Sanral announces resignation of CEO Reginald Demana
Sanral has announced that chief executive officer Reginald Demana will step down at the end of August after submitting his resignation to pursue a new career opportunity.
The roads agency confirmed in a notice published on the JSE’s Stock Exchange News Service (SENS) on Thursday that Demana’s resignation will take effect on August 31, 2026.
Sanral said the board has begun the process of recruiting a permanent replacement and will appoint an acting CEO by July 17 to ensure a smooth leadership transition.
Demana joined Sanral in January 2023 with a mandate to accelerate major road infrastructure projects and improve the agency’s financial position, particularly its toll portfolio.
During his tenure, the agency said he helped advance several strategic projects, including the R573 Moloto Road, the N2 Wild Coast development, upgrades to the N2 and N3 in KwaZulu-Natal, the N2 corridor in Mpumalanga and improvements to the N1 South corridor.
Sanral also credited him with playing a significant role in resolving the long-running Gauteng e-toll matter. The resolution saw government assume the debt associated with the Gauteng Freeway Improvement Project before e-tolls were officially scrapped in April 2024.
The agency further highlighted Demana’s contribution to strengthening Sanral’s finances, including securing an increased borrowing limit of R16.5 billion through to March 2028, supported by a R7 billion government-backed facility from the New Development Bank.
The board thanked Demana for his leadership and service, wishing him success in his future endeavours.
Demana’s tenure, however, was not without challenges. In 2024, the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) marched to Sanral’s Pretoria headquarters demanding his resignation over a payment dispute involving a road contractor. The agency also experienced leadership changes during his time, including the departure of chief financial officer Inge Mulder and the conclusion of board chairperson Themba Mhambi’s term earlier this year.
Before joining Sanral, Demana served as CEO of mining company Wescoal, later renamed Salungano, and previously held executive roles at the Industrial Development Corporation and Nedbank’s corporate and investment banking division.
Sanral has not disclosed where Demana will be taking up his new role.