KZN TOP BUSINESS WOMAN OF THE YEAR
- Business Sense
- 2 days ago
- 1 min read
Adv. Michelle Phillips, Group Chief Executive of Transnet SOC Ltd, has been honoured as the KZN Top Business Woman of the Year 2026, recognising her outstanding leadership and contribution to one of South Africa’s most strategically important organisations. With more than 26 years of service at Transnet, Phillips has led the organisation through a period of significant transformation since her appointment as group chief executive in March 2024.
Under her leadership, Transnet has implemented an ambitious recovery plan that has delivered measurable improvements in rail volumes, port performance, financial results and capital investment. She has also overseen major institutional reforms, including the separation of Transnet Freight Rail into operating and infrastructure entities, paving the way for increased private sector participation in South Africa’s rail network. Accepting the award, Phillips dedicated the honour to the thousands of Transnet employees who continue to serve the country every day.
“Transnet is an amazing organisation. If I could, I would have brought all 50,000 employees here because they are the people who work tirelessly every day to keep this country moving,” she said. “We know we have been through a very difficult time, but Transnet is rising. As we say at Transnet, when Transnet works, Africa thrives.”
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