Lufuno Mashau, the recently appointed Chief Financial Officer (CFO), joined the Johannesburg Roads Agency (JRA) with just two months remaining in the previous financial year. Despite this brief tenure, the JRA successfully used 172% of the allocated capex budget for that quarter, underscoring Lufuno’s swift impact on loosening bottlenecks and optimising efficiencies. Formerly the Director of Operation Buya Mthetho and Group Head of the Revenue Enhancement Unit in the City’s Governance portfolio, Mashau played a pivotal role in the remarkable 2018/19 financial revenue performance – the highest achievement in eight years – surpassing annual targets.
Drawing from his seasoned financial acumen, Lufuno emphasises his initial focus on bolstering the JRA’s self-generated revenue capability.
As he explains: “Having been responsible for revenue generation in the City, my immediate concern on joining the JRA was how we could activate its autonomous financial sustainability. My previous role provided insights into the JRA’s financial challenges. This enabled me not only to comprehend but also to propose solutions.”
Lufuno envisions technology as a key avenue towards addressing residents’ concerns and enhancing responsiveness. By employing technology, Lufuno hopes this will pave the way towards smoother roads in the City and improved relations with residents long frustrated because of a delayed response to requests for services.
Addressing past leadership challenges, he states: “Service delivery issues within the JRA trace back to leadership gaps. As an executive, I’m committed to instigating transformation within the organisation. The Asphalt Plant, with the potential to generate an estimated R1 billion annually, can significantly contribute to the JRA’s self-funding model.”
The beauty of the Asphalt Plant is that it can also result in private companies reaching out and procuring products from a government institution such as the JRA, thereby creating a new revenue stream for the municipal entity.
Advocating teamwork, Lufuno acknowledges that meaningful reform requires strategic planning. In his capacity as CFO, he leads the Bid Adjudication Committee (BAC), successfully resolving longstanding contractual matters. He emphasises that “empowering your staff with the tools and resources is essential for optimal performance”.
Lufuno highlights the need to strengthen the JRA’s fleet and asphalt plant with ongoing efforts to implement improved systems for enhanced service delivery.
His career achievements include recognition as Deloitte Africa’s Deloitte Way Top Achiever during his tenure as a financial accountant (2013–2014).
Mashau holds a Bachelor of Accounting Science degree from the University of South Africa (2008) and embraces family values as a devoted husband and father of two. Though his golfing pursuits have waned since joining the JRA, he remains an avid soccer enthusiast, supporting football teams Orlando Pirates and Liverpool.
Written by Thembile Gule