My Journey in South Africa’s Power Sector
Early Career at Eskom (1974-1975)
In the heart of South Africa’s power sector, my career began with an eye-opening experience at Eskom, the nation’s primary electricity supplier. From October 1974 to May 1975, I was immersed in the practical aspects of power distribution and transmission, gaining firsthand knowledge of the complexities involved in ensuring efficient electricity flow to homes, businesses, and industries.
Key Responsibilities and Challenges
During my time at Eskom, I was tasked with overseeing the Distribution and Transmission Power Networks, ensuring their smooth operation, and maintaining their reliability. This role required regular inspections, troubleshooting, and coordinating major maintenance projects to guarantee the safety and efficiency of Eskom’s power networks.
Transition to Maintenance Management
A New Role in 1976
In March 1976, I was promoted to manage the region’s maintenance operations. This role introduced me to the paper-based maintenance planning and tracking system, which, while foundational, had its limitations. The system’s reliance on predetermined intervals and its inefficiencies, such as human error and complex data extraction, became apparent as we sought better ways to manage equipment performance.
The Need for Innovation
Recognizing the shortcomings of the paper-based system, I began exploring the potential of a Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS). The shift to CMMS marked a pivotal moment, transitioning us from reactive to proactive maintenance, and it was the first step toward improving asset management in Eskom’s Distribution and Transmission departments.
Evolving Towards Enterprise Asset Management (EAM)
Expanding Horizons
As the years passed, I witnessed the transformation of Maintenance Management into Enterprise Asset Management (EAM). This shift extended the scope of asset management beyond maintenance, encompassing the entire lifecycle of physical assets. I became a strong advocate for EAM, seeing its potential to optimize operations, improve reliability, and ensure long-term sustainability.
A Broadening Scope of Responsibilities
After serving as District Manager, overseeing a wide array of business operations, I was appointed as the Manager of Protection, Telecommunications, Metering, and Control Systems (PTM&C). In this role, I gained invaluable experience in strategic planning and system integration, strengthening my leadership and management capabilities.
Transforming Maintenance Management into EAM
A Mindset Shift
The highlight of my career came when I was tasked with transforming Eskom’s Maintenance Management system into a fully integrated EAM system. This was not just a technical change but a shift in mindset, from a traditional maintenance-focused approach to a holistic, asset lifecycle management strategy. The transition proved challenging but was a rewarding experience that enhanced operational efficiency and positioned Eskom for future growth.
Ongoing Commitment to Improvement
This ongoing journey towards more efficient asset management continues to this day. The evolution from Maintenance Management to Enterprise Asset Management has been instrumental in shaping the future of our operations, and I remain committed to continuously improving and adapting to the evolving landscape of asset management.
Newsletter
Stay Informed with Our Newsletter
Sign up for our newsletter to stay updated on the latest trends, insights, and developments in the power sector and asset management. We distribute newsletters weekly or as needed, ensuring relevant and timely content.
General Disclaimer
The information provided on this blog is for general informational purposes only. All opinions expressed here are my own and do not reflect the views of any organizations I am affiliated with. While I strive to ensure accuracy, I make no representations as to the completeness or validity of the information on this blog and will not be liable for any errors or omissions. Any actions taken based on the information provided are strictly at your own risk.
Legal Disclaimer
The information provided on this website is for general informational purposes only. All information on the site is provided in good faith, however, we make no representation or warranty of any kind, express or implied, regarding the accuracy, adequacy, validity, reliability, availability, or completeness of any information on the site.
Under no circumstance shall we have any liability to you for any loss or damage of any kind incurred because of the use of the site or reliance on any information provided on the site. Your use of the site and your reliance on any information on the site is solely at your own risk.
Key Points to Include:
- Purpose: Mention that the information is for general informational purposes only.
- Good Faith: State that the information is provided in good faith without any warranties.
- Liability: Clearly state that there is no liability for any loss or damage.
- Risk: Emphasize that the use of the site and reliance on information is at the user’s own risk.
Copyright Disclaimer
© 2025 Agulhas Utilities Corporation (Pty) Ltd. All rights reserved.
The content on this blog, including text, images, graphics, and other material, is protected by copyright law. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to [Your Name or Your Blog’s Name] with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.
