Zibusiso Dube
Ugie
Summary
Mechanical Technician with Over 14 Years of Industry Expertise: I am a highly skilled and results-driven Mechanical Technician with more than 14 years of experience in mechanical maintenance, repair, and automation across high-speed manufacturing and highly automated process plants. My expertise encompasses shutdown planning, preventive and corrective maintenance, and the efficient execution of technical tasks to minimise downtime and improve equipment reliability. Proficient in welding, milling, and turning, I also possess strong knowledge of automation systems, including both Allen Bradley and Siemens platforms. I maintain a firm commitment to workplace safety, quality control, and collaborative teamwork, contributing to streamlined operations and sustained productivity. For over three years, PG Bison has relied on my mechanical systems expertise to support uninterrupted production across its facilities. I work closely with cross-functional teams to diagnose and resolve mechanical issues in hydraulic, pneumatic, and material handling systems, ensuring optimal plant performance.
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
Work History
Fitter - Reporting to Wet Preparation/Wood Yard Foreman
PG Bison
12.2021 - Current
- Performing preventive, planned, and corrective maintenance on highly automated process and high-speed manufacturing plant equipment to ensure optimal performance and minimal downtime.
- Maintaining and servicing key production systems, including the debarking line, chipping line, rotary kiln/drier, 45 MW Vyncke energy plant and boiler, and the press line.
- Carrying out maintenance on a wide range of equipment such as screening systems, cyclones, filter stations, pulse air units, effluent treatment plants, and industrial chillers.
- Servicing and repairing mechanical components, including conveyors, drag chains, screw conveyors, gearboxes, pumps, valves, actuators, and compressors.
- Overhauling mechanical assemblies such as gearboxes, high-speed shafts, and pumps, including bearing fitment and precision pre-loading.
- Diagnosing and repairing faults in hydraulic, pneumatic, and servo systems using schematic diagrams and blueprints, and managing assembly and installation tasks.
- Conducting quarterly inspections of lifting equipment in accordance with safety regulations.
- Performing basic electrical and electronic fault finding across computer-controlled systems, including robotics, PLCs, SCADA systems, and VFDs.
- Using a Computerised Maintenance Management System (CMMS) for planning, scheduling, and prioritising maintenance tasks, and accurately completing job cards.
- Conducting risk assessments prior to all tasks, obtaining hot work permits, and following lockout/tagout and permit-to-work procedures.
- Supporting workplace efficiency and safety through 5S implementation.
- Leading root cause analysis initiatives using tools such as the 5 Whys and 4M method to identify and address recurring issues.
- Contributing to maintaining plant availability at approximately 94% over a three-month period by effectively minimising downtime and responding proactively to equipment faults.
Fitter and Turner
Merensky Timber
02.2021 - 11.2021
- Interpreted technical drawings and specifications to determine appropriate materials, methods, operational sequences, and machine settings for effective maintenance and repair work.
- Conducted diagnostic testing on malfunctioning mechanical systems to identify root causes and implement effective corrective measures.
- Performed maintenance and repair of critical plant infrastructure, including John Thompson boilers and auxiliaries, Bollman kilns and support systems, hydraulic and pneumatic equipment, feeder belts, screw conveyors, and material handling systems.
- Rapidly identified and resolved equipment breakdowns in a high-speed production environment, significantly minimising operational downtime.
- Verified the accuracy and fit of fabricated and assembled components using precision measuring tools to ensure compliance with technical standards.
- Maintained uninterrupted machine operations by managing stock levels and ensuring availability of critical mechanical spare parts.
- Developed and executed routine preventive maintenance and repair schedules to enhance equipment reliability and operational efficiency.
- Repaired all steam leaks in the boilers, resulting in a significant improvement in steam pressure from 750 KPa to 1000 KPa, which contributed to reduced wood drying times in the kilns and improved overall plant performance.
Maintenance Supervisor/Acting Site Manager
NNT
02.2018 - 01.2021
- Supervised the maintenance and repair of the fabric filter plant, ensuring compliance with established operational, safety, and environmental standards.
- Installed, maintained, and repaired key system components, including blowers, compressors, electrical and hydraulic dampers, compensators, rotating manifolds, and pulse air tanks.
- Led the fabrication team in performing ducting modifications and welding repairs on flue gas systems.
- Effectively managed and scheduled maintenance personnel across relevant plant areas to support production targets and operational efficiency.
- Enforced strict adherence to health, safety, and quality standards to promote a safe and compliant working environment.
- Recommended system upgrades, overhauls, and technical improvements to enhance performance and extend equipment lifespan.
- Responded to emergency breakdowns with urgency and coordination to minimise plant downtime and maintain production continuity.
- Executed planned preventive and predictive maintenance activities to ensure uninterrupted plant operations and equipment reliability.
- Successfully re-bagged Camden Power Station’s filter system, resulting in a significant reduction in stack emissions from approximately 100 mg/s to 2 mg/s, contributing to environmental compliance and improved air quality.
- Supervised employees and scheduled shifts.
- Coordinated preventative maintenance schedules, verifying equipment safety and function.
- Supervised employees and scheduled shifts.
