Sakhile Natalis Mvelase
Verulam,KZN
Summary
Dynamic Project Engineer with over 20 years of extensive experience in government and private sector infrastructure, currently contributing to the Department of Education in KwaZulu-Natal. Professionally registered with the Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA) and holding a diploma in project management (NQF 6), complemented by ongoing professional development. Expertise includes electrical and industrial automation, design reviews for new and refurbishment projects, management of site project execution contractors, quality assurance, contracts management, and execution of FAT, testing, and commissioning. Recognized for fostering collaboration and independent thinking, strong stakeholder management skills, and a steadfast commitment to achieving results while leading large-scale initiatives, including a R300 million project with a diverse team of over 50 professionals.
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
Work History
Electrical Engineer
Department Of Education
03.2024 - Current
- Analyzed consultant-submitted electrical infrastructure design data packs, providing critical feedback for design optimization.
- Performed thorough evaluations of electrical infrastructure assets to generate comprehensive bills of quantities for necessary repairs or replacements.
- Coordinated and executed electrical maintenance tasks to ensure safety and functionality in 12 district offices and schools.
- Delivered thorough evaluations of solar system design data packs, resulting in enhanced design integrity and project success. Identified and resolved design inconsistencies, contributing to improved project timelines and stakeholder satisfaction. Fostered a culture of continuous improvement in data review processes, leading to increased operational efficiency.
- Resolved metering issues through strategic partnerships with service providers to ensure reliable service delivery.
- Evaluated energy management systems to identify areas for improvement and optimize performance.
- Conducted comprehensive reviews of water management systems to ensure compliance with regulatory standards.
- Conducted systematic deloading of transformers to optimize energy savings and operational performance.
- Evaluated generator design data packs to support project development and enhance operational efficiency.
- Coordinated infrastructure project verifications and effectively managed snag lists to facilitate timely project completion.
Electrical Engineer Consultant
Sakhilengoza Cc
08.2023 - 02.2024
- Executed condition assessments on electrical assets, focusing on safety compliance and efficiency optimization.
- Performed detailed evaluations of energy consumption patterns to enhance sustainability initiatives.
- Achieved design optimization through thorough review processes that identified critical improvements. Enhanced project outcomes by facilitating effective communication among design teams and stakeholders. Drove innovation by integrating feedback into design iterations.
- Mentored junior engineers on best practices in electrical design and system optimization.
Professional Service Provider (PSP) Electrical Engineer
Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA)
04.2023 - 07.2023
- Contributed to discussions in provincial meetings aimed at enhancing electricity wheeling strategies.
- Advised 12 district municipalities on interpreting consultant reports related to sustainability and energy savings, ensuring clarity and effective implementation.
- Reviewed progress reports to ensure alignment with project objectives and timelines.
- Coordinated weekly stakeholder meetings to evaluate advancements toward defined workstream goals.
- Facilitated collaboration among stakeholders to develop and implement strategies for mitigating load shedding impacts.
- Coordinated efforts to assist municipalities in achieving grid code compliance and resolving NERSA audit findings.
Professional Service Provider (PSP) Project execution Engineer or Construction and monitoring Control and Instrumentation
Rand Water
03.2020 - 03.2023
- Project execution engineer on substations automation package, fiber optic, ethernet, PLC panels FAT, PLC SCADA HMI FAT, Compressor plant package, Lime plant package, Silica plant package, Inlet works package, Sludge bridge package, Sludge plant Package, Filter plant package, Online laboratory package.
- Delivery, SIT, Installation, testing, commissioning, training approval
- Snags management and closeout
- Practical completion and completion
- Quality control documentation reviews and approvals (QCP, ITP, As-built, Operations and maintenance, etc.)
- Project progress management
- Conflicts management
Electrical Engineer Consultant
Sakhilengoza Cc
05.2019 - 02.2020
- Evaluated electrical assets to ensure operational efficiency and safety.
- Analyzed energy usage data and recommended strategies for reducing costs and improving efficiency.
- Achieved successful design outcomes by facilitating comprehensive design reviews. Enhanced project quality through effective identification and resolution of design issues. Drove continuous improvement in design processes, resulting in increased efficiency and stakeholder engagement.
