POLASA is responsible for ensuring the sustainability of the South African Powerline Construction Industry through strengthening localisation initiatives, giving input on the necessity and quality of imported material relevant to this industry and facilitating industry participation in shaping industry requirements, innovation and integrity.

She also serves in the Board of the African Women in Energy and Power (AWEaP) which is a non-profit company established to accelerate African women entrepreneurs’ participation in the Power and Energy sector.

Zola plays an active role in driving positive change in the engineering and construction industry to reflect a more favourable inclusion of previously disadvantaged groups. She strives to assist in terms of overcoming administrative obstacles, procurement processes and upskilling generally.

Shireen has worked alongside Mr Alec Erwin in the Department of Public Enterprises and understands the nuance of delivering large scale projects throughout Sub-Saharan Africa. She has a deep understanding of current policy with respect to Government’s policy framework for enhancing trade and development within the region.

Mile has a well-rounded experience in all phases of business development and FEED to EPC(M) project implementation, from small to multi-billion US dollars projects, across a number of markets (Oil & Gas, Power, Mining, Infrastructure and Industrial). While working for Halliburton/ KBR, Mile attended the Executive Leadership Development Program at Mays Businesses School, Texas A&M University.

He also served for a couple years as a member of the Construction Industry Advisory Board at Wits University. Throughout his career, Mile has successfully carried out executive and hands on responsibilities for engineering, project management, construction, business growth, performance and profit, while maintaining high standards for safety, quality and client satisfaction.

During his career, Mile successfully administered NEC and FIDIC contracts in Southern Africa. He is an Associate Member of ICE-UK, Associate Member of Association of Arbitrators of South Africa and an ExCo member of ICE-SA, a joint Division of ICE and SAICE, where he replaced Andrew Baird. He is in charge of NEC implementation in Southern Africa.

Mile is formally accredited as a NEC3 Tutor by the NEC office of the ICE in London and also formally registered as a NEC3 PM professional (NECReg).

Key Clients served included, Sasol, Rio Tinto, BHP Billiton, GE Power, Vale, Shell, Exxon Mobil, Eskom, Transnet, Anglo American. More recently recruited as expert consultant to Eskom for the new build capital power program to provide improved real time management oversight, assurance and project controls on all Group Capital projects including new coal megaprojects, hydro schemes, overhead line infrastructure and gas power delivery projects.

Joseph is highly experienced in contract strategy, project management, preparing/evaluating/defending and resolution of claims both from customer and contractor perspective. He has a thorough understanding of NEC, FIDIC and client standard forms of contract. Extensive leadership capability in engineering and construction sector with focus on mentoring, training and upskilling.

He then held appointments as Project Manager and Project Director on a wide range of engineering projects in Nigeria, Oman, Malaysia and UK. Peter has been responsible for the worldwide civil engineering work of a major UK consultancy and now provides a contract advisory service to the construction industry.

Since 1976, Peter has been involved in determining contract strategy, advising on contract preparation and procurement processes and advising on contract administration.  Much of Peter’s current work is advising international funding agencies and major public sector clients on procurement policy and implementation. Often with legal teams, he has worked closely with clients in developing contracts based on the NEC system and developing procurement strategy. He has given lectures in many countries on contract issues and has published papers on contracts and on ethics in construction.

Peter was Chairman of the New Engineering Contract Panel for the Institution of Civil Engineers and now chairs their NEC4 Board. He has been involved in the development and implementation of NEC contracts since the initial preparation of these contract forms, and has provided advice and training to many contract users. Peter was a council member and subsequently was awarded honorary membership of the Society of Construction Law, and has served as a branch chairman of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators and as chairman of the ICE Dispute Resolution Panel.

Raj brings to organisations the real-world, diverse learnings, successes in identifying and overcoming challenges with the aim of developing a platform for building and scaling new businesses. He has consulted or worked across many complex eco-systems which includes; telecommunications, financial, large research and government organisations, IT/Digital, health, retail, mining, and manufacturing. Raj believes that the fourth industrial revolution (4IR) will have a profound effect on the economy and is creating many new opportunities for committed entrepreneurs and intrapreneurs.

