Lesego Mphaka

Qualified and Red Seal Certified Rigger with over 15 years' experience across major industrial, mining, construction, and power plant projects in South Africa. Demonstrated expertise in heavy lifting, rigging operations, mechanical installations, crane coordination, and construction supervision. Proven ability to lead multidisciplinary teams, manage high-risk lifting operations, and drive safety, productivity, and compliance.

Extensive hands-on background with cranes, rigging gear, and plant equipment in shutdown, maintenance, and EPC environments.

Wind Turbine Generator (WTG) Mechanical Engineer / Alternative Construction Manager - Nordex Energy South Africa - Impofu Wind Farm, Humansdorp, Eastern Cape

(2025-01)

• Responsible for mechanical operation of components, tower erection, and abnormal logistics loading/offloading of wind turbine parts including nacelle, drive train, blades, hub, gearbox, shafts, bearings, and brake systems.
• Developed and improved turbine mechanical systems for performance, reliability, and cost-effectiveness.
• Collaborated with electrical, quality, planning, and field technicians during construction and commissioning phases.
• Conducted load calculations and dynamic simulations to ensure structural integrity under wind loads.
• Provided technical support for O&M teams, diagnosed mechanical failures, and suggested corrective actions.
• Reviewed failure reports and proposed design improvements.
• Oversaw prototype testing and commissioning; ensured compliance with IEC 61400 and DELTA 4000 standards.
• Supported turbine installation and commissioning; ensured contractor compliance.
• Prepared and maintained design specs, maintenance procedures, root cause analyses, and performance reports.
• Participated in R&D to improve energy efficiency and system reliability.

Rigging Supervisor - Babcock International Group - Eskom Lethabo & Hendrina Power Stations

(2023-01 - 2024-12)

• Supervised and coordinated rigging and lifting activities on heavy machinery including burners, boilers, and turbines.
• Led interventions for tube leak repairs involving precise rigging and equipment positioning.
• Planned and managed winch setup operations ensuring compliance with safety standards.
• Directed fan and motor replacements with emphasis on minimizing downtime.
• Developed, reviewed, and enforced Safe Work Procedures (SWP) and Method Statements (MS).
• Managed daily work schedules and assigned tasks to Riggers, Winch Operators, and Forklift Drivers.
• Conducted regular safety inspections and ensured strict adherence to OHS Act regulations.
• Liaised with Eskom and Babcock site management for operational compliance and reporting.
• Provided on-the-job training and mentoring to junior rigging personnel.
• Investigated and reported on any incidents or near misses to improve future safety performance.

Rigging Superintendent - SEPCOIII Electric Power Construction Co - RedStone Solar Thermal Plant

(2022-01 - 2023-12)

• Managed and coordinated rigging activities involving 25+ cranes across multiple subcontractors.
• Planned and supervised critical lifts up to 195 tons, ensuring safe load handling.
• Developed detailed Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for complex rigging tasks.
• Conducted rigging studies and risk assessments to ensure lift safety and regulatory compliance.
• Trained and evaluated the competency of riggers and crane operators onsite.
• Monitored crane maintenance schedules and ensured all equipment was inspected before use.
• Coordinated logistics for heavy lifting and rigging materials on site.
• Led toolbox talks and safety briefings specific to rigging and lifting operations.
• Liaised with project managers to align rigging schedules with overall construction timelines.
• Ensured compliance with all site safety regulations and industry best practices.

Rigging Manager - Lemco Engineering – Vedanta Gamsberg - Vedanta Gamsberg

(2024-01 - 2024-12)

• Led planning and execution of heavy lifting operations for large mining infrastructure.
• Oversaw on-site risk assessments and method statement approvals.
• Managed rigging crews, crane operators, and subcontractors to ensure project timelines were met.
• Maintained high compliance with MHS Act and company lifting protocols.
• Coordinated with safety officers and engineering teams for complex lift operations.
• Ensured cranes, lifting gear, and equipment met inspection and certification standards.
• Developed and reviewed lifting studies and technical rigging drawings.
• Verified and signed off lifting checklists and pre-lift assessments.
• Participated in project progress meetings and client briefings.
• Enforced site safety, quality control, and lifting discipline standards.
• Monitored performance of Riggers, Rigging Supervisors, Crane Operators, and Safety Officers.
• Successfully coordinated major heavy lift operations with zero LTI.
• Played a vital role in ensuring structural integrity through strategic rigging methodologies.

