LIGHTING
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Decorative lighting solution for shopping centre
We are very proud to be associated with KLS Consulting Engineers and DC Electrical Africa Cape in providing a successful exterior lighting solution for this project.
a mix of well-known South African brands and distinctive local boutiques, it delivers a lively shopping experience in a carefully curated environment. BEKA Schréder has supplied the decorative exterior lighting solution, all of which have been designed and manufactured in South Africa.
BEKA Schréder has supplied the decorative exterior lighting solution for Optenhorst Village, a neighbourhood shopping centre located in Paarl, Western Cape. Situated within the larger Optenhorst Estate, the Village seamlessly blends convenience with lifestyle, becoming a key part of the Paarl North community. Featuring
BEKA Schréder
the shopping centre’s building exterior. The QVAL was specified for its aesthetic design and high performance. The QVAL outperforms all conventional wall mounted bulkhead luminaires by providing a bright and long-lasting light for outdoor wall mounted applications. The indirect reflector design has been specifically developed to not only provide glare-free lighting, but also a high- performing light distribution. The QVAL delivers a strong white light with a high colour rendering index to ensure perfect visibility and comfort. The optional battery back-up version is the perfect solution for power supply interruptions. It provides up to four hours of backup lighting, and utilises a fast- charging inverter, ensuring it charges up in time for the next power supply interruption cycle. Thanks to the QVAL’s high optical performance and strong mechanical design, it can achieve substantial energy and maintenance cost savings. “We are very proud to be associated with KLS Consulting Engineers and DC Electrical Africa Cape in providing a successful exterior lighting solution for this project,” said BEKA Schréder.
Parking area The ELLEGA single and double LED luminaire and column range lights up the Optenhorst Village parking area and were selected to complement the aesthetic of the estate situated behind the centre. The ELLEGA, available in a single or double configuration at various heights, with its simple but very elegant linear design, provides a versatile range of luminaires to light diverse landscapes. The flexibility of the LensoFlex 2 photometric engine provides multiple lighting distributions to adapt to the diverse needs of contemporary lighting applications. This winning combination of performance, design and flexibility enables the ELLEGA range to illuminate streets, residential areas, parking areas, parks, and bicycle and pedestrian paths with a better quality of light, to generate energy savings and to reduce the ecological footprint with a perfect aesthetic integration into the environment. Building exterior The QVAL, a versatile, high-performance and reliable LED wallpack, has been installed on and civil engineers. These partnerships, he believes, not only strengthen project quality but broaden learning experiences. Beyond technical achievements, Ceba identifies his proudest accomplishment as becoming the majority owner of a consulting engineering firm. “Growing up in the township, it was a lifelong dream to one day own a business,” he reflects. “Today, I am proud to not only lead a company, but to help inspire and empower others from similar backgrounds to aim high and believe in their potential.” Mentoring the future Mentoring young professionals has become Ceba’s greatest passion. “Watching young people grow from interns into confident, skilled engineers – knowing I had a hand in their development – is an immeasurable source of pride and joy,” he says. His advice to industry newcomers emphasises humility, curiosity, and realistic expectations. “Your qualification is just the beginning; a stepping stone,” he advises. “Be willing to learn from those around you, regardless of their title or background, and never stop learning.” Ceba draws inspiration from his grandfather’s work ethic and former boss Richard Nzuza’s principled approach. “Richard was the most consistent and principled person I’ve ever worked with,” he notes. “To him, something was either right or wrong; no grey areas, no compromises.” Building for tomorrow Looking ahead, Ceba aims to grow RNA Consulting Engineers both financially and in human capital. Despite South Africa’s built environment challenges, including economic stagnation and infrastructure backlogs, he remains committed to building a resilient, sustainable company through strategic planning and continued investment in people.
From township dreams to engineering leadership: Meet Eric Ceba
Enquiries: ct@beka-schreder.co.za
ownership into a thriving consulting engineering practice. After obtaining his National Diploma in Electrical Engineering, Heavy Current from Port Elizabeth Technikon (now Nelson Mandela University) in 1998, Ceba’s career trajectory began with a bursary from Carifro Consulting Engineers. His talent quickly earned him recognition, leading to a 30% shareholding in the company by 2001. Ceba’s commitment to professional development led him to pursue an Illumination Engineering Diploma with BHA School, further enhancing his expertise in lighting design and engineering, a specialisation that would prove invaluable throughout his career. A pivotal move came in 2003 when Ceba joined Richard Nzuza & Associates as office manager for its newly established Gqeberha branch. His leadership in expanding operations and delivering engineering solutions across infrastructure projects earned him a 7% equity stake in 2009. The entrepreneurial leap came in 2017 when Ceba and business partner Travis Warne acquired full ownership of RNA Consulting Engineers. Today, Ceba holds 51% of the company, with Warne holding 49%. The collaborative approach Ceba’s professional philosophy centres on problem-solving and sustainable client solutions. “The consulting engineering industry is more than just technical work,” he explains. “It’s about being a reliable problem solver, someone clients can trust to make their vision a reality with sustainable, practical results.” His approach emphasises collaboration with other built environment professionals, including architects, quantity surveyors,
By: Ilana Koegelenberg E ric Ceba is transforming childhood aspirations into professional reality as he leads RNA Consulting Engineers with a passion for mentoring the next generation of engineers. From Welkom to ownership Born in Welkom, Free State, Eric Mbuyiselo Ceba’s journey to becoming the managing director of RNA Consulting Engineers, an electrical and mechanical consulting engineering firm, exemplifies determination and strategic career building. Now 51, the professional technologist engineer has transformed a township dream of business
SEPTEMBER 2025 FEATURES
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