As a senior business executive, Raj has successfully addressed operational, people and strategic issues across industry domains spanning startups, small and large corporations.  In his last senior executive role, Raj helped Africa’s largest telecommunications service provider, through an innovative process based business model, enter and rapidly scale operations in Nigeria. As General Manager and Director of projects, he managed the project office for effective prioritization and implementation of programs that included network rollout, billing and ERP systems with an initial investment of USD 1 billion. 

Raj has consistently been voted the best teacher in the last ten years by the graduating MBAs over the 14 years he has been at Gordon Institute of Business (GIBS) of University of Pretoria. At Harvard, he facilitated a case discussion for professors across the world on competitiveness using a case study he wrote on the primary state owned power utility in South Africa (Eskom). It is the variety and diversity of Raj’s experience which makes him one of the best lecturers on the subject of strategy.

Raj has a doctorate in strategic management from IIM Ahmedabad and bachelors in engineering from IIT Delhi.

He served Sasol Technology in South Africa as a Senior Project Control and Lead Planning Engineer for 7 years and became recognized as Professional Risk specialist and PertMaster expert, and held number of training and workshops for planning department of Sasol technology company. 

He also worked as Consultant Engineer for Power Plant projects in Eskom for 15 months and then joined a critical project in Sasol again as a Forensic Planning Expert. 

He founded a Project Management Training company in 2016, named Gapsfree, and has developed quite a number of Online and In-Class courses in Project Management, Project Control and Scheduling. 

In addition, Elvis is an acknowledged for his expertise on project welding quality documentation, processes & procedures and handover processes. He has led welding control initiatives on mega projects in both the mining and Oil & Gas sectors over many years, often contributing to low weld failure rates of less than 2%. Key clients served include Sasol, Fluor, KBR, Wood Group, CG Energy, Sappi, Eskom, Vale, Sapref, Engen and PetroSA.

He has experience in commercial management on such programmes as the Medupi and Kusile power stations for WSP and Black & Veatch, programme and contract management on the Abu Dhabi transport program for Fluor as well as delivering pre- and post-contract cost management services on the Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi for AECOM. Paul has also delivered both pre- and post-contract cost and commercial management services on multiple hotels and casinos as a director of Pentad Quantity Surveyors in South Africa.

Paul’s expertise and core skills are undertaking feasibilities and estimates, cost planning and procurement management; carrying out tender adjudications and ensuring contract compliance; managing contracts (FIDIC, NEC, JBCC) including change management, claims mitigation, drafting and management, risk management and mitigation, applying relevant SHEQ and environmental procedures and client liaison and communication at all levels.

Paul holds memberships with The South African Council for the Quantity Surveying Profession, the Association of South African Quantity Surveyors, and the International Association for Contract and Commercial Management and is a registered accredited professional with the Green Building Council of South Africa.

Prior to joining Kumba Iron Ore, David was the Risk Management Practice Lead, Africa for Hatch, an EPCM company.  

Prior to joining Hatch, David worked in the ICT industry for Cura software.

In 2009 he was awarded a Doctor of Engineering from the University of the Witwatersrand for his contribution over time to the procurement and delivery of infrastructure. He is a visiting adjunct professor at the School of Construction Economics and Management, University of the Witwatersrand, and the Chair of the ISO Subcommitee for Construction Procurement. He was the 2004 president of the South African Institution of Civil Engineers.

Ivan has more than 45 years of Post Graduate experience in Railways (Heavy Haul and Rapid Rail), Civil Structures, Township Infrastructure, Major Roads and Toll Roads, Bridges, Harbours, Marine Works, Dams, Oil & Gas, Industrial and Commercial Building Work.  A large part gained in Africa (Swaziland, Malawi, Botswana, Mozambique, Zambia, Ghana)

In 2016 he formed Ivan Vos & Associates (pty) ltd to persue Alternate Dispute Resolution (Adjudication & Mediation), Dispute Avoidance in addition to Construction Consulting and mentoring of high potential individuals.

Paul has led the Oil and Gas business line at Kentz Corporation and thereafter at SNC Lavalin with distinction. He has successfully delivered projects in Mozambique, Zambia, Namibia and he established one of the largest Oil and Gas pipe fabrication facilities in the region to support Sasol expansion and Vale Mozambique process plant expansions.

