Zuko Malawu

I have a strong and resilient personality, willing to withstand pressure to get the job done. I am a firm believer in reaping what you saw, as a result I tend to give more into my work and gain more satisfaction. I am highly competitive and a perfectionist at times, this gives me the drive I need to make sure that things get done properly.

Laboratory Technician at Blendcor (pty) ltd

Responsible in complying with IS 14001 and 45001 standard.

• Calibrates, validates, verification, troubleshoot and run tests on laboratory instruments and equipments.
• Verification and validation of methods.
• Calibration of equipment as required by ISO: TS16949.
• Quality Certificate control as required by ISO: TS16949.
• Testing of Correlation samples.
• Checking of Quality Certificates supplied by the suppliers against standards and products received.
• Control of all retention samples of raw materials.
• Approval and blend reformulation to accommodate the current supply of base oils.
• HSSE audits training and identifying of risks/hazards.
• Reporting of Quality Incidents.
• Laboratory testing of engine oils, gear oils, hydraulic oils and turbine oils according to ISO 9001:2000 requirements.
• Testing and release raw materials for blending and finished products.
• Testing of imported base oils for discharge from the ship into the tanks.
• Sample test turnaround times between marketers and laboratory.
• General laboratory techniques, housekeeping, and proper application of safety measures.
• Preparation of standards and reagents
• Segregation and Disposal of waste According to ISO 14001.
• Capturing data of analysis by means of Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) and sending out reports and feedback
• Density (ASTM D4052), Colour (ASTM D1500), Kinematic viscosity (ASTM D445)
• Cold cranking simulation (ASTM D5293), Inductively coupled plasma (ASTM D5185 & D4951)
• Pour point (ASTM D6749), Total acid number (ASTM D974)
• Base number by potentiometric titration (ASTM D2896), Tan delta (IEC247)
• Demulse at 54'c & 82'C (ASTM D1401), Foaming characteristics & stability (ASTM D892)
• Cleveland open cup flash point (ASTM D92), FTIR, Brookfield viscosity (D2983)
• Noack volatility (ASTM D5800), Filterability factor (TMS371)
• Water content (ASTM D6304), MRV viscosity (ASTM4684)
• Pensky martens closed cup flash point (ASTM D93)
• Agilent Cary 360 and PerkinElmer FTIR
• Conductivity
• PH meter
• Centrifuge

Laboratory Technician at SIKA SOUTH AFRICA (PTY) LTD

• Testing of raw materials and (paint, cement, grout, bonding, sealing, damping, reinforcing and protecting solutions) product and calibration of instruments
• Creating Laboratory procedures and Working Instructions
• Preparation of standards and Calibration of instruments
• Instruments used: viscometer, densitometer, epoxy
• Wet Chemistry
• Sample preparation
• Axaptor (Administration)
• Assist in preparation of new QC standards
• Contribute to implementation/improvement of test methods/procedures
• Maintain a high standard of laboratory cleanliness
• Ensure that test equipment is calibrated and maintained to specified standards, whilst adopting safe working practices at all times.

Laboratory technician at SGS SOUTH AFRICA (SA LITHIUM MINE)

• Perform weighing, drying and crushing of samples as required by the client's instructions for sample preparation.
• