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Simon Baloyi (President and Chief Executive Officer at Sasol)

Simon Baloyi

President and Chief Executive Officer at Sasol
https://www.sasol.com/

Keynote Speaker

Bio:
Simon Baloyi is an Executive Director on the Sasol Limited Board and is Sasol’s President and Chief Executive Officer. He assumed the role on 1 April 2024.

Based in Johannesburg, South Africa, he is a seasoned business executive with more than 20 years of Sasol experience, having joined the Group in 2002 as a Sasol bursar. Simon was first appointed to Sasol’s Group Executive Committee on 1 April 2022 as Executive Vice President (EVP): Energy Operations and Technology.

Together with his executive team, Simon is streamlining Sasol’s Group structure unpinned by a relentless focus on safety, customer-centricity, high performance and care. He is prioritising people; safe, efficient, and reliable operations; restoring baseline business performance; championing customer-centricity; and delivering on Sasol’s medium- and longer-term ambitions to position the Group for the future. Underscoring his leadership approach are his passion and support to Team Sasol (both employees and service providers), sustainable business practices and delivering shared value.

In his role as EVP: Energy Operations and Technology, he was accountable for all downstream operations in South Africa and related infrastructure, as well as the Research and Technology, Projects and Engineering and Procurement functions. His portfolio included the Group’s operating facilities at Secunda, Sasolburg, Ekandustria, Natref, a joint-venture inland refinery, and Sasol ecoFT - which advanced to the establishment of Zaffra, a joint venture with Danish company Topsoe to progress development of sustainable aviation fuel.

In August 2020 he was appointed Senior Vice President (SVP): Regional Operations and Asset Services (ROAS). ROAS operates and provides asset services across the Southern African region, with a staff complement of approximately 18 000 (of which 15 000 are service providers). Here, Simon championed a people-centric culture where teams were inspired to collaborate and support a cohesive work environment.

Prior to taking on this role, he was SVP: Secunda Chemicals Operations where he successfully consolidated all the chemical operating facilities and site service activities at Sasol’s Secunda complex.

Simon has held various management positions in maintenance, projects, technical and general management across Sasol’s South African operations, acquiring exposure to a broad range of business activities and functions. He also spent a year on secondment from Sasol working in the United Kingdom as an engineer.

Donovan Chimhandamba (CEO of Nyanza Light Metals)

Donovan Chimhandamba

CEO of Nyanza Light Metals
https://nyanzametals.com/

Keynote Speaker
Topic: Interconnected roles of engineers, capital markets, and political economy in driving Africa’s industrialization

Bio:

Donovan attained a B.Eng. (Hons) Industrial & Manufacturing as well as an MBA and began his career as an Industrial and Manufacturing Engineer at Engen Petroleum Refinery in Durban. He later moved on and occupied senior roles at PPC Cement, Vesuvius, National Empowerment Fund and Group Five. In 2011 he founded ArkeinCapital Partners with Anglo-American’s Sishen Iron Ore Community Development Trust which managed the R9 billion trust fund. Under Arkein Capital Partners, Donovan also founded Nyanza Light Metals in 2011, Razorite Healthcare Fund in 2014 with the Public Investment Corporation (PIC) and the Diaspora Infrastructure Development Group (DIDG) in 2016.

Ahmed Mahmoud Deif (Professor at California Polytechnic State University)

Ahmed Mahmoud Deif

Professor at California Polytechnic State University

Keynote Speaker
Topic: Value Chain Analysis…Another IE Tool for SDG

Summary of topic: In this keynote, we will explore how industrial engineering principles, particularly systems mapping, play a critical role in driving sustainability and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Starting with the fundamental concept of value, we will delve into Value Chain Analysis (VCA), breaking down its components—what it is, why it's important, where and when it's applied, who benefits, and how it functions. The discussion will highlight the power of VCA in optimizing processes, minimizing waste, and promoting fair and sustainable practices across industries. Real-world examples and applications will demonstrate how VCA supports sustainable economic growth, environmental stewardship, and social equity, aligning industrial operations with global SDG efforts.


