Maphofu Stephen Mokoaqo
Cape Town
Summary
Final-year Chemical Engineering student at University of Cape Town seeking Engineering Traineeship with manufacturing focus. Vacation work at Summerpride Foods supported process troubleshooting, equipment diagnosis, and adherence to standard operating procedures. Experience includes heat exchange, evaporation, and fluid-handling systems in FMCG and beverage production. Strong capability in root cause analysis and teamwork, with emphasis on process optimization.
Overview
1
1
year of professional experience
Work History
Process Engineering Vacation Student
Summerpride Foods
East London
11.2025 - 07.2026
- Supported process investigations and engineering improvement projects, contributing to enhanced operational outcomes.
- Researched Low Pressure Press (LPP) juice extraction system, diagnosing operating inefficiencies to inform future optimisation.
- Worked with engineering teams to improve operational efficiency.
- Compiled technical reports and engineering recommendations to guide decision-making and process enhancements.
- Studied Standard Operating Procedures and plant operating practices, and identified deviations during troubleshooting.
- Analysed pineapple juice concentration and processing operations.
- Observed operation of evaporators, heat exchangers, and pumps in a production environment.
- Participated in maintenance activities and plant inspections.
- Shadowed process engineers across manufacturing operations.
Education
BSc - Chemical Engineering
University of Cape Town
Cape Town11-2026
Skills
- Aspen Plus
- Python
- Scilab
- Data Analysis
- Process optimisation
- Root cause analysis
- Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Powerpoint)
- Technical writing
- Leadership teamwork
- Effective communication
- Highly Adaptable
- Self-directed learning
References
- Anthony, Albers, CEO, anthony@summerpride.co.za, Summerpride, East London
- Thato, Moroeroe, MRRTHA009@myuct.ac.za, LeSA UCT, Cape Town
Engineering Projects
Multi-effect falling film evaporator design, Bromelain extraction process design, Heat exchanger sizing and analysis, Process optimisation studies, Aspen Plus process simulations, Techno-economic evaluations, Equipment selection and design
Leadership
- Vice Chairperson – Lesotho Students' Association, University of Cape Town for 2026
- UCT Chemical engineering mentor for first year students for the year 2026
Accomplishments
- UCT Engineering Dean's Merit list for 3 consecutive years
- UCT LeSA society Vice chairperson for 2026 academic year
- UCT Chemical engineering mentor for first years
Timeline
Process Engineering Vacation Student
Summerpride Foods
11.2025 - 07.2026
BSc - Chemical Engineering
University of Cape Town