Tseliso Msimanga

I am the Control & Instrumentation (C&I) Lead Site Engineer for the 4800MW Kusile Power Station Project. Upon Completion, the project is set to be the world's fourth-largest coal-fired plant. I was responsible for the entire C&I scope. My primary achievement was leading the deployment of a new R2.1 billion ABB 800xA Distributed Control System (DCS) to replace an unreliable predecessor (ALSTOM ALSPA Control System).

My key responsibilities included:

• End-to-End Leadership: Overseeing all C&I design and installation, with direct package engineering ownership for critical systems like Water Treatment, Vibration Monitoring, and the Building Management System (BMS).
• Systems Integration: Performing detailed design clarifications and coordinating interfaces between mechanical, electrical, and process teams to ensure project cohesion.
• Testing & Commissioning: Conducting design reviews, Factory Acceptance Tests (FAT), and comprehensive Site Integration Testing for all six plant units.
• Stakeholder Management: Initiating and presenting design changes to the Project Change Committee and facilitating client (Operator) Fire Detection training to ensure a smooth transition to the new permanent control room.

• Design Engineer, Control System Replacement: Worked with a team of Engineers for the replacement of the unreliable ALSTOM ALSPA DCS at Medupi and Kusile with new systems from Siemens and ABB to enhance plant reliability and availability.
• Systems Oversight: Responsible for the Process Automation System, Control Room Ergonomics, and Vibration Monitoring System.
• Design & Project Management: Conducted design reviews and approval of control system basic and detailed designs and managed the design process from concept through Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT).
• Stakeholder & Contractor Management: Acted as the primary technical contact for Contractors, resolving design issues and participarting in contract clarifications and negotiations for the Kusile project.
• Additional Project Leadership:
  Engineering Design Work Lead for the Lethabo Fire Detection Expansion Project.
  Lead Design Engineer for Lifts Modernization at Thutuka Power Station and Eskom Academy of Learning.
  Lead Design Engineer for the Medupi Flue Gas Desulphurization Retrofit Project.

• Company Overview: Komati Power station is a 1000MW plant, mothballed in the late 80's due to excess electrical power generated at that time and returned to service between 2008 and 2013.
• I conducted design clarifications, co‐ordination and interfacing of different systems with the Eskom Electrical, Process and Mechanical Engineers and Contractors

• I reviewed and updated system drawings, Operating & Control philosophies, HMI graphics and ensured that upon installation completion, the documentation is updated from the “AS REQUIRED” to the “AS BUILT” status
• I conducted plant walkdown to check if the plant is built “As required” in comparison to the P&IDs
• I manage the Common Plant database, i.e., review all Piping & Instrumentation Diagram (P&ID) changes and ensure configuration and process data is recorded and updated accordingly
• I prepared engineering instructions for the Contractor to implement required changes.
• I supervised installation of equipment for compliance with drawings and specifications.
• I monitored work performance against established milestones ensuring adherence to approved schedules.
• I compiled the departmental weekly reports to track progress on my plant areas