Rigging Foreman - Domento Mechanical - Northam Zondereinde Mine

(2019-01 - 2021-12)

• Supervised heavy manual rigging and installation of furnace components.
• Coordinated rigging for ductings, transformers, panels, and gearboxes.
• Developed lifting plans and ensured all rigging complied with safety standards.
• Directed rigging crews during furnace rebuild shutdowns.
• Conducted equipment inspections and arranged maintenance for rigging gear.
• Led safety briefings and ensured compliance with Mine Health and Safety requirements.
• Liaised with project engineers and maintenance teams for scheduling and coordination.
• Managed rigging permits and documentation for all lifts.
• Trained rigging personnel on best practices and emergency procedures.
• Monitored progress and reported on rigging activities to site management.

Rigging Supervisor - Kentz Engineers & SNC Lavalin - Sasol 1 FTWEP, Demin Redundancy, Fine Ash Dam

(2015-01 - 2019-12)

• Supervised rigging and lifting of pipes, spools, vessels, gearboxes, and transformers.
• Directed the installation and commissioning of overhead cranes and air hoists.
• Coordinated steel structure erections and ensured alignment with engineering specs.
• Reviewed and signed off on permits to work, risk assessments, and safety documentation.
• Monitored crane checklists and ensured equipment was fit for service.
• Led daily safety meetings, toolbox talks, and compliance checks.
• Ensured effective communication between rigging teams and site management.
• Provided training and mentoring to junior riggers and assistants.
• Coordinated material handling to support shutdown and maintenance schedules.
• Maintained rigging equipment inventory and scheduled maintenance.

Rigging/Structural Foreman - Cosira Group - DMO Project, Sasol 1 Wax Expansion, Medupi Power Station

(2009-01 - 2013-12)

• Assembled and disassembled Sarens Crawler Cranes (400T) for site operations.
• Directed steel erection and pipe fitting teams during structural installations.
• Led daily toolbox talks, safety training, and DSTI sessions.
• Monitored rigging gear condition and arranged repairs as needed.
• Interpreted rigging drawings and coordinated execution of rigging plans.
• Supervised team of welders, erectors, pipefitters, and assistants for safe work.
• Ensured all lifting operations complied with site safety and engineering standards.
• Coordinated with site supervisors and engineers for project progress updates.
• Maintained rigging logs, equipment certification, and inspection records.
• Conducted risk assessments and implemented hazard controls during lifts.

Rigging/Structural Foreman - Cosira Group - DMO Project, Sasol 1 Wax Expansion, Medupi Power Station

(2009-01 - 2013-12)

• Successfully completed heavy lifts and steel erection without safety incidents.
• Led team to complete Sasol Wax Expansion rigging tasks ahead of schedule.
• Improved team safety culture, reducing minor incidents by 35%.
• Recognized for effective supervision and communication during multi-discipline projects.
• Maintained a 100% compliance rate for rigging equipment certifications.

Rigger - Cosira Group - DMO Project

(2010-02 - 2010-06)

• Conducted lifting operations in elevated and confined environments.
• Assembled and dismantled Sarens 400-ton Crawler Cranes.
• Performed daily equipment inspections and load assessments.
• Used dumpy levels and theodolites for structural erection.
• Led a team of riggers, welders, and steel erectors.
• Prepared and presented toolbox talks and DSTIs.
• Installed life-lines and ensured safety compliance.
• Ensured checklist completion for lifting gear.
• Interpreted and executed rigging blueprints and schedules.
• Liaised with supervisors on progress and safety issues.

Rigger - Cosira Group

(2009-07 - 2010-01)

• Performed rigging and slinging of heavy components.
• Worked in confined spaces and elevated heights.
• Conducted daily rigging safety inspections.
• Used whistles and radio communication for coordination.
• Guided load movements using hand signals.
• Maintained rigging logs and equipment checklists.
• Provided safety coaching to general laborers.
• Set up hoists and winches for lifting operations.
• Interpreted structural and rigging drawings.
• Managed rigging tasks for dragline installation.

Rigger Assistant - Group 5

(2008-06 - 2009-07)

• Assisted in rigging and hoisting operations.
• Prepared equipment and tools for lifts.
• Supported loading and off-loading of containers.
• Performed site housekeeping and safety compliance.
• Participated in daily toolbox talks and shift briefings.
• Assisted forklift drivers and crane operators.
• Secured rigging gear and slings for lifting.
• Conducted minor maintenance of rigging tools.
• Observed senior riggers and learned operational standards.
• Operated under direct supervision to ensure safety.

Diploma - Mechanical Engineering (N6) - Bohlokoa Ba Thuto College (2022-01 - 2022-12)

Trade Certificate - Rigger/Ropeman - MCD Training Centre

Diploma - Safety Management - UNISA

Course - Operations Management - North West University (2024-01 - 2024-12)

Course - Project Management: Construction Economics & Management - University of the Witwatersrand (2022-01 - 2022-12)

Course - Construction Management - University of Cape Town (2021-01 - 2021-12)