Ziphozonke Mathabela

Results-driven Water Treatment professional with a National Diploma in Chemical Engineering and over seven years of hands-on experience operating and maintaining industrial water treatment systems. Proven ability to provide technical service support, troubleshoot equipment and process challenges, and ensure safe, compliant plant operations in demanding environments. Experienced in monitoring water quality, performing chemical testing, maintaining mechanical systems, and supporting preventive maintenance programs.

Demonstrates a strong customer-focused mindset, high safety awareness, and the ability to work independently across diverse sites. Currently operating within terminal and industrial environments, with a solid foundation in water treatment, system optimization, and sustainability-driven operations. Seeking to contribute technical expertise as a Customer Equipment Engineer.

Field Service Rep II - Nalco Water(Toyota) - Durban, South Africa

(2026-05)

Operate, monitor, and support manufacturing and water treatment processes while ensuring compliance with standard operating procedures (SOPs) and quality standards.

• Perform routine process monitoring, chemistry testing, sample collection, and data recording to ensure product quality and system performance.
• Deliver equipment installation plans, layout drawings, and standardized bill-of-materials for field implementation.
• Coordinate and execute small-to-medium installation and improvement projects; prepare scope, cost estimates, and progress reports.
• Train customer operators and maintenance teams on safe operation, troubleshooting, and preventive maintenance procedures.
• Provide on-site technical support for customer process and equipment issues, diagnosing root causes and implementing corrective actions.
• Perform equipment inspections, commissioning, preventive maintenance, and repairs for chemical dosing, filtration, and auxiliary systems.
• Install, calibrate, inspect, troubleshoot, and maintain process equipment, chemical feed systems, and monitoring instruments to ensure optimal operation.
• Conduct first-line maintenance, equipment cleaning, sterilization, and routine inspections to maximize equipment reliability and minimize downtime.
• Assist with manufacturing operations, filtration, centrifugation, precipitation, dissolution, ultra-filtration, and other controlled production processes.
• Complete production, quality control, maintenance, and service documentation accurately in accordance with SOPs and regulatory requirements.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives by identifying opportunities to improve process efficiency, equipment performance, product quality, and customer satisfaction.
• Provide technical support and problem-solving for process operations and customer systems, escalating complex issues to senior technical personnel when required.
• Deliver routine technical service, equipment inspections, and preventative maintenance to ensure reliable system performance.
• Build and maintain effective working relationships with internal teams and external customers through professional communication and technical support.
• Participate in internal and external audits and ensure compliance with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), quality systems, and company procedures.
• Ensure safe handling, storage, packaging, and disposal of chemicals, biological materials, and waste in accordance with company procedures and environmental regulations.
• Work independently at remote and physically challenging plant sites; manage time, travel, and task priorities effectively.
• Ensure adherence to quality, HSE, and regulatory requirements during all field activities.
• Comply with Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) legislation by consistently using appropriate PPE and adhering to all safety procedures.
• Participate in safety programs by serving as a Safety Representative, First Aider, or Evacuation Team Leader when required.
• Attend technical and safety training to maintain competency and support continuous professional development.
• Collaborate effectively with multidisciplinary teams to achieve operational targets, maintain product quality, and deliver high levels of customer service.

Plant Operator - Bidvest Tank Terminals - Richards Bay, South Africa

(2024-07 - 2026-04)

Operate, monitor, and control manufacturing and processing equipment to ensure safe, efficient, and compliant production operations.

• Monitor process parameters, equipment performance, and operational conditions, identifying abnormalities and reporting deviations promptly.
• Loading/offloading truck vessels of solvent products safely according to the SOPs
• Offloading rail and ship vessels of solvent products according to the appropriate SOPs and training requirements
• Perform routine inspections of plant equipment, process systems, pipelines, valves, and utilities to ensure operational reliability and product integrity.
• Collect process and QC/QA samples according to approved protocols and accurately record production, quality, and operational data.
• Complete production records, inspection checklists, equipment logbooks, and batch documentation in compliance with GMP, quality systems, and company procedures.
• Conduct first-line maintenance, equipment cleaning, calibration support, troubleshooting, and routine servicing to maximize equipment availability.
• Safely operate plant tools and equipment while assisting maintenance teams during planned maintenance and equipment shutdowns.
• Dispose of waste materials in accordance with environmental procedures, GMP standards, and company policies.
• Participate in internal audits, inspections, and continuous improvement initiatives to enhance process efficiency, quality, and operational performance.
• Maintain high housekeeping standards to ensure clean, organized, and compliant production and plant environments.
• Comply with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) legislation, environmental regulations, and all site operating procedures.
• Wear and maintain appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) and promote a strong safety culture throughout all operational activities.
• Participate in emergency preparedness activities, including emergency response, evacuation procedures, firefighting support, and first aid responsibilities when required.

Water Treatment Plant Operator - Veolia Water - Durban, South Africa

(2017-01 - 2024-06)

Operated and monitored water treatment systems including filtration, clarification, chemical dosing, reverse osmosis, and demineralization units to ensure continuous, compliant plant performance.

• Conducted routine water quality testing (pH, turbidity, conductivity, chlorine residuals, hardness, etc.) and adjusted treatment processes to maintain optimal parameters.
• Performed equipment inspections and preventive maintenance on pumps, valves, dosing systems, tanks, filters, and instrumentation to minimize downtime and extend asset life.
• Identified and resolved process deviations through troubleshooting of mechanical, chemical, and operational issues.
• Logged operational data, compiled shift reports, and communicated abnormalities and system status updates to supervisors and technical teams.
• Ensured strict adherence to safety, environmental, and regulatory requirements, including chemical handling, waste management, and emergency response procedures.
• Collaborated with maintenance and engineering teams during plant shutdowns, upgrades, and repairs.
• Supported continuous improvement efforts by recommending process optimizations and efficiency improvements.
• Maintained high housekeeping standards to ensure a clean, safe, and efficient operating environment.

National Diploma - Chemical Engineering - Mangosuthu University of Technology (2016)

Full-stack software engineer training certificate - Software Engineering - ALX Software Engineering Bootcamp

Bachelor of Sciences - Computing - University of South Africa (2027)