Dr. Mthobisi Clyde Zondi is an accomplished executive and engineer with more than 25 years of leadership experience spanning the defence, logistics, energy, and public sectors. He currently serves as the Executive Chair of Sandock Austral Defence, Chair of LogiDist Group, and Chair of PalletBiz SADC. In addition, he is the Chairperson of the Future Defence and Innovation Committee of the AMD Board, where he plays a key role in shaping the trajectory of defence innovation and policy.
Dr. Zondi’s career includes 12 years of service in the South African National Department of Defence, where he was instrumental in developing procurement policy and overseeing its implementation within the SANDF. As Chief Defence Material, he was responsible for armaments acquisition, industry support, research and development, and technology management. His contributions significantly strengthened the Department’s procurement and innovation frameworks.
Prior to his tenure in the defence sector, Dr. Zondi held executive roles at PetroSA and Transnet Port Terminals, leading initiatives in logistics process design, supply chain integration, capacity planning, and operational development. He also served as a member of the inaugural Board of the South African National Space Agency (SANSA), further expanding his influence in national science and technology sectors.
Academically, Dr. Zondi is highly qualified, holding a Ph.D. and MSc in Mechanical Engineering from the University of KwaZulu-Natal, alongside postgraduate degrees in Transport Economics and Logistics Management from the University of Antwerp, an MBA from the University of Cape Town, and a Postgraduate Diploma in Information Systems from the University of Liverpool.
He is a registered Chartered Engineer with the UK Engineering Council and maintains active membership in several prestigious professional bodies, including the Welding Institute (UK), the South African Institute of Mechanical Engineers, the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME), the Institute of Certified Mechanical and Electrical Engineers, the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport SA, the Supply Chain Council (US), and SAPICS.
Dr. Zondi’s expertise lies at the intersection of engineering, procurement, technology, and innovation, with a strong focus on advancing defence capability and cross-sector integration. His work continues to influence policy, innovation, and industrial development across multiple sectors.