- Oversaw mentorship programs to foster talent development and enhance team capabilities. Cultivated a supportive environment for knowledge sharing and professional growth. Championed initiatives that promoted continuous learning and skill enhancement.
Engineering Manager
NECSA/NTP (Pty)
12.2017 - 04.2019
- Appointed nuclear facility design authority
- Configuration management and drawing office
- Events and occurrence investigations
- Optimization and modifications
- Continuous improvement
- Change control management
- Energy and water savings
- Projects engineering and resource management
- Departmental finance budget formulation and control
- Asset management
- Guidance to maintenance department
Projects/Engineering Manager
Sakhilengozwa CC
04.2015 - 11.2017
- Energy efficient motor sizing and replacement on coal laboratory extraction fans
- Lighting design and replacement
- Supply, installed and commissioned VSD
- Renewable energy technical assessment
- Project management and engineering
- Installation hold point assessment approval and snag list management
- Demand side energy and efficiency management
- Inspections, documentation, compliance to standards and adherence to procedures
- Asset management (audits, verification and evaluation)
Construction Project Manager
Dynamic Instruments (Pty)
11.2013 - 03.2015
- All project manager functions as described in PMBok { Human Resource Management, Budget Control, Project Planning and execution, Project Risk Management, Stakeholders Management, SHEQ Management, Project Monitoring and Control And Logistics Management}
- Oversee the construction project from start to finish.
- Perform a key role in project planning, budgeting, and identification of resources needed.
- Create the teams, develop the objectives/goals of each and assign individual responsibilities.
- Project accounting functions including managing the budget, tracking if team expenses and minimizing exposure and risk in the project
- Ensure that construction activities move according to predetermined schedule.
- Devise the project work plans and make revisions as and when need arises.
- Communicate effectively with the contractors responsible for completing various phases of the project.
- Co-ordinate the efforts of all parties involved in the project, which include the consultants, contractors, sub-contractors and laborers.
- Monitor the progress of the construction activities on a regular basis and hold regular status meetings with all the sub-teams.
- Maintain strict adherence to the budgetary guidelines, quality and safety standards.
- Periodic inspection of construction sites and ensure project documents are complete.
- Identify the elements of project design and construction likely to give rise to disputes and claims.
- Serve as a key link with the clients and review the deliverable prepared by the team before passing onto client.
Senior C & I System Engineer/Manager
Eskom
05.2011 - 10.2013
- Resolved intricate challenges to enhance system integration.
- Achieved significant improvements in operational processes through thorough root cause analysis and detailed reporting. Delivered actionable insights that informed strategic decision-making and drove continuous improvement initiatives. Enhanced team performance by implementing solutions derived from analysis.
- Compiled specific outage scope of work, outlining key tasks and responsibilities.
- Monitored compliance with commercial and procurement protocols to support organizational objectives.
- Offered detailed engineering recommendations to address complex challenges.
- Oversaw project execution as technical lead to ensure alignment with strategic objectives.
- Oversaw engineering assurance processes, focusing on risk management and quality control.
- Coordinated support for maintenance teams to enhance service efficiency.
- Formulated strategic proposals aimed at improving efficiency and productivity within plant operations.
- Conducted regular safety assessments to uphold a safe and compliant environment.
- Compiled and presented progress reports to enhance management's decision-making process.
- Facilitated skill enhancement and professional growth for junior engineers to strengthen team capabilities.
- Directed departmental personnel and optimized resource utilization to enhance operational efficiency.
- Designed and implemented engineering strategies aimed at enhancing interdepartmental cooperation.
C & I Project Engineer
Eskom Kriel Power Station
02.2009 - 04.2011
- Project feasibility assessment
- Interpreting user requirement specifications with intention to develop works information documents
- Compilation of works information, tender documents and request for budget quotes from Suppliers
- Review of program schedule and progress to ensure alignment to objectives and goals
- Review and approval of designs
- Manage technical team by ensuring compliance to contractual obligations
- Provide technical support to project management team
- Integration management
- Tender evaluations
- Project assessment for quality control and payment scheduling
- Project communication and facilitating between Management
E, C & I Project Engineer
VWS ENVIG (Pty) Ltd (Viola Water Pty)
06.2008 - 01.2009
- Performed detailed analyses of project feasibility to inform strategic decision-making processes.
