Helgaard Bezuidenhout
Valve And Damper Automation
Pretoria
Summary
Highly skilled Electrical Technician and Workshop Manager with over 18 years of experience in the mining and power industry across South Africa, Mozambique, Swaziland, Uganda, Kenya, and Botswana. Expertise in commissioning, troubleshooting, and maintaining Auma and Sipos actuators, motor control centers (MCCs), and automation systems, including Profibus, Modbus, and Ethernet networks. Demonstrated leadership as Site Supervisor and Workshop Manager, successfully leading multi-year maintenance contracts at Majuba and Kusile Power Stations, improving repair turnaround and ensuring safety compliance.
Proficient in PLC programming, SolidWorks 3D design, and Arduino-based automation projects, complemented by an Advanced Diploma in Instrumentation and Automation (EIT, 2024) and Electrician Trade Test Certificate (CTC, 2008). Adept at training teams, managing client relations, and delivering projects on time and within budget, with a proven track record of enhancing operational efficiency and reliability in demanding industrial environments. Seasoned Workshop Manager versed in allocating resources, coordinating workload and maintaining schedules. Effective at managing supplies and providing technical expertise to employees.
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
10
10
years of post-secondary education
2
2
Languages
Work History
Workshop Manager & Site Supervisor
Naledi Trading
Springs
02.2015 - Current
- Company Overview: Auma SA
- Commission, test, and troubleshoot Auma and Sipos electric actuators, automating valves and dampers across mines, power stations, and pump stations in South Africa, Mozambique, Swaziland, Uganda, Kenya and Botswana.
- Set and calibrate 4-20mA feedback/command signals, service actuators, and ensure quality control for dispatched units.
- Promoted to Workshop Manager/Site Supervisor (July 2016), leading 5-year maintenance contracts at Majuba (2016-2021) and Kusile (2022) Power Stations: Designed and commissioned 380V test benches, restructured workshops, and managed stock control, improving repair turnaround by 30%.
- Trained Eskom staff, maintained client relations, and compiled safety documentation, ensuring compliance with site regulations.
- Sized, quoted, and retrofitted actuators, integrating Profibus, Modbus, and Ethernet Actuators for enhanced automation.
- Since June 2022, provide technical site support at Auma HQ, designing control circuits, troubleshooting, and training clients on actuator systems.
Site Supervisor/Technician
Eaton Electrical
Witbank
08.2010 - 03.2015
- Company Overview: CHI Control
- Built, wired, and tested MCCs, incorporating VSDs, soft starters, and PLCs for mining and power station applications.
- Promoted to Site Supervisor (January 2013), overseeing installation and commissioning of control systems at pump stations and mines.
- Programmed EZ relay PLCs and conducted fault-finding, reducing downtime by 25% on critical equipment.
- Managed logistics and safety compliance, delivering projects on time and within budget.
- CHI Control
Technician (Temporary)
Siemens
Witbank
08.2010 - 08.2010
- Wired junction boxes, actuators, and thermocouples at Komati Power Station, laying UVG and armoured cables.
- Supported control and supply circuit installations, meeting project deadlines.
Electrician
AVC Witbank
Witbank
12.2005 - 07.2010
- Commissioned and serviced Auma actuators, motorizing valves and dampers at mines and power stations.
- Performed torque testing, fault-finding, and 4-20mA signal calibration, ensuring operational reliability.
- Installed actuators across diverse industrial sites, adhering to safety and quality standards.
Head of Deliveries & Stock Control
Longleat Estate
Warminster
04.2005 - 11.2005
- Longleat Estate
- Managed inventory and delivery operations, optimizing stock levels and ensuring timely distribution.
- Self-motivated, with a strong sense of personal responsibility.
- Assisted with day-to-day operations, working efficiently and productively with all team members.
Technician (Temporary)
Raysonics
Witbank
05.2004 - 10.2004
- Conducted non-destructive testing (NDT) and wall thickness assessments at Matla and Kendal Power Stations.
Student Technician
Ukwazi Engineering
Middelburg
12.2003 - 01.2004
- Assisted in assembling and repairing transformers during holiday work.
Education
Advanced Diploma - Instrumentation and Automation
Engineering Institute of Technology (EIT)
EIT 03.2023 - 10.2024
Electrician Trade Test Certificate - Electrician
Colliery Training College (CTC)
Witbank, South Africa 01.2005 - 01.2008
N3 - Microsoft
Computer Practice
Middelburg College 05.2002 - 07.2002
Grade 12 - Afrikaans, English, Mathematics, Science, Technical Drawing, Motor Mechanics
Highschool Kanonkop
Middelburg 01.2000 - 12.2004
Skills
- Arduino programming
- SolidWorks 3D design
- PLC programming
- Network configuration
- 3D printing
- Woodworking
- Metalwork
- Problem-solving
- Precision skills
- Equipment troubleshooting
- Workshop organization
- Scheduling and planning
Personal Information
- Citizenship: South African
- Driving License: Code 08
Timeline
Advanced Diploma - Instrumentation and Automation
Engineering Institute of Technology (EIT)
03.2023 - 10.2024
Workshop Manager & Site Supervisor
Naledi Trading
02.2015 - Current
Site Supervisor/Technician
Eaton Electrical
08.2010 - 03.2015
Technician (Temporary)
Siemens
08.2010 - 08.2010
Electrician
AVC Witbank
12.2005 - 07.2010
Head of Deliveries & Stock Control
Longleat Estate
04.2005 - 11.2005
Electrician Trade Test Certificate - Electrician
Colliery Training College (CTC)
01.2005 - 01.2008
Technician (Temporary)
Raysonics
05.2004 - 10.2004
Student Technician
Ukwazi Engineering
12.2003 - 01.2004
N3 - Microsoft
Computer Practice
05.2002 - 07.2002
Grade 12 - Afrikaans, English, Mathematics, Science, Technical Drawing, Motor Mechanics
Highschool Kanonkop
01.2000 - 12.2004
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