Meet the Team
Industry experience dating back to 1977 — the people who built Onnyx.
Gnanasagaran Nair
Jan began his career with Safmarine Limited and served the containerised Freight Industry since its inception in South Africa on 1 June 1977. Having represented the SAFREN group in various capacities for 21 years, he joined Cross Country Containers (Pty) Ltd in 1998 as their National Operations Manager and moved on from there to Operations Director.
In 2003, P&O Nedlloyd acquired a majority stake holding in Cross Country Containers, with a view to establishing their own landside operations in South Africa, and proceeded to acquire total ownership in 2005. During this period, Jan managed the total transition and integration of Cross Country Containers into P&O Nedlloyd structures, in his capacity as Managing Director.
With the acquisition of P&O Nedlloyd by the A.P. Moller group in 2007, Jan played a pivotal role in negotiating the sale of Cross Country Containers to Grindrod Limited, who were also looking to expand their containerised landside offering in Southern Africa. Under his stewardship and in his capacity as Divisional CEO, he managed the integration of four group companies into Grindrod Intermodal.
In February 2015, Jan made the decision to pursue the establishment of Onnyx Network Holdings and its subsidiaries, with the intention of fulfilling some important goals that define the vision and mission statements of the company.
47 Years of Industry Leadership
Various Capacities
Began career with Safmarine Limited on 1 June 1977. Served the containerised freight industry since its inception in South Africa. Represented the SAFREN group for 21 years.
National Operations Manager → Operations Director
Joined Cross Country Containers as National Operations Manager and progressed to Operations Director.
Managing Director
P&O Nedlloyd acquired majority stake in Cross Country Containers in 2003, then total ownership in 2005. Jan managed the full transition and integration as Managing Director.
Divisional CEO
Following A.P. Moller group's acquisition of P&O Nedlloyd, Jan negotiated the sale of Cross Country Containers to Grindrod Limited and managed the integration of four group companies into Grindrod Intermodal.
Senior Executive & Director
In February 2015, Jan established Onnyx Network Holdings and its subsidiaries — fulfilling the vision and mission of building South Africa's leading total freight solutions provider.
Meet Our Team
Experienced professionals driving Onnyx Network Holdings forward with expertise, dedication, and a shared vision for South Africa's freight future.
Dan began his career with Saftainer (Pty) Ltd in 1983, spending 20 years in rail and road transport. He joined Cross Country Containers in 1999 as Gauteng Branch Manager, continued through its acquisition by P&O Nedlloyd and Maersk, and served as Operations Executive at Grindrod Intermodal before co-establishing Onnyx in 2015.
Full name: Vispanathan Perumalsamy Govender (Dan) Govender
Gavin began his career with the MacPhail Group in 1990, rising to National Sales and Marketing Manager before being appointed Director of Coalbrite in 2006. Headhunted by Wescoal Group to establish new markets in the Western and Eastern Cape, he joined Onnyx Network Holdings in 2015 as Managing Director of Opack (Pty) Ltd, bringing 28+ years of expertise in domestic and industrial coal markets.
Managing day-to-day operational workflows and logistics coordination, ensuring efficiency and excellence across all freight operations within the Onnyx group.
Leading all rail operations for Onnyx Cargotrans and Container Network, managing domestic and over-border rail routes, Transnet partnerships, and specialist rail logistics.