Foreman Allifas Kgomo has 37 years of industry experience

“Since joining the construction industry many years ago I’ve gathered a lot of experience, in particular in civil construction where I’ve worked on projects including in the transport, power and mining sector. This diverse experience base now also includes the marine environment. We have benefited greatly from the opportunity to learn from the marine experts at Stefanutti Stocks, and I am happy to share my knowledge with the youngsters at Axsys. By joining a small company, I know they will look after me. We’ll progress, we’ll produce, and we’ll form teams that deliver quality results. I hope for a bright and sustainable future with Axsys and know we’re all determined to make it work.”

Quality site engineer Yolanda Duze has seven years of industry experience

“It’s exciting coming to work for a young company with so much potential for growth, both on a business and personal level. We also get to influence the corporate culture, which is already warm, welcoming and inclusive. The Stefanutti Stocks Axsys joint venture here at Maydon Wharf is definitely the right environment for growth. Every day is different and the skills and varying levels of experience that I am exposed to are as good as attending a daily master class.

“My role here entails quality control and I’d like to implement a company-wide ISO accredited quality system for Axsys. I’m passionate about quality – not only is the quality of your structures an extension of your brand, it’s important from a nancial perspective to get it right the first time. And who doesn’t want a good quality product?”

Site engineer Malusi Fakazi joined Axsys Projects in August 2017

The idea of being able to create something permanent, that did not exist before, inspired Malusi to study civil engineering and he completed his National Diploma in Civil Engineering at Mangosuthu University of Technology in Durban in 2014.

“I’ve worked on a number of construction sites, one I remember well is when we had to lay a 1.4-metre diameter pipeline up a two kilometre mountain – that was interesting! I think though that this project here at Klipspruit Colliery is the most challenging. The mining health and safety act is much stricter than the occupational health and safety act that we normally comply with in construction, and this means that our planning needs to be much more accurate.

My mentor Johan de Beer is quite a critical thinker, and through my interaction with him I have learnt to consider even the smallest detail when planning, because the tiniest thing can cause a massive delay.

My favourite part of the day is anytime when there is a concrete pour! I also enjoy working together with a lot of people and being part of a team that is making something important happen. To me, this process resembles how simple life could actually be.”

Sub-agent Nokuthula Dlamini has been with Axsys Projects for nearly four years.

“It gives me tremendous satisfaction to construct something from nothing – that’s why we are called civil engineers – we bring civilisation to the places we go! I particularly enjoy the balance between working indoors and planning and working outdoors executing these plans. There is an element of freedom in this sector, where you are given a target and guidelines, but are not micro-managed in reaching the goal. It suits my personality.

“I think that people who are thinking of entering the industry must be prepared to put in a lot of hard work and make sacrifices, including being away from home a lot. Construction is definitely not as glorified as it sounds when you are in tertiary, but if you’re passionate about it, you’ll be fine.

“My mentor is our managing director Geoff Thompson and I’m hoping to learn a lot from him. We have set targets, and although I’m new to this, I know Geoff has mentored many people before, and I am looking forward to the experience. I’d like to learn more about my strengths, and how to assert myself in an efficient way so that I can achieve my goals. In terms of my career growth, I’d like to grow to contract management level, but no further. I think it is very stressful, as a director, to have people’s livelihoods in your hands.”

What is the one thing that you need to be successful in your industry?
“Team work and communication. It is so important to be able to communicate your vision, so that everyone is working towards the same goal.”

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