Fitter/Charge Hand/Foreman Mechanical Foreman
CMP
07.2016 - 01.2018
- Inspected equipment, structures, and materials to identify faults, defects, and root causes of operational issues.
- Performed daily preventive, corrective, and breakdown maintenance on mechanical plant and equipment within the assigned area, ensuring reliability and operational continuity.
- Conducted job safety briefings with team members to promote a culture of safety and maintain compliance with production and quality standards.
- Provided technical insights to support the assessment of equipment damage and derailment recovery efforts.
- Planned, organised, and directed the activities of assigned personnel to achieve company objectives in safety, productivity, scheduling, quality, and administration.
- Maintained high levels of customer satisfaction through the timely and high-quality delivery of services and support.
- Overhauled and commissioned mechanical equipment in accordance with established engineering standards and operational requirements.
- Estimated material and equipment needs for work projects and ensured timely procurement to support uninterrupted execution.
- Led the implementation of routine and preventive maintenance programs, developed work plans, and adjusted schedules based on operational priorities and emerging needs.
- Conducted post-maintenance inspections to verify the quality and completeness of work performed, ensuring adherence to technical and safety standards.
Fitter and Turner
Clyde Bergman
04.2016 - 07.2016
- Shutdown: Sootblowers, boiler valve repairs, overhaul and floating
Mechanical Fitter
Steinmuller Africa
09.2013 - 03.2016
- Delivered efficient and cost-effective mechanical fitting services and maintenance support for all plant equipment, utilities, and facilities.
- Carried out a range of mechanical tasks including equipment overhauls, installations, troubleshooting, and mechanical fitting to ensure optimal plant performance.
- Reviewed and interpreted engineering drawings and technical specifications to determine appropriate manufacturing methods and compliance with required standards.
- Conducted preventive maintenance activities on plant equipment in accordance with manufacturer guidelines and technical manuals, with a focus on operational safety and production efficiency.
- Performed repairs and routine servicing of boiler auxiliaries and sootblowers during scheduled outages to maintain system reliability and thermal performance.
- Resolved complex operational and technical equipment issues to minimise downtime and disruptions in manufacturing processes.
- Consistently upheld high safety standards in line with Steinmuller’s and client-specific health and safety regulations, promoting a safe and compliant working environment.
Mechanical Technician
Tavecon Projects
01.2012 - 09.2013
- John Thompson Boiler installations at Government institutions
Education
Advanced Diploma - Robotics and Mechatronics Engineering - Equivalent to N6 Diploma
Engineering Institute of Technology
01.2024
Fitter and turner including Machining Class One - undefined
Registrar of Apprenticeship
01.2011
N4 - Mechanical Engineering
Bulawayo Polytechnic College
01.2008
Skills
- Project Management
- Process Improvements
- PLC and Automation
- Generator Repair and Servicing
- Plant and Mechanical Maintenance
- Preventive and Corrective Maintenance
- Computerised Maintenance Management System (CMMS)
- Technical Documentation and Reporting
- Employee Health and Safety
- Quality Control
- Risk Assessment
- Team Collaboration and Communication
- Stakeholder Engagement
- Technical Drawings and Schematics
- Team Leadership
- Mobile Crane License
- Mobile Elevating Work Platform License
- Mechanical Design
- Fork Lift Driver’s License
- Electronics
- Installing and Troubleshooting Mechanical Systems
- Computer Programming
- Engineering Mathematics
- SCADA Systems
- Precision Mechanical Measurement
- Mechatronic Design
- Electrical Systems
- Preventive Maintenance and Repairs
- Control Systems
- Equipment Procurement
- PLC (Programmable Logic Controllers) Programming
- Diagnosing Faults in Hydraulic, Pneumatic, and Servo Systems
- Robotics Integration
- Repairing Faults in Hydraulic, Pneumatic, and Servo Systems
- System Diagnostics
- Root Cause Analysis using tools such as the 5 Whys and 4M method
LNGG
English
IsiZulu
IsiXhosa
SeSotho
Personal Strengths
Mechanical Systems Specialist
Integration across different platforms
Strategic Growth Mindset
References
PG Bison: S. Mlambo: Mechanical Foreman
Phone: +27 81785 7549
Email: smlambo@pgbison.co.za
NNT: Jimmy Ntuli: Site Manager
E-mail: jimmy@nntc.co.za
Timeline
Fitter - Reporting to Wet Preparation/Wood Yard Foreman
PG Bison
12.2021 - Current
Fitter and Turner
Merensky Timber
02.2021 - 11.2021
Maintenance Supervisor/Acting Site Manager
NNT
02.2018 - 01.2021
Fitter/Charge Hand/Foreman Mechanical Foreman
CMP
07.2016 - 01.2018
Fitter and Turner
Clyde Bergman
04.2016 - 07.2016
Mechanical Fitter
Steinmuller Africa
09.2013 - 03.2016
Mechanical Technician
Tavecon Projects
01.2012 - 09.2013
Fitter and turner including Machining Class One - undefined
Registrar of Apprenticeship
N4 - Mechanical Engineering
Bulawayo Polytechnic College
Advanced Diploma - Robotics and Mechatronics Engineering - Equivalent to N6 Diploma
Engineering Institute of Technology
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