Sparks Electrical News February 2020

CONTRACTORS’ CORNER

2

The leader in all things electric

ECA(SA) elects first woman president

A s the leader in electrical solu- tions, Voltex supplies the wid- est range of related products through its strategically placed loca- tions around Southern Africa. Its es- tablished network of branches along with many years of industry experience translates into the highest level of ser- vice. No job is too big or small; the com- pany’s dedication to stock availability and array of specialised solutions allows Voltex to service the agricultural, mining,

A t the ECA(SA)’s AGM at the end of 2019, Lumendrie Naidoo, Chairperson of the ECA(SA) Regional Executive Committee in KwaZulu-Natal, was elected as the ECA’s new Presi- dent – the first time a woman has worn the chain of office at the Association. Danie Esterhuizen was elected as First Vice-President, and Frans Swanepoel is now the Second Vice- President. Lumie, as she’s known in Durban business and social circles, won the Woman-Owned Business of the Year title at the 2017 ECA(SA) Presidential Excellence Awards and, this year, she was a runner-up in the same category. Naidoo’s election as President made ECA history in the traditionally male-dominated industry and it highlights her achievements as Director of Durban-based Namasthethu Electrical. “I hope that my election will inspire women in South Africa to enter the electrical contracting industry,” says Naidoo. “Playing in this male-dominated industry has its challenges,” she admits. “I’ve survived by believing in my abilities and by always striving to be an exemplary leader and to serve others first.

manufacturing, construction, wholesale, electrical and communication sectors with ease. Voltex offers solutions for everything from energy efficient prod- ucts and solutions to industrial and resi-

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ECA(SA) National Director, Mark Mfikoe, welcomes Lumie Naidoo as the first woman President of the ECA.

Enquiries: www.voltex.co.za

Leadership skills “Over the years in this industry, I’ve worked hard to develop my business and leadership skills and I be- lieve this will help me in my role as President, espe- cially when I’m interacting with other ECA members who are also running businesses.” Born and bred in KwaZulu-Natal, Naidoo is respected by electrical and construction industry leaders and by aspiring female mechanical engineering entrepreneurs. “I’m honoured to be the first woman President of a 70-year old organisation and hope I can be an ex- ample to other women and prove that nothing is im- possible if you apply your mind to it,” she says. “I think the ECA is ready for its first woman President and, together with the National Management, I’m ready to take on this pivotal role and work with them to take the ECA(SA) to even greater heights,” says Naidoo. T he Colliery Training College (CTC) in Emalahleni (Witbank), has awarded INDUS- TRI Tools & Equipment the 2020 contract to supply tool kits, which are used during mining and engineering related skills training. “The CTC, which was established in 1964 specifi- cally for the mining sector, has since diversified and artisan skills training is now available for many dif- ferent trades. Students are offered training for vari- ous sectors, including electrical, auto electrical and instrumentation, or as riggers, diesel mechanics, plater welders, millwrights and fitters,” says Kriban Govender, Managing Director, INDUSTRI Tools & Equipment. “The INDUSTRI team is proud to be part of this skills upliftment initiative, which plays an increasingly critical role in South Africa. The 2020 CTC tool kit contract encompasses the supply of quality-branded hand tools, that are used by hun- dreds of students every day in the CTC engineering workshops and during practical skills training. “The CTC, which is accredited by the Mining Qual- ifications Authority (MQA) and the Quality Council for Trades and Occupations (QCTO) also has certi- fication from relevant SETAs. In line with the CTC’s commitment to meeting the highest standards in every aspect of the training programme, all tools are carefully selected by INDUSTRI Tools & Equipment specialists, in terms of quality, suitability for the task, safe use and long service-life.” INDUSTRI awarded 2020 CTC contract Enquiries: www.ecasa.co.za

Enquiries: www.industri.co.za

JS Spies, Witbank Branch Manager, INDUSTRI Tools & Equipment and Johan Venter, Managing Director, Colliery Training College.

SPARKS ELECTRICAL NEWS

FEBRUARY 2020