Paul has also participated in upfront development work associated with the Mozambique gas projects.  His portfolio includes Mozambique LNG.

This offered Paul an opportunity to evaluate LNG gas trains to Qatar, Australia and the US.  We are dlighted to welcome him to our team.

Antje was a profile writer for an Austrian monthly business magazine, before she relocated to Cape Town in 2001. She has a deep understanding of corporate culture and entrepreneurship across various industries.

Antje then consulted several international NGOs in South Africa until she started her own, independent coaching practice.

Since 2011, Antje has been assisting leaders and private persons in customized one-on-one sessions. In addition, she facilitates team coaching and virtual training.

She works locally and internationally – amongst others for the United Nations, Deutsche Bank, Komatsu and Anheuser Busch.

Antje feels privileged to assist her clients on their way to become happier, healthier, more content and more productive human beings. Antje fully embraces the Integral way of coaching, which aims at creating a powerful balance of body, mind and soul.

She helps with issues around performance reviews, skill improvement, breakdowns, over- commitment, Up or Out, Fast Track, new role, communication, work life balance, health, nutrition and life purpose.

Antje works in English and German.

He is also highly experienced in behavioural assessment and in determining where the human element is impacting what otherwise might appear to be a pure mechanical, electrical or process design fault. Dr Kemm is a nuclear physicist and has applied his analytical and structural abilities in a very wide range of applications and situations.

Dr Kemm is known for bringing his immense theoretical knowledge and capabilities to industry through practical interventions. Successful interventions include underground mining, factory production lines, aviation control systems, experimental vehicle design and construction project implementation. He is highly experienced in developing energy systems within Sub-Saharan Africa. Successful engagements have been undertaken with Governmental agencies, rural communities, tier-1 companies and OEM’s, listed and private companies.

In terms of training and development, Dr Kemm has been a senior lecturer on MBA programs at a number of universities and has been guest speaker at over 20 universities in the United States. He has appeared on radio and TV internationally on numerous occasions, including briefings given to US Senate and Congress in Washington DC. Guest speaker engagements provided to audiences in Paris, London, Moscow, Hanoi and Windhoek.

Dr Kemm has written two books, over 50 TV scripts and has had over 1000 articles published internationally.

Harvey’s skill set includes comprehensive estimate preparation, estimate risk analysis, contract review, on-site verification of productivity outputs, commercial and risk reporting and staff training. Harvey is highly experienced in preparation of interim payment applications, final account preparations and a quantum analysis. In addition, Harvey is an expert in boiler insulation, cladding and scaffolding.

Helga’s determined approach to relationships provides her with superior people skills, continuously proving to successfully manage disputes and effectively conclude lengthy contract negotiations.

Helga specializes contract assurance, manages contract claims, Dispute Resolution and Pro-Active Risk Management. She has solid international exposure to NEC3, NEC4 and FIDIC.

Chris is vastly experienced in contract strategy, project management, preparation, evaluation and resolution of claims in fast track, multi-disciplined complex projects. His experience and expertise are particularly focused on both FIDIC and NEC forms of contract, coupled with a comprehensive working knowledge of many other contractual arrangement options. He has played an integral role in major domestic and international adjudication and arbitration cases. Chris, a French national is fully bilingual (French and English).

His experience includes delivery of B2B solutions in sectors such as process engineering, industrial automation and conformity assessment, with solutions delivered throughout sub-Sahara Africa.

Moreover, his exposure in sales, risk management, investment projects, government and other stakeholder relations as well as effectively facilitating a variety of partnerships (investment and operational) further add to his technical foundation and successful track record in management at executive level.

His expertise includes:
• Automation
• Business Process Engineering & Modelling
• Contract Management
• Digital Transformation (IR4, IIOT, MES/MIS, DCS)
• Organisational Decision Making and Information Flow
• Risk Management
• Planning / Execution Complex Projects
• Project Finance / Investment Projects
• Sales & Operations Management

Johan is currently Executive Director of Aguru Business Solutions specialising in Digital Transformation.

Upon returning to South Africa he started consulting in specialist project controls and data management for large Petrochemical projects. 