Bio:
Dr Ahmed Mahmoud Deif is a Professor of Industrial Technology at California Polytechnic State University. He received his MS and PhD in Industrial & Manufacturing Systems from the University of Windsor, Canada. He taught and is an adjunct professor at 8 different universities in 5 continents. He is known among his students as the games professor since his courses are designed to embody the experiential gamification approach (winning some teaching awards for that). His current research interests are in supply chain innovation and social sustainability as well as lean and green manufacturing/service systems. He has more than 85 publications, some of which have won best paper awards (in 2023 he was listed among the top scientists placed in a percentile rank of 2% or above in the sub-field of Industrial Engineering in the updated science-wide author databases of standardized citation indicators by Elsevier publisher and Stanford University). Dr. Deif has a diverse portfolio in his industrial experience ranging from automotive industry where he worked at the R&D center at Chrysler Canada to steel industry to electronic industry and finally assembly industry at various engineering and consultancy capacities. As an operation and supply chain expert, he helped various industries in improving their production performance and is engaged with development efforts of various national and international organizations in North America, Africa and Asia over the last 20 years. He serves as a faculty fellow at the center of innovation and entrepreneurship (CIE) at Cal Poly and as an active member in many professional societies.

Ronald King CFP® FPSA® CTA® (Head: Public Policy & Regulatory Affairs at PSG)

Ronald King CFP® FPSA® CTA®

Head: Public Policy & Regulatory Affairs at PSG
https://www.psg.co.za/home

Keynote Speaker
Topic: Are you ready for 2040!

Bio:

Adv Ronald King has a B.Com, LLB, LLM, APDFP, MPhil qualifications and joined Sanlam Namibia as a financial advisor in 1993. In 2004 he joined PSG as Head of Products and Training. In addition to other qualifications, Ronald holds a Masters in Law as well as a Master in Futures Studies. He is currently Head: Public Policy & Regulatory Affairs at PSG Konsult and serves on many industry bodies. In 2018 he won the Harry Brews award for life-long contribution to the financial planning profession. Ronald has four professional designations and is also an International Chess Arbiter. His current passion, as long as his funds last, is flying.

Nalini Sooknanan (Corporate Specialist in System Dynamics at Eskom)

Nalini Sooknanan

Corporate Specialist in System Dynamics at Eskom

Workshop Presenter
Workshop Title: Enhancing Systems Thinking Skills through Games

Bio:

Nalini is a Corporate Specialist in System Dynamics at Eskom. She then worked as a production engineer in the steelmaking industry, where she dealt with line expansion and optimisation projects. In 1997, she joined Eskom’s Research business unit where she was involved in generation plant related research, as well as the development of knowledge-management diagnostic programs. In 2008, she managed generation engineering research activities. At the end of 2011, she set up the Eskom System Dynamics Centre, while completing her Masters in Sustainable Energy Engineering at the University of Cape Town. In 2018, she assumed the executive role of Eskom Corporate Specialist in System Dynamics and completed her PhD in Industrial Engineering at Stellenbosch University. Nalini has authored several internationally recognised papers using a system dynamics modelling approach, and guest lectures at various universities. She is a founding member of the South African System Dynamics Chapter and held the post of President for several years. She started the very first System Dynamics Conference in South Africa (and Africa) in 2013. She is the author of the “Applied System Dynamics using South African Case Studies” book being used at universities.

Workshop content:
While everyone has the potential to develop systems thinking skills, not everyone naturally approaches problems or situations from a systems perspective. Some individuals may naturally have a propensity for systems thinking, while others may need to consciously develop this skill through education, training, or practice. Additionally, cultural, educational, and environmental factors can influence the extent to which people engage in systems thinking. However, with effort and exposure to systems thinking

Benefits of attending this Workshop:
The workshop aims to provide insights into the dynamic interdependencies of various components within a system and how changes in one aspect can ripple through the entire system over time. Participants will learn practical techniques to conceptualize and get a handle on a systems thinking way of tackling problems through interactive group building games.

