SAPIA Congratulates Advocate Michelle Phillips on Her Appointment as Transnet Group CEO

The South African Petroleum Industry Association (SAPIA), extends its warmest congratulations to Advocate Michelle Phillips on her recent appointment as the Group Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Transnet.

SAPIA has worked very closely with Advocate Phillips during her term as Chief Executive of Transnet Pipelines. Together, we have achieved significant progress in combating illegal tapping of pipelines with the intent to steal fuel. Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic to our industry and specifically to movement between countries – which affected security of supply – Michelle's leadership enabled the petroleum industry to recover earlier than other industries. Notably, the commissioning of jet-A1 tanks at TPL's Heidelberg terminal played a crucial role in preventing a major stockout at OR Tambo International Airport, thanks to her decisive leadership.

SAPIA recognises that Transnet plays a pivotal role in the South African economy. Phillips’ appointment comes at a time where – as an industry association representing the collective interest of the South African petroleum industry – the Association is making necessary strides to ensure the security of supply within the Island View Precinct (IVP), seen as a strategic hub for the supply and distribution of petroleum products and chemicals in South Africa.? IVP handles most of the country’s imports of these commodities - serving the major demand markets, which is the country's economic backbone. The security of tenure at Island View is critical to ensure this security of supply.

SAPIA has been advocating for a fair and transparent process for leases at port facilities, as this will ensure that its members can continue to operate safely and sustainably at all ports in the country. We believe that a clear and consistent leasing framework will provide certainty and stability for members and other port users, as well as attract investment and create jobs in the port sector.

Under Michelle Phillips' leadership, we believe that the Transnet will continue to thrive and contribute significantly to the nation's growth.

We look forward to witnessing the positive impact of her tenure as Transnet's GCEO and wish her every success in this critical role.