Mzwakhe John Shongwe
Emalahleni
Summary
Dynamic Senior Field Operator with extensive experience at GE Vernova, excelling in troubleshooting and optimizing flue gas desulphurization processes. Proven leadership in supervising teams and enhancing operational efficiency. Proficient in SCADA and DCS systems, with a strong focus on safety and regulatory compliance. Committed to driving innovation in solar energy operations.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Senior Field Operator
GE Vernova (Xpert Trade & Industrial Services)
Emalahleni
03.2024 - Current
- Document operational activities for regulatory reporting requirements.
- Troubleshoot system faults by analysing instrumentation readings and making necessary adjustments.
- Maintain and operate heavy equipment such as pumps, agitators, compressors, oxidation blowers and absorbers(scrubbers) to ensure optimal flue gas desulphurisation process.
- Supervise junior field operators and oversee their operations.
- Identify defects and raise notifications via Flip or SAP and follow up by liaising with other departments.
Shift Manager
Abengoa Solar South Africa
Poffader
03.2017 - 06.2022
- Monitored inventory levels and placed orders for supplies as needed.
- Developed and maintained positive working relationships with staff, customers, and vendors.
- Inspected work areas regularly for cleanliness and organisation’s standards.
- Responsible for electrical and mechanical isolations and issuing PTW and LOTO.
- Attended KPI meetings.
- Approved or disapproved newly generated procedures.
- Investigated causes of load or production loss, compiled reports and report to the operations and plant managers.
- Insured staff attendance and updated shift calendar daily.
- Generated health and safety reports, load loss primary and preliminary reports.
- Assisted CROs and power block operators with operational ideas.
- Moderate performance of all subordinates.
- Communicate with Eskom in the events of difficulties with load instabilities.
- Participated with interviews.
Control Room Operator
Abengoa Solar South Africa
Poffader
07.2014 - 02.2022
- Operated a concentrating solar plant using Scada and DCS such as ABB, Siemens and Meteo.
- Kept a constant operation of WWTP/WTP, steam turbine, water &steam cycle, steam generator, turbo generator, main HTF pumps, Boilers, ullage& HTF system and PTC solar field.
- Performed plant start up and shutdown following the procedures
- Maintained good communication with outside operators.
- Prepared reports summarizing production activities for management review.
- Developed detailed documentation outlining procedures for operating control room equipment.
Senior Control Room Operator
Abengoa Solar South Africa
Poffeder
01.2016 - 03.2017
- Performed root cause analysis investigations into production issues related to process controls.
- Operated advanced control systems including Distributed Control Systems, Programmable Logic Controllers, Supervisory Control And Data Acquisition systems.
- Participated in training sessions to stay up-to-date on current technologies used in the control room environment.
- Oversaw the work of control room operators.
- Acted as shift manager on their absence.
Plant Operator
ArcelorMittal
Newcastle
07.2010 - 07.2014
- Supported research initiatives related to improving existing methods or processes of purifying the coke even gas and production of crude tar, benzol and ammonium sulphate.
- Operated and monitored equipment such a tar separators, pumps, benzol and tar storage, primary coolers, Electric Tar Precipitators, scrubbers, centrifuges, distillation columns and heat exchangers.
- Participate on PTW and LOTO as an appointed person.
- Perform pre-start checks after maintenance works.
- Performed plant inspection and monitoring.
- Identify defects around the plant.
Education
Power Academy Certificate - SPPA-T3000 Operation & Monitoring
Siemens Power Academy
Emalahleni11-2020
NQF3 - Metals Production, Manufacturing & Engineering
ArcelorMittal Learnership Academy
Newcastle 06-2015
High School Diploma -
Sekusile High Scholl
Newcastle 12-2009
Skills
- Computer Skills: Microsoft, Scada, DCS, PLC
- Errears of expertise: Solar Energy, operations shift management, Gas purificatio, Fluegas Desulphurization, Emergency Responses
- Operations: Power generation, Metals Industry, commissioning methods, Leadership qualities
Languages
English
First Language
English
Proficient (C2)
C2
Certification
- Legal Liabilities for Supervisor
- Hazardous Chemical Substances and Agents according to OHSA and Regulations
- Hazards Identification and risk assessment
- Incident investigation using root cause analysis techniques ( RCAT)
- Planned task observation job safety analysis.
- Compensation for occupational injuries and diseases act 130 of 1993
- Occupational health and safety act construction regulations 2014
- Inspection of fall, use of fall arrest equipment, rescue techniques, self rescue techniques, suspension trauma, covering US 229995
- Work in confined spaces rescue techniques
- Fire-watch training
- First Aid level 2
Accomplishments
- Commissioned and operated the first solar plant in South Africa for 9 years. Initially employed as a CRO and promoted to Senior CRO and again promoted to Operations Shift Manager.
- Participated on recommissioning of the Eskom Kusile FGD plant.
Affiliations
- Kaxu Solar One CSP commissioning.
References
References available upon request.
Shongwe Interest
Power generation.
Production and manufacturing
Timeline
Senior Field Operator
GE Vernova (Xpert Trade & Industrial Services)
03.2024 - Current
Shift Manager
Abengoa Solar South Africa
03.2017 - 06.2022
Senior Control Room Operator
Abengoa Solar South Africa
01.2016 - 03.2017
Control Room Operator
Abengoa Solar South Africa
07.2014 - 02.2022
Plant Operator
ArcelorMittal
07.2010 - 07.2014
Power Academy Certificate - SPPA-T3000 Operation & Monitoring
Siemens Power Academy
NQF3 - Metals Production, Manufacturing & Engineering
ArcelorMittal Learnership Academy
High School Diploma -
Sekusile High Scholl