Rudolph Oosthuizen (Professor at Graduate School of Technology Management, University of Pretoria)

Rudolph Oosthuizen

Professor at Graduate School of Technology Management, University of Pretoria

Workshop Co-Presenter of Workshop Titled: Enhancing Systems Thinking Skills through Games

Bio:
Rudolph joined SA Air Force in 1990 to obtain a B.Eng (Elec 1994), B.Eng (Hons) (Indus 1998) and MEM (2002) from UP. In the SA Air Force performed systems engineering roles in Electronic Warfare and Command and Control. In 2008 he joined Defence Peace Safety and Security (DPSS) at the CSIR as a Senior Systems Engineer supporting various Command and Control related projects. He obtained a PhD in Engineering Management at UP in 2015. Rudolph has initially the focussed was on modelling of Command and Control systems for requirements capturing as well as concept development. Of special interest was modelling of the human element in the sociotechnical system, focussing on cognitive and human factors using Model Based Systems Engineering practices and processes. Currently, Rudolph focuses on implementing Data Science and Artificial Intelligence for decision support and situation awareness. Since April 2023 he has been appointed as an associate professor at the GSTM for the Systems Engineering and Systems Thinking course modules. Rudolph has more than 20 years experience in conceptual system modelling and is registered as a Professional Engineer with ECSA and is also a Certified Systems Engineering Professional (CSEP) with INCOSE. When not working, researching or researching Rudolph spends his time on reading, photography, precision shooting and birdwatching.

Workshop content:
While everyone has the potential to develop systems thinking skills, not everyone naturally approaches problems or situations from a systems perspective. Some individuals may naturally have a propensity for systems thinking, while others may need to consciously develop this skill through education, training, or practice. Additionally, cultural, educational, and environmental factors can influence the extent to which people engage in systems thinking. However, with effort and exposure to systems thinking.

Benefits of attending this Workshop:
The workshop aims to provide insights into the dynamic interdependencies of various components within a system and how changes in one aspect can ripple through the entire system over time. Participants will learn practical techniques to conceptualize and get a handle on a systems thinking way of tackling problems through interactive group building games.

Larissa Liebenberg (Industrial Engineer at Discovery Insure)

Larissa Liebenberg

Industrial Engineer at Discovery Insure
https://www.discovery.co.za/car-and-home-insurance/get-a-car-insurance-quote/

Workshop Presenter
Workshop Title: Amazon Web Services' QuickSight: Creating dashboards and powerful analytics for your business

Bio:
Larissa is an Industrial Engineering graduate from the University of Pretoria who demonstrates a sound academic background having made the Dean's List and Golden Key recipient during her studies (2019-2023). She demonstrated her passion for IEs and their well-roundedness, serving as a member of the Tuks SAIIE committee as an undergraduate.

She is in her second year of work at Discovery Insure, working as the first Industrial Engineer on their Telematics team. Her interest lies in leveraging the data available at the company to bridge and close the gap between complex technology and our partners and clients. She strives to convey and realise the benefits of Industrial Engineering techniques in this space and to translate and adapt these concepts for the vehicle insurance, telematics and internet of things space.

Workshop content:
This workshop will demonstrate how QuickSight - a powerful business analytics and visualisation tool created by Amazon Web Services - can be used in industry, with the example of telematics and vehicle insurance at Discovery Insure. Attendees will have the opportunity to follow along in a demonstration to create a dashboard from scratch. A sample dataset will be provided to attendees and we will then build the dashboard starting with uploading data into AWS, building the dashboard, setting up anomaly detection to detect and notify of any data outliers, and finally publishing the dashboard. We will also cover how to automate refreshing the dashboard and creating an email schedule to send the dashboard out to a recipient/group of recipients. In practice, this recipient or group of recipients could be an individual or team at your company with a specific interest in the data or a need to keep a close eye on trends and anomalies.

Benefit of attending this Workshop:
- Learn how to create a dashboard in Amazon Web Services QuickSight from scratch
- Learn the benefits of using QuickSight over other dashboard creation tools
- Learn how data visibility can illuminate opportunities and shortcomings in your business

Sydney Theko (Senior Project Manager at Automotive Industry Development Centre (AIDC))

Sydney Theko

Senior Project Manager at Automotive Industry Development Centre (AIDC)

Workshop Presenter
Workshop Title: Standardize work and Illuminate

Bio:
Sydney has over 24 years in the Automotive Industry where he accumulated extensive experience in Industrial Engineering, Process Engineering and Project Engineering. His career began at Robert Bosch where he led several layout and work study related improvements. He worked for companies such as Robert Bosch as Junior Industrial Engineer, Mercedes-Benz as Industrial Engineer responsible for the Bodyshop area and the plant productivity, Volkswagen SA as Process Project Engineer for the launch of the VW250 Polo, Ford Motor Company as Launch Engineer for the T6 Ford Ranger Project. Sydney is currently working for the Automotive Industry Development Centre as a Senior Project manager. He studied National Diploma at Wits Technikon, B-Tech in Industrial Engineering through UNISA. Sydney has a master's in industrial engineering obtained through Tshwane University of Technology. Sydney has also worked as part-time lecturer at Tshwane University of Technology's Industrial Engineering department.

