Patrick Kekana
Health, Safety, Environment & Quality Professional
Johannesburg
Summary
An accomplished Senior Strategic HSEQ Manager with over 20 years of experience in manufacturing and engineering, recognized for shaping ISO 9001-compliant Quality Management Systems and ensuring full alignment with Occupational Health, Safety, Environmental, and Sustainability governance standards. Demonstrated expertise in business continuity, risk management, audits, and certification oversight, while embedding ESG priorities into corporate strategy through stringent data validation, transparent reporting, and proactive monitoring of global trends and regulations. A trusted leader who engages stakeholders and strategically aligns HSEQ, and ESG objectives with governance frameworks to reinforce organizational resilience, catalyze innovation, and secure sustainable long-term value creation.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
5
5
Certifications
Work History
Regional EHS & Quality Manager
Franklin Electric SA
11.2022 - Current
- Lead and maintain the Integrated Management System (IMS) aligned to ISO 9001, ISO 14001 and ISO 45001 standards.
- Ensure compliance with the Occupational Health and Safety Act (85 of 1993), COIDA, Environmental legislation and local authority bylaws.
- Advise executive leadership on HSEQ legal responsibilities, statutory requirements, and risk exposure.
- Coordinate and lead internal audits, external certification audits, and government inspections.
- Maintain full legal appointment structure and statutory compliance registers.
- Oversee subcontractor safety compliance and contractor induction processes.
- Lead incident investigations, non-conformance analysis, corrective and preventative action implementation.
- Facilitate HSEQ Committee meetings, management reviews, emergency response drills and statutory inspections.
- Provide HSEQ performance reports, KPIs, and statistical analysis to management.
- Develop HSEQ training plans and coordinate competency requirements.
- Ensure proper documentation and record control in accordance with ISO and OHSAS standards.
- Drive continuous improvement initiatives aligned to corporate strategy and profitability.
- Oversee the collection, validation, and reconciliation of ESG metrics to ensure accuracy and integrity of reported data.
- Prepare, consolidate, and deliver sustainability reports in line with recognized frameworks and stakeholder expectations.
- Promote ESG awareness and engagement across the business, fostering a culture of responsibility and sustainability.
- Monitor emerging trends, technologies, and regulatory developments in the ESG landscape to proactively align business practices.
SHEQ Manager
Siyahamba Engineering
09.2015 - 10.2022
- Maintained and retained ISO 9001, ISO 14001 and ISO 45001 certifications.
- Ensured full SHE legal compliance through regular audits and corrective action programs.
- Developed and reviewed the Health & Safety Management System to reduce Injury-on-Duty cases.
- Managed statutory compliance including HIRA reviews, occupational hygiene, and environmental controls.
- Coordinated internal and external audits, including client and regulatory audits.
- Led corrective action tracking and CAPA implementation.
- Provided executive-level SHEQ performance reporting.
- Managed customer complaints, quality investigations and preventive action systems.
- Oversaw subcontractor compliance and quality assurance processes.
Quality Manager
Siyahamba Engineering
10.2013 - 08.2015
- Established, implemented and maintained the ISO 9001 Quality Management System (QMS) across the organization, ensuring full integration into operational processes and customer-specific requirements.
- Led the ISO 9001 certification process including documentation development, gap analysis, readiness assessments, and coordination of external certification audits.
- Coordinated and conducted internal and supplier audits to ensure compliance throughout the value chain.
- Implemented structured problem-solving methodologies including 8D, CAPA, FMEA, PDCA and Lean Manufacturing initiatives.
- Managed change control processes within the QMS ensuring all process changes were documented, risk assessed and communicated.
- Identified process gaps and drove continuous improvement initiatives to enhance product quality, operational efficiency and customer satisfaction.
- Prepared and presented monthly QMS performance reports to executive management including trend analysis and improvement plans.
- Managed departmental budget and resource allocation to ensure cost-effective quality assurance operations.
Quality Technician
Procter & Gamble
07.2008 - 10.2013
- Supported development, implementation and maintenance of QMS aligned to global corporate standards and GMP requirements.
- Conducted laboratory and production testing of raw materials, packaging and finished products to ensure specification compliance.
- Led root cause analysis investigations using CAPA, 8D and FMEA methodologies to resolve non-conformances and customer complaints.
- Performed internal quality audits and participated in supplier audits to strengthen quality assurance across the supply chain.
- Analyzed quality data to identify trends and systemic failures, enabling proactive risk mitigation and process control improvements.
- Ensured compliance with OHS Act requirements and internal safety procedures within laboratory and production environments.
- Trained production and quality teams on SOPs, quality standards and regulatory requirements.
Test Officer
SABS
06.2006 - 06.2008
- Conducted technical product testing for compliance with ISO, SANS and regulatory standards within the Mechanical Department.
- Performed specialized testing including compression, vibration, corrosion, hydrostatic pressure, pneumatic pressure, and endurance testing.
- Ensured laboratory compliance with ISO/IEC 17025 quality system requirements and SANAS accreditation standards.
- Compiled detailed technical reports documenting test results, analysis and compliance outcomes.
- Maintained calibration and maintenance schedules for laboratory equipment to ensure accuracy and reliability of test results.
- Engaged with clients regarding testing requirements and technical clarifications to ensure regulatory conformity.
Education
Master of Business Administration - NQF 9
Wits Business School
Johannesburg, South Africa01-2027
Postgraduate Diploma in Business Administration - NQF 8
Wits Business School
Johannesburg, South Africa01-2025
B Tech Industrial Engineering - NQF 7
Tshwane University of Technology
Tshwane, South Africa01-2014
National Diploma Mechanical Engineering - NQF 6
Tshwane University of Technology
Tshwane, South Africa01-2007
SKILLS / KEY COMPETENCIES
- Integrated HSEQ Management Systems Development & Control
- OHS Act (85 of 1993) & Environmental Legal Compliance
- ISO 9001, ISO 14001 & ISO 45001 Implementation & Audit Leadership
- Internal & External Audit Coordination
- Incident Investigation, CAPA & Preventative Action Planning
- Subcontractor & Stakeholder Management
- Risk Assessments (HIRA) & Safe Work Procedures
- Emergency Preparedness & Compliance Drills
- Executive Reporting
- Quality Management Systems Governance
- Continuous Improvement & Operational Excellence
- HSEQ Data Analysis & Statistical Reporting
- Training, Induction & Competency Development
Certification
Fundamental Management Programme | UNISA Graduate SBL | 2017
References
Professional references are available upon request
Timeline
Regional EHS & Quality Manager
Franklin Electric SA
11.2022 - Current
SHEQ Manager
Siyahamba Engineering
09.2015 - 10.2022
Quality Manager
Siyahamba Engineering
10.2013 - 08.2015
Quality Technician
Procter & Gamble
07.2008 - 10.2013
Test Officer
SABS
06.2006 - 06.2008
Master of Business Administration - NQF 9
Wits Business School
Postgraduate Diploma in Business Administration - NQF 8
Wits Business School
B Tech Industrial Engineering - NQF 7
Tshwane University of Technology
National Diploma Mechanical Engineering - NQF 6
Tshwane University of Technology