Makereke Molefe
SCADA Engineer
Johannesburg
Summary
A results-driven SCADA Engineer with depth experience in leading Power Systems SCADA projects, which includes design, implementation and commissioning of Power Systems SCADA and HMI development projects that I gained through my involvement in various Municipality substation and renewable projects conducted within South Africa.
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
5
5
Certifications
Work History
Enel Green Power
Enel Green Power SA
10.2021 - Current
- Providing a day-to-day technical support of SCADA systems across multiple plants, ensuring high availability, reliability, and data integrity.
- Involved in Grid Code and NRS compliance activities by executing configuration changes, data mapping, and functional testing of plant SCADA systems.
- Configuring and testing GE D20 RTUs to enable seamless, reliable data exchange with Eskom National and Regional Control Centers.
- Conducting SCADA design reviews, assessing network architectures, integration capabilities, and cybersecurity controls to safeguard performance and compliance.
- Providing technical support to O&M teams, enhancing alarm management, data quality, and real-time system availability while streamlining troubleshooting and integration.
- Developing technical documentation and scopes of work to guide procurement, upgrades, and enhancements of SCADA systems.
- Collaborating with IT/OT teams to upgrade legacy operating systems, perform first-line network diagnostics, apply security patches, and manage OT access in line with cybersecurity policies.
- Hardening SCADA environments by applying security patches, managing OT access rights, and enforcing cybersecurity policies in line with corporate standards.
- Performing first-line network diagnostics, resolving communication bottlenecks and collaborating with network specialists to restore connectivity.
- Supervising SCADA project schedules and deliverables, ensuring contractual milestones, compliance obligations, and payment triggers were achieved on time.
- Managing vendor and service provider contracts, monitoring SLAs, validating deliverables, and optimizing costs for SCADA operations and support services.
- Managing contract activities through SAP ERP, creating PRs, POs, and SESs to support project execution and long-term maintenance agreements.
Electrical Technologist
Zutari
04.2018 - 09.2021
- Designed complete LV Motor Control Centres (MCCs), ensuring compliance with operational and safety standards.
- Prepared MV cable and termination schedules, supporting accurate installation and system reliability.
- Reviewed and approved SCADA Functional Design Specifications (FDS), ensuring alignment with project requirements and industry standards.
- Led MV switchgear Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT) and commissioning, including point-to-point testing, mechanical and electrical functional, and secondary injection testing.
Junior SCADA Engineer
Conco Energy Solutions
02.2016 - 03.2018
- Drafted and compiled Functional Design Specifications (FDS), FAT/SAT procedures, and End-of-Job documentation for multiple SCADA and substation automation projects, ensuring full compliance with client requirements and industry standards.
- Designed and implemented communication networks (Client/Server, Master/Slave, and peer-to-peer device architectures), enabling secure and reliable real-time data exchange across plant and control systems.
- Configured and commissioned Human Machine Interfaces (HMIs) such as Citect HMI, GE D400 built-in HMI, and Survalent HMI, delivering intuitive operator dashboards with alarms, trends, and control functions to enhance situational awareness.
- Led the design, configuration, and commissioning of SCADA and substation automation systems (SEL RTAC, Subnet, GE D400, ABB RTUs, Survalent SCADA), ensuring seamless integration of field devices and compliance with operational requirements.
- Integrated Intelligent Electronic Devices (IEDs) from SEL, ABB, and Siemens using IEC 61850, GOOSE messaging, MMS channels, as well as legacy and IP-based protocols including DNP3 Serial/TCP/IP, Modbus Serial/TCP/IP, and IEC 60870-5-101/103/104.
- Configured network switches (SEL, ABB, and Moxa) and secure communication protocols for SCADA interoperability and remote automation using RSTP, VLANs, and TCP/IP addressing.
- Directed and facilitated client FAT and SAT sessions, presenting system functionality, resolving technical issues in real time, and securing formal client approval for project acceptance and handover.
Engineer-In-Training
Conco Energy Solutions
02.2015 - 01.2016
- Configured protection relays using software tools such as Architect, RTAC, and Quickset, ensuring accurate settings and reliable system performance.
- Set up and commissioned communication networks for SCADA systems, including reading relays and transmitting CID files for seamless device integration.
- Troubleshot equipment and software faults, diagnosing issues and implementing corrective actions to restore full operational functionality.
- Developed and configured HMI displays, including calculated points, analog signals scaling, and interface design, to improve operator visibility and usability.
- Prepared detailed technical reports and project handover documentation, ensuring stakeholders received complete records of configuration, testing, and commissioning activities.
P1 & P2 Trainee
Conco Energy Solutions
02.2014 - 01.2015
- Fitted and wired control and protection relay panels, ensuring compliance with design specifications and industry standards.
