Student Organisation at KULeuven and President of Youth Christian Democratic Party.
Emil Unger
Project Development Excutive: Upgrade Energy
Emil matriculated at Hilton College and received his tertiary marketing qualifications through the IMM. He then established a knock-down pine furniture factory Megacor, which manufactured and exported flat pack furniture for global markets. He listed the company on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange in 1997 and served on the Board. He entered the South African renewable energy space in 2008 and was a founding member of the South African Wind Energy Association (SAWEA). As a director of Belgian-headquartered Upgrade Energy Africa (Pty) Ltd he spearheaded the installation of the first commercial windfarm in South Africa at Coega near Port Elizabeth in time for the 2010 World Cup and remains at the forefront of pioneering extensive work in the African market.
Arthur Vermerie
CFO: Upgrade Energy
Arthur obtained a Masters in Law at the University of Leuven, after which he completed his MSc. International business and finance with honours at Hult International Business school in London and New York. He is currently completing the CFA program. Having a background in sales, tech and finance, he heads up the Upgrade Energy Africa’s finance and investment team.
Keabetswe Tenyane
Head : Project Unit: Commotronix
Keabetswe leads business development for our electronics manufacturing business, where we locally manufacture various electronics equipment inclusing but not limited to, Wifi routers, decoders, laptops, cellphones, tracking devices (i.e. car track devices) and so much more! Visit https://microtronix.co.za/ for more information
Katleho Tenyane
Group Executive Assistant
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