JRA’s Kumbi Gusha helps engineer a more sustainable Joburg

Seeing infrastructure come to life, from planning through to implementation, is what fuels Johannesburg Road Agency (JRA) Engineer, Kumbi Gusha's passion for his work and the engineering field.

“Seeing my work translate into a tangible improvement in people's daily lives is what motivates me every day," he says.

Gusha, JRA Operations Manager for Development Control Public, has been part of projects that are steadily shaping the City of Johannesburg. These include the South Hills development, Riverside View, the Lufhereng and Tanganani Housing Developments, the Sandton BRT, Diepsloot, Ivory Park and Zandspruit, alongside various roads, non-motorised transport and stormwater projects across the length and breadth of the City.

“Every project is unique, but the aim is the same, to better the lives of people through improved access to economic opportunities and to create a safe environment for people to live, work and socialise," he explains.

Gusha began his career with an internship focused on large dam design before working as a site agent and then at a small consulting firm across structural design, roads, stormwater, water supply, and wastewater treatment. He later joined a medium-sized consulting firm as a senior engineer, gaining experience in bulk infrastructure design and project management during the infrastructure boom ahead of the 2010 FIFA World Cup. He then joined the Johannesburg Roads Agency, and, despite initial reservations about moving into the municipal space, a decision he has not regretted.

"Looking back, it was not the wrong decision, and I would encourage more engineers to consider careers within municipalities and government, where the scale of impact and breadth of experience are truly unmatched," he says.

Over the years, he has taken pride in projects involving stormwater system upgrades, road improvements, stream bank protection, stormwater attenuation, and enhancements to public environments.

“My work positively impacts communities in the City of Johannesburg by ensuring that development is planned responsibly and sustainably. This includes protecting natural drainage systems and wetlands, designing roads that accommodate essential infrastructure and minimise congestion, and implementing stormwater management measures for the protection of the public and the environment.

“Together, these elements create safe, functional, and well-connected spaces where communities can thrive, while also protecting the natural environment for future generations," he says.

Gusha adds that these efforts contribute to building settlements that are safer, more functional and more sustainable. Gusha holds a BSc Honours in Civil Engineering and is set to graduate soon with a Master's in Engineering from the University of Witwatersrand. He is a registered professional engineer with the Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA) and a full member of the South African Institution of Civil Engineering (SAICE).

Reflecting on World Engineering Day for Sustainable Development, commemorated on 4 March 2026, Gusha emphasises the importance of balancing present needs with future sustainability.

“Sustainable development is about ensuring that, in meeting our needs today, we do not leave future generations worse off," he says.

He explains that his role contributes to sustainability by aligning development with the natural environment, protecting critical ecosystems, and supporting economic activity through well-planned, connected communities. In stormwater design, he applies water-sensitive approaches to protect water quality, contributing to the preservation of water as a resource.

Through road design, he helps reduce congestion and greenhouse gas emissions by promoting efficient transport networks. During construction, he advocates for environmentally responsible materials and methods to minimise the environmental footprint of infrastructure projects.

Gusha remains committed to building a Johannesburg where infrastructure meaningfully improves lives. He recalls a defining moment in his career, when a road upgrade in a township transformed daily life so profoundly that an elderly woman stood quietly on the newly surfaced street, taking in what had once seemed impossible.

“It's moments like these that remind me why I chose engineering," he reflects.

Written by Brümilda Swartbooi
27/03/2026

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