THABO NHLAPO
New Age Engineering Solutions
Zamdela
3
Languages
1
Certification
12
years of professional experience
Skilled Mechanical and Turbine Fitter with over 10 years in plant maintenance and turbine servicing within heavy industry. Expertise in preventive and corrective maintenance, pump and gearbox overhauls, and hydraulic systems. Focused on maximising plant reliability and equipment performance while adhering to safety standards.
Work History
Mechanical Supervisor
1 Month- Supervise the maintenance, installation, dismantling, inspection, and testing of pressure safety valves (PSVs), isolation valves (XVs), and associated mechanical equipment.
- Coordinate valve pressure testing, inspection, box-up, installation, and reinstatement activities, ensuring compliance with technical specifications and quality requirements.
- Supervise and coordinate mechanical maintenance activities, ensuring work is completed safely, efficiently, and in accordance with engineering standards and site procedures.
- Plan, allocate, and monitor daily mechanical tasks, coordinating artisans, fitters, riggers, and other personnel to achieve maintenance and shutdown targets.
- Ensure compliance with Permit to Work (PTW), Lockout/Tagout (LOTO), risk assessments, toolbox talks, and site health, safety, and environmental requirements.
- Verify work quality, ensure correct tools and equipment are used, and confirm that completed jobs meet required engineering and operational standards.
- Monitored job progress, identified delays, resolved technical challenges, and provided regular progress reports to management and client representatives, ensuring timely project delivery.
- Maintained accurate job records, work completion updates, and outstanding-work lists, supporting effective shutdown planning and reporting.
- Promoted teamwork, accountability, and continuous improvement, maintaining high standards of workmanship and mechanical integrity.
Turbine Fitter
1 Month- Removed, inspected, cleaned and measured rotors.
- Checked rotor run-out and alignment before commissioning.
- Removed and replaced damaged rotor blades.
- Ensured correct blade clearances.
- Removed, inspected and installed blade carriers.
- Checked clearances to ensure efficient airflow.
- Removed, inspected, cleaned and installed journal and thrust bearings.
- Removed and reinstalled top casing safely.
- Inspected mating surfaces and dowels.
- Replaced gaskets and seals.
- Executed preventive maintenance on air compressors to ensure optimal performance and reliability.
- Coordinated daily operations and team activities to maintain seamless workflow and adherence to safety protocols.
Senior Mechanical Fitter
8 Years- Conducted mechanical repairs and fault finding.
- Executed pressure testing on vessels and heat exchangers to ensure operational safety and compliance.
- Overhauled centrifugal pumps and gearboxes.
- Performed shaft alignment using Laser and DTI equipment.
- Installed bearings and mechanical seals.
- Conducted routine preventive maintenance to enhance reliability of plant machinery.
- Maintained equipment reliability.
- Coordinated equipment maintenance and safety tasks to support seamless plant operations.
Mechanical Foreman
2 Years 1 Month- Supervised mechanical fitters and assistants to ensure quality installation and maintenance of machinery.
- Ensured quality workmanship.
- Allocated work to maintenance teams.
- Monitored productivity to identify areas for improvement and ensure efficient operations.
- Maintained plant availability.
- Trained junior artisans, enhancing their skills and ensuring adherence to safety standards.
- Ensured compliance with company safety procedures.
- Performed risk assessments.
- Managed various job functions within the team
Mechanical Fitter
7 Months- Serviced mechanical faults to restore functionality and reliability.
- Conducted routine inspections to identify and address potential issues proactively.
- Removed and installed valves to ensure optimal system performance.
- Conducted hydro-testing.
- Carried out system isolation.
- Maintained tools and equipment.
- Boxed-up flanges.
- Maintained excellent housekeeping standards.
- Executed duties to enhance team productivity.
Education
N3–N6 - Mechanical Engineering
Grade 12
N3 - Electrical Engineering
Skills
Pressure testing
Valve maintenance
Centrifugal pump overhaul
Gearbox Maintenance
Laser shaft alignment
Bearing installation
Mechanical seal fitting
Mechanical Repairs
Fault diagnosis
Preventive Maintenance
Turbine Maintenance
Rotor alignment
Conveyor Belt Systems
Pneumatic systems
Drive systems
Mechanical Troubleshooting
Plant Maintenance & Overhaul
SAP Knowledge
Safety Procedures & Compliance
Risk Assessments
Toolbox Talks
Team Leadership
Team Collaboration
Adaptability
Flexibility
Flexibility
LANGUAGES
English | Advance
IsiZulu | Proficient
Sesotho | Proficient
Certification
- N3–N5 Mechanical Engineering
- N3 Electrical Engineering
- Grade 1
REFERENCE
- Fred Zulu, Acting Area Manager, 017 610 2970, Sasol
- Aurex Africa (Formerly SNC-Lavalin), Available upon request
- 016 933 3540, Grinaker-LTA (Sizwe Agents)
Timeline
Mechanical Supervisor
New Age Engineering Solutions
08.2026 - 09.2026Read More
Turbine Fitter
EVERLLENCE (Omnia Air Compressor Shutdown)
06.2026 - 07.2026Read More
Senior Mechanical Fitter
SASOL Synfuels Operations
10.2017 - 10.2025Read More
Mechanical Foreman
SNC-Lavalin (Now Aurex Africa)
08.2015 - 09.2017Read More
Mechanical Fitter
Grinaker-LTA (Sizwe Agents)
11.2014 - 06.2015Read More
ABM TVET College
N3–N6 from Mechanical Engineering
Read More
Kahobusha Sakubusha High School
Grade 12
Read More
Flavius Mareka TVET College (Sasolburg Campus)
N3 from Electrical Engineering
Read More