This Women’s Month, Zutari celebrates three women whose careers reflect the diversity, talent and leadership shaping the future of engineering. From digital transformation and brand strategy to sustainable water infrastructure, their stories demonstrate that innovation is driven by people who are prepared to learn, lead and create meaningful impact. Engineering has never been solely about technical expertise. It is about solving problems, improving lives and creating lasting value for communities. Across Zutari, women are helping to shape that future in different ways, whether by strengthening the organisation’s brand, driving digital transformation or designing critical water infrastructure. This Women’s Month, Zutari recognises the achievements of women at every stage of their careers. While their professional paths differ, Group Marketing and Communications lead Andiswa Dlokolo, BIM Consultant Anneke Pretorius and Candidate Civil Engineer Juanita Narayan all share a common belief: meaningful progress happens when curiosity, collaboration and continuous learning come together. Building influence through collaboration For Andiswa, storytelling has become a powerful way of creating impact in a technical industry. Leading Zutari’s marketing and communications strategy means translating complex engineering projects into compelling narratives that strengthen the brand and support business growth. “What keeps me motivated at Zutari is our core mission of providing solutions that have a positive impact and improve people’s lives,” she says. “I love the challenge of taking complex, technical engineering concepts and embedding them into a compelling brand narrative that resonates with the market, helps us retain and win projects, and leaves a meaningful legacy.” Having built her career in a traditionally male-dominated sector, Andiswa believes credibility comes from combining expertise with preparation and measurable results. “I have overcome industry …
Engineering Resilience Into Africa’s Energy Future
What Burundi’s landmark Jiji and Mulembwe hydropower projects reveal about the future of sustainable infrastructure delivery across the continent. By Mpho Ramphao, Managing Director: Water, Zutari Africa’s energy transition is often discussed in terms of generation capacity, investment pipelines, and megawatts added to the grid. While these metrics matter, they only tell part of the story. The real challenge facing the continent is not simply producing more electricity. It is building resilient, integrated infrastructure systems that can support long-term economic and social development in increasingly complex environmental conditions. Across Africa, countries are under pressure to expand access to affordable and reliable energy while simultaneously responding to climate volatility, rapid urbanisation, industrialisation, and growing infrastructure demands. In this context, infrastructure projects can no longer be viewed as isolated engineering exercises. They must be designed as long-term development enablers. This is particularly true in the energy sector. Hydropower remains one of the most important renewable energy opportunities available to many African countries. When designed responsibly and strategically, it offers stable baseload power, reduced dependence on imported fossil fuels, and the potential to unlock economic growth across multiple sectors. However, modern hydropower infrastructure also demands a far more integrated approach than it did even a decade ago. Resilience at the centre of infrastructure delivery Today, resilience must sit at the centre of infrastructure delivery. That means engineering projects that can withstand changing climatic conditions, accommodate future demand, and operate sustainably over decades. It means accounting for sedimentation, flood risk, seismic activity, and environmental impacts from the earliest design stages. It also means recognising that infrastructure is ultimately about people and the communities, …
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Powering Mining From the Enclosure Up
From distribution boards and industrial enclosures to control systems, Power Process Systems offers locally manufactured electrical infrastructure designed around the demands of modern mining operations As South Africa’s mining industry continues to invest in productivity, automation and operational efficiency, the electrical infrastructure supporting these systems has become increasingly important. Electra Mining Africa 2026 will once again bring together the technologies and companies supporting the mining, industrial, electrical and power sectors. For Power Process Systems (PPS), the event provides an opportunity to highlight a less visible but essential part of this ecosystem in terms of the electrical enclosures, distribution equipment and control infrastructure that enable power and automation systems to operate safely and reliably. “Mining environments place very specific demands on electrical infrastructure. Equipment needs to be robust, fit for purpose and configured around the realities of the installation rather than simply selected from a standard