He has been a speaker at the following conferences: The Lean Summit 2014, The Lean Summit 2018, SAIIE Annual conference 2016, SAIIE Annual conference 2019, and the AIDC Kaizen Seminar in 2014 and 2017.

Workshop content:
The workshop is about learning methods to standardize processes thereby making it easy to identify abnormalities. "When the house is illuminated, it is easy to recognise that something is wrong once there is darkness in the same house". Standardize work and Illuminate Workshop is based on Toyota Production System (TPS) which seeks to produce and supply parts Just-In-Time and also empowers operators to stop the production line once there is abnormality in their process (JIDOKA). The Standardized Work organises and defines operator’s motion to achieve the SAFETY of all people working in the area, to ensure the best QUALITY of products that are produced in the area and to achieve the highest EFFICIENCY and robustness of the processes involved.
This practical training will impart knowledge to the attending delegates on how to achieve the safety, quality and efficiencies required to build the products to the customer’s satisfaction.

Benefits of attending this Workshop:
Standardized work is a very important TPS concept with its main benefits being the following:
- It confirms the production method – This assist in achieving high quality as it ensures that the process is conducted the same way even when different people are carrying out this process
- It allocates full workload (operator utilisation) – It ensures that each one of the operators is utilized to the optimal level
- It identifies Kaizens – It helps to bring out abnormalities and therefore institutes the need to carry out Kaizen activities

Estie Boshoff (Industrial Engineer at dataGambit)

Estie Boshoff

Industrial Engineer at dataGambit
https://www.kiraz.co.uk/

Workshop Presenter
Workshop Title: Illuminating the supply chain: A data modelling approach

Bio:
Estie is an enthusiastic and passionate person and enjoys working with people and in teams. She has a strong sense of responsibility. She enjoys thinking, exploring and analyzing different ways of looking at problems and how to resolve them. She is passionate about quality and detail, but relish in also seeing the bigger picture. She is a registered Industrial Engineer with ECSA.

Workshop content:
The workshop will be interactive and engaging, centering on the use of data modeling techniques to illuminate supply chain operations and their associated relationships. Data modeling concepts will be reintroduced to participants and present a case study focusing on SDG12 (Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns). Participants will then apply these techniques to understand the relationships between relevant entities, demonstrating the real-world impact of data modeling on supply chain management.

Benefits of attending this Workshop:
- Understanding data modelling entities and relationships
- Using data modelling as a communication tool
- Showcasing data modelling link/potential impact on SDG

Anthea Venter (Lecturer at Department of Industrial Engineering, University of Pretoria)

Anthea Venter

Lecturer at Department of Industrial Engineering, University of Pretoria

Workshop Co-Presenter of Workshop Titled: Illuminating the supply chain: A data modelling approach

Bio:
Anthea is an Industrial Engineer with experience across mining, digital advertising, geospatial, and pharmaceutical industries. Currently, she is privileged to work in the Industrial & Systems Engineering Department at the University of Pretoria, where she merges her passions for people, teaching/mentoring, and research. Beyond her professional pursuits, she finds solace in the beauty of nature and spending quality time with her loved ones exploring new foodie havens both near and far.

Workshop content:
The workshop will be interactive and engaging, centering on the use of data modeling techniques to illuminate supply chain operations and their associated relationships. Data modeling concepts will be reintroduced to participants and present a case study focusing on SDG12 (Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns). Participants will then apply these techniques to understand the relationships between relevant entities, demonstrating the real-world impact of data modeling on supply chain management.

