Summary
Work History
Education
Skills
References
Timeline
Generic

AKHONA THABEDE

Process & Chemical Operator | Junior Plant Operator | Industrial Operations
Durban / Richards Bay

Summary

  • Dedicated and safety-focused Process Operator with over 2 years hands-on experience in chemical plant operations, tank farm handling, SCADA monitoring, SAP workflow usage, and industrial safety compliance. Strong background in loading/decanting hazardous products, pump bay operations, quality sampling, and supporting large-scale manufacturing environments. Adaptable and quick-learning operator suited to:
  • Mining & minerals processing
  • Petrochemical & chemical production
  • Automotive & manufacturing plants (Toyota, Tongaat Hulett, etc.)
  • Tank terminals, logistics & bulk storage
  • Utilities, energy, water treatment & general industrial environments Known for discipline, communication, teamwork, and the ability to perform under pressure.

Work History

Chemical Plant Operator

Bidvest Tank Terminals
  • Operated and monitored tank farm equipment, pumps, loading arms and gantries.
  • Handled hazardous chemical loading/decanting using SCADA and SAP confidently.
  • Assisted in bulk product transfers and coordinated with teams during operations.
  • Performed tank dips, sampling, temperature readings and product quality checks.
  • Executed safe line-ups for road tanker loading, tank-to-tank transfers and pump operations.
  • Completed checklists, safety inspections, housekeeping and equipment verification.
  • Followed strict PPE, SHEQ and OHS compliance at all times.
  • Communicated effectively with drivers, supervisors and team members to maintain smooth operations.
  • Duration: 2 years total
  • Participated in regular safety training sessions to stay current with industry best practices and reinforce company-wide commitment to safety excellence.
  • Trained new operators in correct operation procedures, ensuring consistent performance across shifts.
  • Contributed to a positive workplace culture by fostering open communication among team members and maintaining a strong focus on safety awareness.

Education

BCom - Supply Chain & Operations Management

UNISA

No Degree - Chemical Operations

Bidvest Tank Terminals
04.2001 -

Matric - Physical Sciences, Mathematics

Queensburgh Girls’ High School
11-2022

Skills

Plant operations & monitoring

SCADA system operation

SAP capturing, weighbridge workflow & documentation

Road tanker loading & decanting

Tank dips, sampling & quality checks

Pump start-up, shutdown & equipment inspections

Hose management & gantry line-ups

Industrial housekeeping & hazard identification

ISO standards (9001, 14001) & OHS Act understanding

Permit-to-work systems

Emergency response readiness

Strong communication & radio operation

Time management aptitude

Stress tolerance

Emergency response preparedness

Adaptability to change

Analytical problem solving

Hazardous material management

Equipment operation mastery

Computerized system operation

Effective communication

Safety inspection

Time management

Critical thinking

Process documentation

References

Former shift supervisor: Patrick Thwala

Contact number: 083 720 2706

Timeline

No Degree - Chemical Operations

Bidvest Tank Terminals
04.2001 -

Chemical Plant Operator

Bidvest Tank Terminals

BCom - Supply Chain & Operations Management

UNISA

Matric - Physical Sciences, Mathematics

Queensburgh Girls’ High School
AKHONA THABEDE Process & Chemical Operator | Junior Plant Operator | Industrial Operations