Steven was then appointed as Project Manager to execute the “Project Rescue” of the Nchwaning No3 shaft at Black Rock in the Northern Cape for African Rainbow Minerals. Following this he was appointed as Infrastructure Manager of the Sishen Expansion Project, responsible for slimes dams, rail development, power reticulation, control systems and commissioning of the new Iron Ore Facility, for Kumba in the Northern Cape. 

Steven then founded SSG Consulting, a boutique Project Management advisory and execution consultancy, which has been operating for 12 years. The company has grown to 80 employees and a global footprint in MEGA-Projects in Mining, Petrochemicals, Pharmaceuticals, Rail, Energy and Infrastructure. SSG Consulting also provides specialist Project Controls and resourcing, including an extensive capability in Claims Consulting, forensic Planning and Expert Witness services.

During this time he founded and developed the Award Winning KEY360 Management Platform, a cloud based PAAS (Platform as a service) offering. KEY360 is offered globally through its subsidiary “KEY360 Inc” with clients in the US, Canada, Africa and the United Kingdom. 

Steven has recently completed studies at MIT (Massachusetts Institute of Technology) in Boston in the development of Platform Technology, Digitalization and Network effects.

She has been involved in a variety of roles since beginning her professional career in 2016 whilst completing her studies. Through part-time student internships, she gained exposure in the chemical purification industry and medical industry in a sales and marketing role. Thereafter, she began her full-time career in the medical recruitment space as an operations manager, and most recently practiced as a financial analyst and business consultant in the financial services industry. Luna recently joined ECS Associates to apply her skills and knowledge of business and finance to the infrastructure development space. She has a well-rounded and holistic approach to business, finance and management. This, coupled with her international exposure, has made her highly adaptable and capable in terms of delivering to customer requirements.

A passionate and forward-thinking individual, Luna’s approach to work is pragmatic, with strong attention to detail. She is driven by common purpose, and is a fervent supporter of the women’s empowerment and green environment movements, as well as the pursuit of equal education for all children in South Africa. Her goal is to contribute creative solutions in the business and finance fields through impact investing and the implementation of ever-evolving sustainable business practices to work towards an environmentally friendly and socially equitable future.

Her work includes extensive experience spanning over 25 years in research, curriculum development, quality assurance, gender mainstreaming and human resources management.

Her career began at Hebron teacher training where she was a Lecturer in Educational Studies.  She was subsequently appointed a Mellon Foundation Research Fellow and Lecturer in Educational Leadership at University of the Witwatersrand (Wits), Faculty of Education.  She supervised post-graduate students from the SADC region on a range of topics on educational leadership.  Her major contribution in instigating institutional change at Wits was through conducting research in collaboration with other female black academics in highlighting the under-representation of black women in the academy and the powerful inhibitors for black people and women in the academy.

One of the national training interventions in contributing towards policy formulation and in the making of the constitution of SA, was in conceptualizing research, designing a training manual and training researchers in order to collect data for drawing up a Women’s National Coalition Charter for Effective Equality in order to champion women’s liberation in the country. This process was preceded by hearings from different women’s organisations in the country.

Shirley has trained leaders and policy makers on gender and organisational development in the SADC region at University of Botswana. She was also involved in the following interventions under the auspices of the Southern African Regional Institute for Policy Studies (SARIPS), Harare, Zimbabwe: trained senior managers and policy makers from the SADC region and East Africa on gender and planning, conducted research on Education for Human Rights in Zimbabwe, Zambia and Namibia. She has read papers in local and international conferences and published in local and international journals, including a book entitled The Careers of Women Teachers Under Apartheid, by SAPPHO, Harare, Zimbabwe.  She was subsequently honoured with the Women In Research Award in 2001 by the African Association of Women Graduates for the contribution she had made on researching women in South Africa.

Shirley is a highly experienced Senior Level Executive who has worked as Chief Director: Quality Development & Assurance and Human Resources Management Training respectively at the South African Management Development Institute (SAMDI), currently The National School of Government.  She has also served as Chief Director: Human Resources at the Department of Transport, Roads & Works and the Department of Labour respectively.  She held the position of Senior Manager: Curriculum Development & Assessment, Transnet Freight Rail.

She is a Chartered Quantity Surveyor (MRICS) and is a Fellow of the Arbitrators Association of Southern Africa. In 2015 to 2016, she also served as a member of SAFCEC’s Commercial Committee.

