Zandile Shabangu
Cane Laboratory Supervisor
DALTON
Summary
A dedicated professional with a robust educational background, holding a Diploma in Analytical Chemistry and an Advanced Diploma in Quality Management. With extensive experience in Cane Testing Laboratories and laboratory management, and strong competencies in Health, Safety, and Quality Assurance. Open minded with a strong ability to connect with colleagues at all levels, allowing diverse perspectives to thrive within the team.
Overview
2025
2025
years of professional experience
6
6
years of post-secondary education
Work History
Cane Laboratory Supervisor
UCL Company
DALTON
5 2020 - Current
- Overseeing the Cane Testing Laboratory
- Supervising a group of 18 employees
- Evaluating daily and weekly reports to pinpoint deviations so that corrective action can be taken
- Coordinating the verification of Weighbridges and Hopper Scales
- Investigating Pol Factor Deviations
- Participating in CTS Audits conducted by SASA
- Determining root cause and implementing corrective actions to non-conformities identified during Audits
- Conducting weekly verification of instruments and random checks on Laboratory equipment
- Compiling weekly and monthly reports
- Creating and updating SOPs
- Participating in the recruitment of Cane laboratory staff
- Providing training for new appointees
- Assisting with Budget allocation planning
Senior Laboratory Supervisor
South African Sugar Association (CANE TESTING SERVICES)
Darnall
04.2017 - 05.2020
- Supervising a group of 18 employees
- Auditing work procedures against standard methods using planned job observation method to eliminate deviations from work instructions
- Planning the training of new staff and assessing their competence
- Facilitating the multi-skilling of staff, skill development and implementation
- Managing the day-to-day staff issues related to absenteeism and continued operation of a 24-hour process
- Maintaining all records relating to attendance and absenteeism of staff and submitting the wage input to head office
- Ensuring that the calibration of instruments is done according to procedure
- Attending to equipment malfunction / breakdown, establishing the source of error, and calling out the standby personnel
Laboratory Analyst / Shift Supervisor
South African Sugar Association (CANE TESTING SERVICES)
Darnall
06.2013 - 04.2017
- Supervised a shift of 6 Employees
- Ensured adherence of cane testing methods
- Performed analysis to cane samples and reported the results using LIMS
- Routine maintenance of Laboratory equipment and calibration of instruments
- Adherence to health and safety standards
- Administration, ranging from the recording of customer queries to employee time and attendance
- Prepared samples and assisted laboratory personnel in performing qualitative and quantitative analysis using analytical instruments, techniques and methods.
- Conducted routine maintenance on laboratory equipment, ensuring optimal performance and minimizing downtime.
- Managed inventory of chemicals and supplies, maintaining an organized workspace that facilitated efficient workflows.
- Ensured proper handling of hazardous materials according to established guidelines for safe disposal or storage.
- Operated and troubleshot equipment, instruments and associated software and routinely performed quality control on instrumentation to comply with established specifications.
- Inspected laboratory equipment to maintain good working condition for optimal results.
Education
Post Graduate Diploma - Quality Management
Durban University of Technology
Durban 02.2024 - Current
Advanced Diploma - Quality Management
Durban University of Technology
Durban 02.2023 - 12.2023
National Diploma - Analytical Chemistry
Mangosuthu University of Technology
Durban 02.2008 - 12.2012
Skills
Leadership and Team Management
Quality Assurance and Compliance
Communication Skills
Problem-Solving Abilities
Interpersonal Skills
Organizational Skills
Trainings Obtained
- OHS Act
- Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment
- Incident Investigation
- SHE Management System
- ISO 9001 Internal Auditing
- HACCP
- Employment Equity Act
References
- Ms Neo Ramashidzha, Laboratory Manager, UCL Company, 0335011600/ 0814810849, Ramashidzhan@ucl.co.za
- Mr Vusi Mathaba, Cane Testing Manager, South African Sugar Association, 035 550 7733/ 0718512461, vusi.mathaba@sasa.org.za
Personal Information
- Ethnicity: African
- Citizenship: South African
- Gender: Female
- Driving License: Code B
Timeline
Post Graduate Diploma - Quality Management
Durban University of Technology
02.2024 - Current
Advanced Diploma - Quality Management
Durban University of Technology
02.2023 - 12.2023
Senior Laboratory Supervisor
South African Sugar Association (CANE TESTING SERVICES)
04.2017 - 05.2020
Laboratory Analyst / Shift Supervisor
South African Sugar Association (CANE TESTING SERVICES)
06.2013 - 04.2017
National Diploma - Analytical Chemistry
Mangosuthu University of Technology
02.2008 - 12.2012
Cane Laboratory Supervisor
UCL Company
5 2020 - Current