Benefits of attending this Workshop:
- Understanding data modelling entities and relationships
- Using data modelling as a communication tool
- Showcasing data modelling link/potential impact on SDG

Cecil Lourens (Senior Advisor at Blue Stallion Technologies)

Cecil Lourens

Senior Advisor at Blue Stallion Technologies

Workshop Presenter
Workshop Title: An interactive Anylogic Workshop for modelling the transport and handling of agricultural (and mining) commodities

Bio:
Cecil is a Senior Simulation Engineer with a strong foundation in chemical and mechanical engineering, focusing on simulation modeling for supply chain optimization, warehousing, and mining operations. Educated at the University of Pretoria, University of South Africa, and University of Johannesburg, Cecil has led projects enhancing logistics, automation, and control systems across various sectors. His expertise in applying deep machine learning for process improvement is notable. Currently, he serves as a Senior Consultant at Polar Analytics & Blue Stallion Technologies, with a career that includes roles at Hatch Africa, AspenTech SA, and Honeywell Hi-Spec Solutions, making significant contributions to operational excellence and innovation.

Workshop content:
This workshop offers a hands-on exploration into the simulation of bulk materials, such as grain, utilizing the Anylogic Software application which is well known for its application in both academic and industrial contexts. Participants will engage in a comprehensive learning experience, focusing on the practical aspects of the simulation process and the detailed steps involved in creating an illustrative model. The session will introduce techniques for modeling bulk commodities, illustrating the transition between continuous representations and discrete agents for effective transport simulation. Further, the workshop will cover the process of enhancing models through cloud-based experiments, providing an overview of both the theoretical and practical elements of simulation modeling.

Benifits of attending this Workshop:
Understanding the process of building dynamic simulation models, and understanding the fundamentals of Anylogic Simulation Software. Participants will be introduced to hybrid modelling where different modelling paradigms are mixed within one simulation model. In this case Agent Based with Discrete event and Fluid Flow.

Bridget Ssamula (CEO of ECSA)

Bridget Ssamula

CEO of ECSA
https://www.ecsa.co.za/default.aspx

Panel Member
Topic: Illuminating Innovation & Entrepreneurship

Dr Bridget Ssamula, was appointed as the CEO for Engineering council South Africa in November 2022. Formally trained as a civil engineer, Bridget holds a PhD in transportation engineering from University of Pretoria, in South Africa and an MBA in Aviation Management, from Embry Riddle Aeronautical University, USA. Bridget has over 23. years’ experience in various sectors in research & academia, operations (airlines, ports & Rail) and consulting She spent 9 years in AECOM a global infrastructure engineering firm in 2013 has held and managed various portfolios at a regional and global level, ranging from Business development to Project delivery and business operations.

She is passionate about mentoring and has been involved in strategizing, planning, and implementing social impact initiatives as part of our Project delivery model through job creation, skills transfer, and small business engagement.

She has held directorship portfolios on boards of various transport entities and strategic planning & advisory roles for universities, cities and states, whilst in South Africa. She has numerous industry awards and recognitions, and she is the author of a variety of peer reviewed conferences, conference papers, technical papers and mainstream articles in the field of aviation in Africa

Mfanelo Pat Ntsobi (Chief Executive Officer at Sci-Bono Discovery Centre)

Mfanelo Pat Ntsobi

Chief Executive Officer at Sci-Bono Discovery Centre

Panel Member
Topic: Illuminating Innovation & Entrepreneurship

Professor Mfanelo Ntsobi is a Policy Analyst, Management Scientist and Communication Strategist by training. He Currently holds the following positions:
- Chief Executive Officer of Sci-Bono Discovery Centre.
- Board Chairperson of Gautrain Management Agency.
- Interim Chairperson of the Transport Authority of Gauteng.
- Interim Chairperson of the Ekurhuleni East TVET College Council.
- Member of the Council of the Southern African Association of Science and Technology Centres (SAASTEC).
- Associate Research Professor at South Valley University in Zambia and the Global Centre for Academic Research.
Prof Ntsobi is the former Deputy Director General (DDG) for education support at the Gauteng Department of Education. His scholarship is characterized by his association with research organisations and numerous publications, including book chapters, articles and presentations in conferences across the globe. He is continually developing pedagogies for education and its integration with ICT and web-based strategies for optimum functioning of the educational system. His PhD, titled “Pedagogical Integration of Technology as an enhancement to Teaching and Learning in Gauteng Public Schools” is a manifestation of his interest in the use of digital applications and scientific approaches for provision of pragmatic solutions.
Prof. Ntsobi is currently involved in a project that seeks to promote southern epistemologies, investigating Ubuntu Philosophy as a Research Paradigm in postgraduate research initiatives. He is a member of the Organizing and Scientific Committees of the World Conference on Qualitative Research. He is also one of the editors of a Book Project titled “Digital tools and techniques in Qualitative Research: Skills and Research optimization”. Ntsobi is a reviewer for New Trends on Qualitative Research Journal.

