Brümilda Swartbooi
Service delivery and the transformation of the City of Johannesburg’s infrastructure are topics close to Tyrin Naidoo’s heart.
Naidoo’s passion for driving large-scale Infrastructure Asset Management and contribution towards creating a city that improves the quality of life of its residents has recently won him the TransUnion Rising Star Award in the Services: Public and Private category. The TransUnion Rising Star Awards recognise and celebrate young and talented professionals under 40 in various industries in the country.
Naidoo, Group Head of the Strategic Portfolio and Programme Management Office, together with other participants, were recently celebrated during the prestigious award ceremony in Sandton held in October 2024. All candidates are assessed on their leadership skills, commitment to personal and professional growth, contribution to their industry and the social impact of their work. After a strict selection process entailing interviews, rigorous evaluation, and thorough screening, Tyrin was selected as the winner.
“In the judges’ feedback they mentioned that the work I’ve done around large-scale infrastructure projects to improve the way the City plans, delivers and operationalises infrastructure was impressive. But the fact that really stood out was the passion for driving public good,” Tyrin explains.
He adds that the judges found a new appreciation for the City of Johannesburg.
Naidoo modestly adds that the award is an accolade for the many City officials who work hard to bring services to residents. “This award is not just about me. I received it as an individual but it’s a reflection of many people who contribute to how the City functions.”
He acknowledges the commitment of his team. “Being recognised on a national platform like this is quite extraordinary. The recognition for me and my team means a lot. A lot of work is a team effort that comes from my unit and not delivered by me alone.”
Naidoo adds that he regards his win as an immense honour not just for him but the City of Johannesburg. Standing alongside South Africa’s best has reaffirmed his dedication to the work he does and motivates him to continue striving for excellence in driving socio-economic transformation within the City.
This is not Naidoo’s first big recognition. In 2022, he was named one of Africa’s top 100 Brightest Young Minds. At the time he was applauded for his contribution to the City’s overall Covid-19 response, infrastructure value chain improvement initiatives and urban renewal programmes for Orange Farm, Kliptown and Ivory Park.
He is excited about the implementation of new initiatives in his portfolio, which will be transformational. He highlights the Infrastructure Asset Management Improvement Programme, approved by council in September 2024, which outlines several initiatives aimed embedding the building blocks toward proactive service delivery through infrastructure. These initiatives focus on improving planning, budgeting, delivery, and maintenance of infrastructure in a more sustainable, long-term manner.
Naidoo, who also obtained his MBA with distinction in December 2023, remains committed to enhance the lives of residents in Johannesburg. “Infrastructure is the foundation for a thriving city,” he adds.
SOURCED FROM THE JOBURG WEBSITE.
