professional profile
Why did you decide to study engineering and what is it about the discipline that attracted you to this field of study? I completed my undergraduate studies in Chemical Engineering at Wits University. After I graduated, I decided to continue my academic journey by pursuing a Master’s Degree, where I directed my focus towards heat integration and the optimal utilisation of energy resources. My attraction to engineering stems from my exposure to science during my school years. As I progressed into high school, I was captivated by the field of engineering, which amplifies the principles of science from laboratory experiments to large-scale applications. This transition fascinated me; from conducting small experiments to envisioning and designing vast industrial plants capable of mass production. It was the prospect of contributing to significant projects that directly impact our daily lives that truly ignited my passion for engineering. “It was the prospect of contributing to significant projects that directly impact our daily lives that truly ignited my passion for engineering.”
thermodynamics - one of the most difficult university courses - we were able to calculate the varying gas consumption rates under different conditions. This included accounting for temperature differentials during hot summer days versus cooler winter months, to estimate potential losses accurately. This exercise was instrumental in implementing cost savings.
What was your first company and your position there?
My first job was with AECI Mining, a company specialising in manufacturing explosives for the mining sector that awarded me a bursary for my tertiary studies. During my time at AECI, I engaged in various efficiency enhancement projects and continuous improvement initiatives within the plant.
In your current position, how would you describe a typical day and what it entails?
I am responsible for business development within our bulk and on-site division. My role involves spearheading the expansion of our business by identifying new opportunities and sectors for growth. When visiting a client, I assess their needs and requirements. Subsequently, I return to the office to analyse the gathered information. I identify potential solutions from our product and service portfolio that align with a client’s needs. Crafting a compelling business case is important because the proposed solution must be financially viable for the client and our company. Therefore, I present the proposed solution and its benefits. This includes a breakdown of costs, potential savings, and the value it brings to their business. Collaboration ensues, with adjustments made, as necessary. My role entails extensive interaction across various sectors, with steel remaining a primary focus. Technical expertise, combined with a deep understanding of customer processes and our offerings, is key. What is your view on the looming industrial gas crisis? How are you working to solve that problem for customers? We don’t handle natural gas; that falls under Sasol’s domain. Our focus lies primarily on gases such as nitrogen, oxygen, and argon. While we don’t operate in the natural gas sector, we remain open to engaging with customers who utilise it, exploring ways to support their needs. However, it’s not within our current scope of work. That being said, Air Liquide is known for its innovation and proactive approach to problem solving. We continuously assess the challenges we encounter and explore potential solutions. However, at present, bridging the gap for natural gas isn’t feasible for us.
What was the most challenging aspect of it?
University life operates at a significantly faster pace compared to high school. I have always held myself to high standards, so experiencing failure on my first university test was a jolting experience. It’s common for thee types of setbacks to affect one’s self-esteem, potentially leading to self-doubt. In such moments, it becomes imperative to believe in yourself, to rise above the challenges and to persevere with determination. How did the first years of your career build on what you learnt during your tertiary education but in a more practical setting? What were the key lessons you’ve learnt during this time? I was fortunate in the early years of my career to work with individuals who were highly engineering-oriented and were therefore supportive and knowledgeable. It made it easier for them to bridge the gap between my academic background and the practical applications required in our work. Those initial years were when I found myself applying the calculations learned in university. For example, in my current role within the gas industry, understanding the dynamics of gas flow is crucial, especially in terms of identifying losses within our operations. Gas, being invisible, presents a challenge in pinpointing these losses. However, by leveraging the principles of
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Issue 1 – 2024
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