Nelson Malesa

Overall responsibility for laboratory operations, personnel, and quality management. Ensure effective implementation of ISO/IEC 17025:2017 systems and company procedures. Develop and implement strategic laboratory plans in line with project objectives.

Senior Material Technician (Expatriate) - GLOBAL LABORATORIES AND RISK SOLUTIONS - Mali, West Africa

(2022-07)

• Overall responsibility for laboratory operations, personnel, and quality management.
• Ensure effective implementation of ISO/IEC 17025:2017 systems and company procedures.
• Develop and implement strategic laboratory plans in line with project objectives.
• Schedule and oversee testing, sampling, and reporting to meet project timelines.
• Identify and implement corrective, preventive, and improvement actions.
• Validate and verify test methods, including uncertainty of measurement.
• Manage risks, impartiality, confidentiality, and health & safety compliance.
• Approve and review test results, non-conformances, and laboratory documents.
• Train and assess laboratory staff competence; maintain performance records.
• Liaise with clients, management, and technical staff for operational efficiency.
• Ensure equipment, consumables, and services are verified before use.
• Compile and analyze management and proficiency testing reports.

Laboratory Manager - EARTHINV LABORATORY - Kroonstad, South Africa

(2018-01 - 2022-06)

• Technical Signatory.
• Managed central laboratory operations, quality control, and staff supervision.
• Ensured test results adhered to SANS and ISO 17025 requirements.
• Conducted internal audits, managed data systems, and ensured timely report submissions.
• Mentored junior technicians and coordinated regional project testing support.

Materials Technician - LETABA LABORATORY (Pty) Ltd

(2016-01 - 2017-12)

• Conducted routine and specialized laboratory testing according to SANS standards.
• Geotechnical investigations and laboratory data compilation for design teams.

Site Laboratory Manager / Materials Technician - MS MABUYA CIVIL LABORATORY (Pty) Ltd

(2012-08 - 2015-12)

• Managed full site laboratory operations and personnel.
• Oversaw compaction control, concrete mix verification, and materials testing.
• Prepared technical reports, QA/QC documentation, and "as-built" submissions.

Trainee Technician (Assistant Site Lab Manager) - LETABA LABORATORY (Pty) Ltd

(2011-02 - 2012-07)

• Performed compaction (MOD, CBR, UCS, ITS) and indicator tests.
• Carried out field testing (nuclear and sand replacement densities, DCP, DPL, percolation).
• Conducted concrete testing and mix designs; managed documentation and data entry.

Senior Certificate - Grade 12 - Thogwa High School (2005)