- Interpreting user requirement specifications with intention to develop works information documents
- Compilation of works information, tender documents and request for budget quotes from Suppliers
- Review of program schedule and progress to ensure alignment to objectives and goals
- Review and approval of designs
- Manage technical team by ensuring compliance to contractual obligations
- Provide technical support to project management team
- Integration management
- Tender evaluations
- Project assessment for quality control and payment scheduling
- Project communication and facilitating between Management
Graduate Engineer
Umgeni Water
03.2005 - 05.2008
- Maintenance, project engineering and management
- Implement modifications and ensure that the requirements fall within the scope of the regulations.
- Identifying the weaknesses in and improve the efficiency of the asset management function.
- Investigate causes of breakdowns and failures of other work standards.
- Eliminate non-conformance to the quality system due to compliance failures.
- Liaise with customers and consultants regarding the design and installation of different key projects.
- Motivate for turnkey projects to stakeholders – renewable cogeneration.
- Project management and engineering.
- Safety systems – chemical scrubber plant.
- Performing decommissioning, asset disposal, FAT, new system installation, SIT, commissioning and handover in the presence of contractors and Clients
- Point of contact for stakeholders during defect period and payments to Contractors and Consultants.
- Feasibility studies on energy savings methodologies.
Education
No Degree - Project Management
Durban Institute of Technology
Pietermaritzburg01.2007
BSc. - Electrical Engineering
University of KwaZulu/Natal
Durban01.2004
Skills
- Critical thinking
- Electrical engineering standards
- Team leadership
- Installation oversight
- Specification compliance
- Project Engineering Management
- Energy management solutions
- Electrical safety compliance
- Quality assurance
- Project management
- Renewable energy systems
- Industrial automation
References
Rorisang, Lekonyane, Director, rorisang@leshapeconsult.co.za, 079 039 3666, LeShape Consulting
Some Career Projects
New schools’ designs and construction, 100 kVA solar designs and installation, Energy demand assessments and solutions installation, NERSA compliance within municipalities, Rand Water 600Ml/d water treatment plant construction, Municipality metering audits, revenue improvement and smart metering., Kusile Power station construction management, Fire detection system upgrade, Ash Water Return Pumping Upgrade - Budge Pump Station, Reclamation Dam Pump Upgrade, C & I Common Plant Refurbishment, Plant Information Management System (PI), Substation automation (RTU 61850), Ambatovy Ammonia Sulphate Plant design, PLC, Soft starts, VSD Upgrade, Automation of Sewage Plant Inlet, Water Sales Meter Installation, Cathodic Protection (pipe protection), Improve integrity of Lightning Protection, reservoirs, substations, etc., Capacity upgrade of Incomer Switchgear
Training
PMP preparation training
Timeline
Electrical Engineer
Department Of Education
03.2024 - Current
Electrical Engineer Consultant
Sakhilengoza Cc
08.2023 - 02.2024
Professional Service Provider (PSP) Electrical Engineer
Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA)
04.2023 - 07.2023
Professional Service Provider (PSP) Project execution Engineer or Construction and monitoring Control and Instrumentation
Rand Water
03.2020 - 03.2023
Electrical Engineer Consultant
Sakhilengoza Cc
05.2019 - 02.2020
Engineering Manager
NECSA/NTP (Pty)
12.2017 - 04.2019
Projects/Engineering Manager
Sakhilengozwa CC
04.2015 - 11.2017
Construction Project Manager
Dynamic Instruments (Pty)
11.2013 - 03.2015
Senior C & I System Engineer/Manager
Eskom
05.2011 - 10.2013
C & I Project Engineer
Eskom Kriel Power Station
02.2009 - 04.2011
E, C & I Project Engineer
VWS ENVIG (Pty) Ltd (Viola Water Pty)
06.2008 - 01.2009
Graduate Engineer
Umgeni Water
03.2005 - 05.2008
BSc. - Electrical Engineering
University of KwaZulu/Natal
No Degree - Project Management
Durban Institute of Technology