Corné Schutte (Vice-Dean: Research and Industry liaison at Stellenbsoch University)

Corné Schutte

Vice-Dean: Research and Industry liaison at Stellenbsoch University

Panel Member
Topic: Illuminating Innovation & Entrepreneurship

Prof. Corné Schutte is the Vice-Dean: Research and Industry Liaison at the Engineering faculty and the previous Chair of the Department of Industrial Engineering and Professor at the University of Stellenbosch. He has been pivotal in making the Industrial Engineering department the benchmark nationally. He was awarded the Kris Adendorff award in 2022, for prominence in SA Industrial Engineering, is an Honorary Fellow and past president of the Southern African Institute for Industrial Engineering (SAIIE) and is a professionally registered engineer. Corné is functioning as the editor of the South African Journal of Industrial Engineering (SAJIE).

Beyond academia, he is a devoted husband and father to three wonderful children (ages 8, 11, and 13), balancing professional commitments with a vibrant family life.

Khumbulani Mpofu (Scholar/VC at Tswane University of Technology/Solusi)

Khumbulani Mpofu

Scholar/VC at Tswane University of Technology/Solusi

Panel Member
Topic: Illuminating Innovation & Entrepreneurship

Prof. Khumbulani Mpofu has recently been appointed as Vice Chancellor of Solusi University and is the Vice Chair of the International Railway Research Board. He is a versatile and outcome-driven global leader with an impressive record of accomplishments as a Professor in Industrial Engineering, Academic Head, Board Member, Industry Research Chair, National Research Chair, Industrial Consultant and Founder of Commercialization Incubator. I have successfully navigated various dynamic and diverse environments focusing on areas such as Advanced Manufacturing technologies involving Expert Systems implementation along with Artificial Intelligence adoption while working collaboratively to meet critical project deadlines under tight schedules within Mechatronics industries. My ability to adapt quickly coupled with discernment has been pivotal factors that have aided me in achieving success amidst ever-changing circumstances.

Dino Petrarolo (Director of CCI-GrowthCon Pty Ltd)

Dino Petrarolo

Director of CCI-GrowthCon Pty Ltd

Panel Member
Topic: Illuminating Innovation & Entrepreneurship

Dr. Dino Petrarolo is a Director at CCI-GrowthCon and CEO of Next Renewable Generation.
He started his career in 1988 within the Anglo American Group (AMIC), initially as a Systems Analyst in Computer Services, followed by various operational management and support roles. He subsequently worked in the Automotive and FMCG industries in business leadership and strategic development roles, including a role as Global Head of Manufacturing Development for SABMiller and Managing Director for Shatterprufe (PG Glass Automotive Division).

Dino has a BSc (Computer Science) and also obtained MSc & PhD Degrees in Industrial Engineering from the University of the Witwatersrand (Johannesburg). He is registered as a Professional Engineer in South Africa, as well as a Chartered Engineer in the UK.

His experiences include Board Level Governance, Business & Operational Strategy, Supply Chain Excellence & related Change and Improvement initiatives, as well as hands on experience in Operational Management and Knowledge Management systems working with corporate local, regional and international clients such as Coca Cola, OMNIA, Distell and Perrigo.
In 2008, Dino received the international Martin K. Starr Excellence in Production and Operations Management Practice (POMS) Award for recognition of major contributions to the field by practitioners. Starting in 2022, the Dino Petrarolo Emerging Economies Doctoral Student Award for Africa and the Middle East was named to recognize Dino as a distinguished member of the POMS community who have played a pivotal role in the development of doctoral education.
He continues to be a sought after thought leader in his fields of experience and expertise.