- Conducted point-to-point testing of protection schemes independently and under supervision, verifying circuit integrity and functionality.
- Performed AC/DC continuity checks and primary injection testing on panel wiring to validate protection and control system performance.
- Configured relay logic using SEL Quickset for breaker simulator applications, enabling accurate testing and validation of protection schemes.
- Supported Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT) by simulating SCADA points from protection schemes, ensuring seamless integration between field devices and control systems.
Laboratory assistance
Durban University of Technology
07.2013 - 11.2013
- Coordinated and conducted laboratory exercises, providing instruction and guidance to students under the supervision of the course professor.
- Prepared laboratory setups for practical sessions and examinations, ensuring equipment and materials were ready and aligned with course requirements.
- Assisted students individually and in groups, supporting understanding of lab procedures.
- Monitored and maintained laboratory facilities, updating equipment and ensuring a safe, functional, and well-organized learning environment.
Education
Postgraduate Diploma - Business Administration
University of The Witwatersrand
Johannesburg 04.2001 -
Bachelor of Technology - Electrical Engineering
Tshwane University of Technology
Pretoria, South Africa 04.2001 -
National Diploma - Electrical Engineering
Durban University of Technology
Durban 04.2001 -
Skills
- Design and integration of SCADA Systems
- Communication Protocols Integration
- Human Machine Interface (HMI) development
- Testing and commissioning of SCADA systems
- Project Management & Leadership
- Technical Reporting & Documentation
- Relay Protection & Panel Wiring
- Contract Management
Certification
IEC 61850 Fundamentals and Application
Additional Information
Notable Contributions:
- RTU configuration, testing and commissioning
- SCADA Systems design and integration
- Human Machine Interface development
- Leading FAT and SAT
- Full documentation handover
Nojoli and Gibson Bay Wind Farm
Role: Substation SCADA system integrator
- System integration of substation secondary plant schemes for renewable energy projects. Functional areas include IEC 61850 substation automation, auxiliary power systems, metering, and telecommunications.
- Implementation of communications and data interfaces between substation control systems and renewable energy facility SCADA and control systems using IEC 61850 substation automation, Modbus and DNP 3 for auxiliary equipment and IEC 104 for WTG SCADA system interface.
- Conducted internal and client Factory Acceptance Testing and Site Acceptance Testing
- Prepared as-built drawings and technical documentation including testing and commissioning reports, operator training manuals for a project hand handover documentation.
Uganda Impanga and Rugonjo Substations:
Role: Lead Engineer
- Development of Functional Design Specifications, Detail Design Specification, FAT and SAT and operational manual documentation.
- SCADA and HMI design and integration using DNP 3 and performed Factory Acceptance Testing.
- Prepared as-built drawings and technical documentation including testing and commissioning reports, operator training manuals for a project hand handover documentation purpose.
Lehea and Mondeor City Power Substation:
Role: SCADA Technician
- Development of Functional Design Specifications, Detailed Design Specifications, Factory Acceptance Test Documents (including detailed IEC 61850 conformance testing), operator training manuals.
- Design and implementation communication network and configuration of IP addresses for substation devices.
- Design engineering and integration engineering of the plant SCADA architecture and communications network.
- Design and integration engineering of the substation automation system using IEC 61850.
- Design engineering and integration engineering of the substation and plant-wide communications systems using Ethernet.
- Perform Factory Acceptance Testing on Substation Computing Platform and IEC 61850 software conformance (MMS client, MMS server, GOOSE, data modelling, etc.) including handover documentation.
Ekurhuleni Metropolitan 11/3.3kV Tech college distribution substation
Role: Lead Engineer Assistant
- SCADA and HMI design and integration engineering of the substation automation system using IEC 61850 and DNP 3. Protocols.
- Conducted internal and client Site Acceptance Testing.
- Prepared as-built drawings and technical documentation including testing and commissioning reports, operator training manuals for a project hand handover documentation.
Timeline
Enel Green Power
Enel Green Power SA
10.2021 - Current
Electrical Technologist
Zutari
04.2018 - 09.2021
Junior SCADA Engineer
Conco Energy Solutions
02.2016 - 03.2018
Engineer-In-Training
Conco Energy Solutions
02.2015 - 01.2016
P1 & P2 Trainee
Conco Energy Solutions
02.2014 - 01.2015
Laboratory assistance
Durban University of Technology
07.2013 - 11.2013
Postgraduate Diploma - Business Administration
University of The Witwatersrand
04.2001 -
Bachelor of Technology - Electrical Engineering
Tshwane University of Technology
04.2001 -
National Diploma - Electrical Engineering
Durban University of Technology
04.2001 -