Kabelo Mocwane leads maintenance and operations at Wits
- OFMD
Infrastructure management is key to delivering high-quality education and the state of immovable infrastructure contributes to students and staff experiences.
At the heart of any great institution lies the seamless operation of its physical spaces, the infrastructure that supports learning, research, and innovation. At Wits University, this responsibility rests in capable hands of Mocwane, the Deputy Director of Maintenance and Operations.
He is a seasoned leader whose mission is not just to fix what is broken but to transform how the university experiences its spaces.
In this article Mocwane speaks on challenges, wins and the road ahead within the maintenance and operations space.
Where it all began
With over two decades of engineering and management experience across mining, energy, health, and construction sectors, Mocwane brings more than technical expertise to the role, he brings vision, integrity, and action. A Professional Engineer, Chartered Manager, and Senior Member of the South African Institute of Electrical Engineers, Mocwane’s résumé reflects both depth and distinction.
Mocwane’s leadership is defined by solution-oriented thinking and empowerment. He fosters an environment where team members are encouraged to take ownership, offer solutions, and grow. “I lead by example. My role is to create a space where others thrive,” he says.
Stepping into this role has not been without its challenges most of which have to do with slow turnaround times and inadequate management of internal stakeholders. Instead of being daunted, he sees this as an opportunity to reimagine how facilities and maintenance can deliver excellence.
From day one, Mocwane got to work developing what he calls the building blocks of operational transformation. Some of the most impactful early wins include: institutionalising stakeholder engagement through regular, collaborative planning meetings, implementing a general maintenance service level agreements which sets clear expectations on cost, quality, safety, and performance, regularising contractors to address audit findings and improve accountability, strengthening internal systems via structured team engagements and usage of the integrated workplace management system, delivering tangible improvements, such as the successful waterproofing of Linder Auditorium and refurbishing the iconic Sterkfontein Caves.
Mocwane reflects that “turning things around means that we should be clear on our objectives, establish plans and timelines, and monitor progress. That is how we turn things around.” When asked about what motivates him through the inevitable challenges of leading in a complex environment, Mocwane responds, “I always look forward to the smile of a satisfied client.”
Looking ahead, Mocwane’s leadership is a powerful reminder that true impact happens when strategy meets service. As Wits continues its mission of academic excellence and innovation, the maintenance and operations team under his guidance is ensuring that the physical environment reflects and supports that ambition.
The Wits community can rest assured that its facilities are in the hands of a visionary leader who understands that every repaired roof, every fixed light, every safe lecture hall is part of a greater mission of creating an environment where students and staff thrive.