Mbali’s expertise include contract drafting, contract review, contract management, commercial management, claims, contractual disputes and training.

She has a keen interest in contracts and has a passion for facilitating learning and continuous development of herself and others.

He has successfully managed commercial and contract services for large subcontract packages for owners and contractors providing services such as plant operations oversight, earned valued management, productivity management, change control, detailed measures, interim valuation, final accounts and claims management. In addition, he has compiled tender estimates, negotiated sub-contract and supply contracts and compiled monthly project financial reports for executive management.

Jacques has significant experience in engineering and construction contract claims and has developed claims for schedule delay, disruption, acceleration, scope change and escalation. He has drafted and negotiated various agreements to conclude claim settlements.

In terms of risk management arena, experience includes project governance reviews, claims prevention and mitigation strategies, project specific risk assessments coupled with development and implementation of risk management identification systems and procedures.

He has undertaken project analysis and review assignments during project concept, pre-feasibility study, feasibility, project tender development, implementation and final account stages. Contract values range from $5m – $150m.

Nicholas is a qualified project manager and holds an Executive Diploma in Leadership and Management from the University of Nottingham Trent. He possesses immense technical knowledge with respect to E, C and I procurement, logistics and installation.

Nicholas recognises that the key to a successful project execution involves continuous collaboration, mutual trust, relentless safety control, stringent quality and all delivered within the agreed schedule and budget constraints.

Zdravko has expert level communication skills and attention to detail to exceed customer expectations and maintain ongoing client relationships. He is Capable of accommodating competing priorities and adapting quickly to change.

Zdravko was appointed lead on the largest contract claim event initiated at the Eskom Kusile Power Plant project. Utilised industry standard forensic methodologies to identify causality, liability & compensability to the claimant. Established proven, significant compensation for the client.

Prepared successful upstream (to employer) and downstream (to subcontractors) claim analysis schedules for two of the largest renewable power projects in Southern Africa.

Michael has successfully led multi-disciplinary projects with his forte being structural, mechanical and piping with extensive experience in commissioning.

Michael has extensive experience in the compilation, negotiation and managing of international procurement contracts, specifically in the power transmission, renewable power and sub-station sectors.

His key competencies are leading multi-cultural teams through the project life cycles in order to meet or exceed stakeholder expectations. Michael has vast experience in managing construction teams.

Michael’s successes can be attributed to strong leadership, interpersonal, commercial & contractual astuteness. He has the experience to manage and deliver dynamic multi-disciplinary projects to accepted world class project management framework methodologies. 

As a former director of Turner & Townsend for 15 years, he was responsible for service delivery, business development and business management, for all Industrial and Infrastructure projects undertaken by the company locally. Willem fully understands and promotes professional working relationships and promotes mutual trust and collaboration amongst teams and clients, to create solid platforms to deliver successful projects.

Willem has supported various clients, including: ABInBev, Africa Data Centres, AfriSam, Anglo Platinum, BAICSA, Barrick, Eskom, Gibela Rail, Hulett, IDC, Letšeng Diamonds, Mitsubishi Hitachi Power Systems Africa, PFG Building Glass, PPC Cement, Sappi, Sasol, Transnet & Unilever.

Willem has the ability, to assess, analyse and propose solutions to challenges, always seeking the most advantageous and commercially beneficial outcome for clients.

His discipline experience includes civil, building, mechanical, steel erection, piping, electrical, instrumentation, pre and post-commissioning. He has undertaken key roles throughout Sub-Saharan Africa and the Middle East.    

Dany recognises that safety is the number one priority in terms of project delivery, and he leads from the front in this regard. He regularly undertakes qualitative hazard identification and risk assessments, considering risks on a macro and micro level using various methods.

He has assisted established EPC contractors with their HSE processes, procedures, plans and systems so that they achieve best in class ISO and OSHA certification.  Danny is result orientated professional, and consistently demonstrates a positive commitment to reduce project risks.     

While at the RICS Helen has gained an excellent insight in the regional engineering and construction industry and retains many of the relationships she has built. Helen is hugely passionate about training and will lead ECS’s training division with a drive into new markets.