Nosipho Siwisa‑Damasane

Chairman Richards Bay Coal Terminal

Nosipho Siwisa‑Damasane is an accomplished logistics executive, infrastructure strategist, and award‑winning leadership architect whose influence spans over two decades across ports, rail, mining logistics, public‑sector transformation, and corporate leadership development. She is widely recognised as the first black woman in the world to run a port—a groundbreaking achievement on organisational transformation. A respected authority in rail and port reform, coal, automotive, containers, and bulk commodity logistics, national infrastructure recovery, and operational excellence, Nosipho chairs the Richards Bay Coal Terminal (RBCT) Board and the Ivili Group. She plays a pivotal role in South Africa’s national logistics reform processes, participating in the National Logistics Crisis Committee and multiple corridor forums, representing industry in strategic dialogues with Transnet, TNPA, TFR, TRIM, and government stakeholders. As Founder and CEO of Nosipho Siwisa Enterprises, she leads major leadership development, organisational design, change management, and public‑sector transformation programmes. Her work integrates macro‑ and micro‑structure design, scientific workload modelling, digitisation, SOP frameworks, leadership alignment, cultural renewal, labour engagement, governance strengthening, and capability building. As an executive coach, Nosipho works closely with CEOs, executives, and leadership teams to strengthen strategic clarity, execution discipline, high‑trust culture, communication excellence, and behavioural alignment. She currently coaches the CEO of Coega Development Corporation and the General Manager: Operations at RBCT. Nosipho is also a published leadership author with several well‑received books, including The Inclusive Leader, Leading with Empathy, Transformative Values and Real Stories for Aspiring Women Leaders, and Finding the Woman Within. She is the creator of The Leadership Table, a transformative leadership development experience for middle‑management women across industries. She also launched multiple podcast series focused on women in leadership, inclusive leadership, logistics insights, and practical tools for navigating corporate spaces. Her career includes Chief Executive roles across terminals, rail, and port operations, where she has driven efficiency, safety, operational recovery, and customer‑centricity. Her international work exposure includes assignments in Singapore, France, Belgium, Rotterdam, the UK, Qatar, and the SADC region. Nosipho is celebrated for her contributions to women’s leadership, youth empowerment, inclusion, governance, and national development. She speaks at major conferences and global platforms and continues to shape South Africa’s leadership and logistics landscape.
At her core, she is a mother, mentor, strategist, and nation‑builder whose leadership legacy is grounded in courage, integrity, and lifting others as she rises.