Petunia Shadi Lebese is an accomplished senior manager in the defence and technology sector, with a career spanning over 30 years of which more than 17 were spent in the defence sector with progressive experience in acquisition, systems engineering, and strategic project management. She holds an MSc in Technology Management and a B-Tech in Mechanical Engineering, complemented by advanced training in project management, marine engineering, and leadership development.
Since 2015, Petunia has served as a Senior Manager: Naval Systems at Armaments Corporation of South Africa (Armscor), a State Owned Company (SOC), where she provides leadership and direction to ensure that the South African Navy’s operational requirements are met through innovative acquisition, maintenance, and support projects. She is responsible for overseeing high-value programmes such as the Multi-Mission Inshore Patrol Vessels which was recently delivered to the South African Navy, and ensured that technical performance, cost efficiency, and delivery schedules are adhered to. She also manages and oversees the maintenance and support activities of specific naval product systems to ensure serviceability and minimum operational capability for their missions. She is conversant with Acquisition Policies as well as relevant legislation and regulations that governs state run acquisition processes.
Previously, she held roles including Mechanical Designer at Denel SAAB Aero-Structures, and Computer Aided Design Specialist at the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), where she honed her expertise in engineering design, 3D modelling and printing, systems integration and product development life cycle management.
Petunia has contributed to strategic roadmaps, organizational capability development, and internal process improvements that have strengthened the acquisition and support environment within Armscor. Passionate about leadership and mentorship, Petunia has guided emerging engineers and managers, particularly women in defence and technology and continues to champion innovation, capability development, and operational excellence in her field.