catalogue,” comments Nhlanhla Zondo, Sales Director at PPS. “This is where local engineering and manufacturing capability can make a significant difference.” A broad industrial product range PPS manufactures a range of electrical enclosure and distribution equipment, with solutions that can be configured to meet different installation requirements. Its NEMA range, for example, comprises rugged industrial enclosures manufactured from 304 stainless steel or 3CR12 and rated up to IP65. Flat or grid-type chassis configurations are available, providing flexibility for different equipment and installation requirements. For larger power distribution applications, PPS manufactures free-standing distribution boards in standard sizes, while also offering non-standard or size-specific panels. Their modular design allows configurations to be assembled according to individual requirements, with options for …
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Why Silo Cleaning Should Be Followed by a SIMM Inspection
Cleaning a silo removes the problems you can see. However, a Structural Inspection & Maintenance Management (SIMM) inspection can reveal problems you could not identify during cleaning As mining and industrial operations look for ways to improve productivity, extend asset life and minimise unplanned downtime, maintenance strategies are increasingly shifting from reactive intervention towards proactive asset management. One area where this approach can deliver significant value is in the inspection of silos and bulk material handling infrastructure following cleaning. For Bongela Mining & Industrial Services, silo cleaning is not simply about removing accumulated material and restoring lost capacity. It also creates an important opportunity to inspect the condition of the structure and identify issues that may otherwise remain hidden. Cleaning creates visibility Material build-up inside a silo can progressively reduce effective capacity, restrict material flow and contribute to operational bottlenecks. As accumulated material is removed, however, another benefit becomes apparent: areas of the asset that were previously concealed become accessible for inspection. “This is where a SIMM inspection becomes an integral part of the post-cleaning process,” comments CEO Raymond Graham. With the interior of the silo cleared, inspection teams can assess areas that may have been obscured by accumulated material and identify potential concerns such as wear, corrosion or structural defects. Early identification gives operators the opportunity to address these issues before they develop into more significant maintenance problems. “Rather than treating cleaning and inspection as two unrelated maintenance activities, integrating the two provides a more complete picture of asset condition,” says Graham. From cleaning to condition assessment The distinction is important as a silo can be clean and have its usable capacity restored, but that does not …
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From Data to Decisions: Improving Feed Quality in Real Time
Bühler Southern Africa will highlight the benefits of precision feed milling at the AFMA Forum 2026, taking place at Sun City from 8 to 10 September. During a panel discussion, Oliver Brägger, Sales Manager, Value Nutrition, Bühler Group, will explain how real-time data and automation can help feed manufacturers better manage raw material variability, optimise production, and improve feed quality. Feed manufacturers must maintain consistent nutritional specifications even though the quality of key raw materials such as grain can vary. Changes in raw material quality will affect nutritional composition, making it more difficult to maintain feed quality while managing costs. Precision feed milling offers a more proactive approach by combining real-time data with automated process control, enabling manufacturers to adjust to variability during production. The AFMA Forum’s 2026 theme, ‘The Feed Factor – The Chain That Feeds a Nation’, highlights the role of feed manufacturing in food security and the wider food value chain. As a critical link between agricultural production and animal protein, the feed industry plays an important role in maintaining the quality, consistency and efficiency of food production. The theme provides a relevant backdrop for discussions around how technology and data can help feed manufacturers respond to variability and strengthen performance across the value chain. From real-time monitoring to automated control Bühler’s precision feed milling approach uses real-time monitoring and inline analytics to provide feed manufacturers with continuous visibility into raw material information. This data can support automated formulation and recipe adjustment, rather than relying solely on fixed assumptions. “Precision feed milling is about moving from reacting to variability to actively managing it in real time,” comments Brägger. “By turning data into actionable insights, manufacturers can make better decisions, improve feed consistency and …
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Reframing Mine Housing From Allowance to Asset
Exploring how human-centred design and land management are reshaping housing outcomes in the mining sector, unlocking long-term value for employees, communities, and companies alike By Rowan Albertyn, Technical Director: Land Management (Resources Unit), Zutari South Africa’s mining sector has long been shaped by systems of migrant labour, where employees travelled vast distances from rural homes to industrial centres. For decades, this reality was underpinned by hostel accommodation that may have been functional for the most part, but ultimately undesirable and unsustainable to our social fabric. The dismantling of that system marked an important shift, yet it also introduced new and often unintended challenges. Today, many mine employees operate within what can best be described as a dual economic reality. They support households in rural areas while simultaneously sustaining a life near the mine, often in informal or underdeveloped settlements. This has created complex social, economic, and spatial dynamics that cannot be addressed through conventional housing approaches alone. What is required is not simply the provision of shelter, but a more fundamental rethinking of how housing contributes to dignity, stability, and long-term prosperity. Why traditional housing allowances fall short Historically, mining companies have provided housing allowances as part of employee remuneration. In theory, this offers flexibility. In practice, however, it rarely translates into homeownership. When housing allowances are paid as a cash component of renumeration and incorporated into disposable income, they are inevitably redirected towards immediate needs such as school fees, transport, household goods and sustaining a lifestyle. This is entirely rational behaviour, but it undermines the intended purpose of the benefit. The result is a persistent gap between policy intent and lived reality: employees remain without secure tenure, while companies struggle …
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Engineering Impact Across the Middle East and Africa
Redefining what cross-regional engineering collaboration looks like is the main focus of Denver Dreyer, Chief Executive Officer: Middle East and North Africa (MENA) at Zutari, who is positioning the firm at the intersection of African capability and Gulf capital. Appointed to the role in April 2025, Denver brings more than three decades of experience across engineering, consulting and industrial sectors, with leadership roles spanning Honeywell and Worley. However, his focus today is firmly on the future and on the powerful synergies emerging between Africa and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region. A bridge between regions For Denver, Zutari’s role in MENA is not simply about expanding geographically, it is about connecting two regions in a way that delivers tangible impact. “There are two very strong links between Africa and the Middle East,” he explains. “On the one hand, we can access a vast quantity and quality of engineers from Africa and bring their skills and technical expertise into the MENA market. On the other, there’s significant capital flowing from the Middle East into Africa into ports, logistics, energy and agriculture.” This dual dynamic positions Zutari as a critical intermediary. “We engage with sovereign wealth funds in the Middle East as a trusted partner who understands the region,” says Denver. “But we also engage with them as a fiercely local partner in countries like Malawi, Mozambique or Botswana where that capital is actually deployed.” A legacy in the Middle East While Zutari’s current momentum in the Middle East is accelerating, its roots in the region run deep. “We have had an official presence in Dubai for 25 years through our legacy companies,” says Denver. “However, South African engineers have been involved in the region for far longer, in some cases going back to the late 1970s.” Denver points out that South African contractors and engineers played a foundational role in shaping modern Dubai, a …
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Engineering the Polihali Transfer Tunnel in Lesotho Highlands Water Project Phase II
The 34 km underground tunnel enables water transfer between the Polihali and Katse reservoirs, forming a critical link in the system. Multinational, buildings and infrastructure engineering consultancy Zutari is contributing to one of the most technically complex components of the Lesotho Highlands Water Project (LHWP) Phase II through its role in the Metsi a Senqu-Khubelu Consultants (MSKC) Joint Venture for the design and construction supervision of the Polihali Transfer Tunnel. The project is being undertaken in the Kingdom of Lesotho by the Lesotho Highlands Development Authority (LHDA), the implementing and management authority of the LHWP, on behalf of the governments of Lesotho and South Africa. Stretching approximately 34 km beneath Lesotho’s mountainous highlands, the Polihali Transfer Tunnel forms a critical link between the Polihali and Katse reservoirs, strengthening the water transfer system that supports regional water and hydropower security. The tunnel incorporates a sophisticated design comprising a five-metre-diameter segmentally lined hard-rock TBM bored tunnel, intake works and gate shaft upstream of the new 165 m high Polihali Dam, as well as outlet works and lake-tap into the Katse Reservoir. Additional access tunnels and associated infrastructure support the construction and future operation of the system. Engineering beneath the Highlands Unlike visible infrastructure such as bridges or dams, the Polihali Transfer Tunnel represents an engineering achievement largely hidden from view. Yet the underground system is among the most significant elements of the entire LHWP Phase II programme. Freddie Laas, Project Manager for the MSKC Joint Venture overseeing the tunnel’s implementation, says the project requires a high level of coordination, planning and technical precision. “The Polihali Transfer Tunnel is one of the most technically demanding components of the Lesotho Highlands Water Project Phase II. Delivering infrastructure …
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Zutari Calls for Water Reuse to Become a Cornerstone of South Africa’s Water Resilience
As the world marks World Water Day on 22 March, Zutari is calling for water reuse to shift from being viewed as an emergency drought intervention to becoming a mainstream, long-term component of South Africa’s water mix. World Water Day, established by the United Nations in 1993, focuses global attention on freshwater challenges and the importance of sustainable water management. In South Africa, where climate volatility, ageing infrastructure, and financial strain are placing increasing pressure on water infrastructure, the day serves as a timely reminder that business as usual is no longer sufficient. Mpho Ramphao (PrEng, MSc Eng), Managing Director: Water at Zutari, says the country must fundamentally rethink how it manages wastewater. “Water reuse is moving beyond crisis response because climate volatility is persistent.” Droughts, floods and variable rainfall will keep disrupting traditional surface and groundwater supplies, while water infrastructure is ageing faster than it is being upgraded and replaced,” he explains. “Reuse transforms wastewater from an undesirable waste into a dependable, locally controlled resource factory if wastewater treatment plants are run to the required effluent discharge standard,” says Ramphao. Institutional barriers, not technology, are the primary constraint According to Ramphao, the greatest obstacles to scaling reuse in South Africa are not technological. “The main barriers to water reuse stem from poorly maintained wastewater treatment plants rather than technology,” he says. “Ageing infrastructure, inconsistent plant operations and governance gaps at municipal level make regulators cautious about approving reuse schemes.” He notes that responsibilities remain fragmented between national government, which sets policy and regulation, and local government, which is responsible for basic service delivery. This fragmentation slows decision-making and blurs accountability. Chronic under-collection of water …
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Women Building South Africa’s Power Infrastructure
As South Africa celebrates Women’s Month in August, women are increasingly taking their place on the factory floor, in technical workshops and across engineering environments, helping manufacture the infrastructure that keeps the country’s electricity network running. Manufacturing and engineering have traditionally been viewed as male-dominated industries. Today, however, more women are choosing careers in technical fields, bringing fresh perspectives, valuable skills and greater diversity to workplaces that are helping shape South Africa’s future. At Power Process Systems (PPS), this transformation can be seen in the manufacture of the company’s new range of polypropylene pole-top boxes used to house smart prepaid electricity metering equipment. While the innovative product represents an important development for utilities, it has also provided valuable opportunities for young women beginning careers in manufacturing and electrical assembly. For Electrical Assembler Nomvula Ramalope and Wire Assembler Lindokuhle Zwane, working on the project has been about far more than producing electrical infrastructure. It has become an opportunity to develop technical expertise, build confidence and establish long-term careers within the engineering sector. Learning through meaningful work Like many young South Africans, both women understand the challenge of securing employment without years of previous experience. Working on the polypropylene pole-top box project has provided them with practical experience while allowing them to contribute to products that support South Africa's electricity distribution network. Nomvula says the experience has strengthened both her technical abilities and personal confidence. “Working on the new range of polypropylene pole-top boxes has been a rewarding and valuable experience. As a young employee, I have been given the opportunity to contribute to the manufacture of an innovative product while developing my technical …