professional profile
over the line. In addition, I worked alongside our EPC contractor during the construction of a solar power plant in the Northern Cape. It was a massive infrastructure project with tight timelines and required extensive co-ordination and teamwork across stakeholders. Then I entered the stainless steel industry. I started at NDE in 2019, which was already a difficult year for the industry, before we moved straight into Covid-19 lockdowns, followed by a frenetic period driven by commodity prices and post-pandemic demand. The metals industry is a wild place. I often ask colleagues if this is the worst it has ever been, and they usually just smile and show me their battle scars. We are part of an incredibly resilient industry. All of these experiences contributed to developing my skills. At the time, it is not always enjoyable, but looking back I am grateful to have experienced them. Especially when you are starting out and still have the energy and flexibility to pull all-nighters and travel extensively to get things done. These environments also teach you the value of teamwork, diverse skill sets and camaraderie during difficult periods. I would particularly highlight the opportunity I have had to work with experienced and exceptionally talented people across different industries. That has fundamentally shaped, and continues to shape, my career. “The metals industry is a wild place. I often ask colleagues if this is the worst it has ever been, and they usually just smile and show me their battle scars.“ What would you say are the biggest lessons you’ve learnt so far, both professionally and personally? Professionally, I would highlight the following: • The power and importance of relationships continue to grow. • Sometimes tasks can feel overwhelming, but breaking them down into smaller steps helps. • Lean into your team and genuinely listen to what people have to say. Surround yourself with good people and you will get good ideas and valuable input. • Some decisions need to be made quickly, but most important decisions do not. • You will never have complete certainty, so do not wait for it. • An honest and clear narrative around what and why you are doing something is incredibly important because it helps bring people along with you.
Personally: • I have come to deeply appreciate the value of role models and experienced people who are generous with their time and knowledge. • Since entering the stainless steel industry, I have realised how much I admire the work our industry does. As a semi-successful, or perhaps failed, engineer depending on your perspective, I remain constantly impressed by what our customers and the industry achieve. • Often, when you are honest and approachable as a person or company, the industry responds in the same way. • Although stressful periods are never enjoyable at the time, they often teach you a great deal about yourself and your resilience. • Keep your sense of humour. In serious situations, where everyone already understands the gravity of the moment, there is often no need to add further tension.
What is your current role at NDE and what does a typical day look like for you?
I am the Operations Director for NDE. It is a highly varied role that moves across most aspects of the business. Essentially, I try to determine how we can assist our branches in solving pressing issues while also finding ways to empower them to service customers more effectively. This ranges from sales and procurement to warehousing, administration and finance. The best way I can describe it is acting as the grease between the gears. Personally, my biggest passion within all of this is the reporting and data side of the business. Given NDE’s role in supplying stainless steel, aluminium and corrosion-resistant solutions, how do you see the company helping customers make the right material choices, improve quality and support more efficient project delivery across the local stainless steel value chain? If I am completely honest, I do not think distributors necessarily have significant sway in material selection. Of course, we are always happy to assist where needed and our company has extensive knowledge and experience to offer. However, I believe the industry, and most engineers, already understand the role these materials can play. They may not know every specific grade, but they certainly understand the broader advantages and lifecycle considerations. A topical example would be SpaceX and Starship, where the outer shell now comprises 300-series stainless steel. The material was always recognised as a viable material for spacecraft, yet Starship was the first major example of its use in this way. When you hear the design story behind it, much of it comes down to engineers being given the
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Issue 2 – 2026
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