Thapelo P Kekana

Thapelo is an Aspiring Plant Operator holding his Chemical Engineering NQF 5/N6. Thapelo further have more than THREE(3) years operational experience. Thapelo always believes that his hands-on experience coupled with the growing knowledge he gained during his studies and during field work prepared him to make a solid contribution in any Crushing Plant, Feed Milling, Extraction Plant, Processing Plant, Chemical Plant, Water Treatment Environment and related fields.

With a solid experience in Crushing, Milling, Extraction, & Water Treatment Plant, Thapelo is always prepared to put his knowledge and abilities to deliver the best results in everything that he does, while gaining immeasurable experience and skills to advance in his career pursuit. Thapelo is a self-motivated, goal orientated, driven and an individual who believes in lifting and empowering others through the knowledge he has acquired, and experiences gained overtime.

Production Operator - Qpro feeds(VKB Group)

(2024-01-20)

• Operating machines, equipments through SCADA & PLC using computers.
• Using basic engineering tools to unblock conveyor chokes and using panels and MCCs to reset equipments.
• Communicating with various departments like premix, hand adds, pellet press operators, raw material bin controllers and bagging team to ensure smooth production and minimize downtime and reach production targets.
• Mixing & Batching using ribbon blenders and spiral mixers.
• Discipline and ensure team members follow standard operating procedures and work schedule.
• Monitoring production lines (mash line, pellet line, lick line) to meet daily targets.
• Responsible for filling packing sheets, printing batch reports, bagging tickets, medication reports, hand adds, raw material intake report and shift reporting.
• Production planning and batching.
• Reporting bottle necks where necessary and writing down downtime.
• Supervising bagging team, premix, intake, production to ensure correct dosing on medication, raw materials, packaging, bagging labels are used.
• Regularly checking chemical storage tank for smooth production.
• Ensuring pellet press operator adhere to spec of pellet sizes and crumbs.

Trainee Process Controller - Water Solution Through Technology

(2018-03 - 2020-02)

• Add chemicals, such as ammonia or chlorine, to disinfect water or other liquids.
• Visually Inspect equipment on a regular basis and do plant walk-about for inspection.
• Monitor operating conditions, process parameters and gauges.
• Collect samples for laboratory analysis.
• Record meter and gauge readings and operational data.
• Making adjustments on machines for better results and taking corrective measures.
• Document and report test results to regulatory agencies.
• Ensure safety standards and environmental conditions are met and adhered to.

Solvent Extraction Plant Operator - Nedan Oils & Protein

(2023-08 - 2024-01)

• Assist process controller with plant start up and operating the machinery on a production day.
• Communicate with other sections of the plant as and when necessary.
• Stop the plant /machinery during emergencies, breakdown, and shutdowns and communicate with other sections as and when necessary, communicate with maintenance artisans and Prep supervisors/operator.
• Check adequacy of water, hexane, miscella, mineral oil, steam pressure, cooling tower and nitrogen gas cylinders.
• Arrange the supply of water for use and mineral oil as and when necessary.
• Monitor vessel levels, condenser capability, vent gases/hexane and water levels to ensure continuity in processing and take corrective action when there are out of spec parameters.
• Keep track of time for sampling, quality of products by means of liaising with laboratory personnel.
• Carry out hazard inspection on an ongoing basis and record any hazard identified and take corrective measures.
• Ensure good housekeeping is practiced and maintained all the times.
• Ensure no entry of unauthorized personnel, cell phones, matches and any use of unsanctioned metal tools.
• Compile daily production report and equipments checklist monthly and ad-hoc.
• Ensuring safety hazard inspection on an ongoing basis and record any hazard identified and take corrective measures.
• Ensuring compliance with company policies, procedures and SOPs.
• Identify areas that require maintenance, conduct dry run to ensure plant is running well before production.
• Offloading chemicals into the right tankers.
• Work in liaison with the maintenance team following up and testing serviced equipment before production run.

Preparation Plant Operator - Nedan Oils & Protein

(2022-07 - 2023-08)

• Monitor processing equipment(crushers, screens, conveyors, filters etc) during operations.
• Follow procedures and documentation, communicate clearly during shift change, avoid contamination and ensure product is tagged correctly.
• Ensure quality, targets and safety standards are met.
• Communicate with various departments to ensure smooth operation.
• Inspect and quality check product, verify accuracy.
• Interpret specifications and calibrate machines to reach goals. Simultaneously operate multiple pieces of equipment to produce product efficiently.
• Operate systems such as Human Manufacturing Interface (HMI) and Manufacturing Execution System (MES)
• Train and lead new labor crews in seed processing functions Monitor indicators to assess progress production, and maintenance needs.
• Ensure Company handbook, Rules Guidelines and Procedures and safety policies are followed and personal protective equipment is used correctly.
• Wear Personal Protective Equipment as needed.
• Work a variable work schedule as needed.
• Good housekeeping and understanding of quality and environmental regulations.

NQF Level 5 - Chemical Engineering - Capricorn Tvet College (2013-04 - 2016-08)

Matric - Grade 12 with Maths & Science - Ramogabudi Senior Secondary School (2008-01 - 2012-12)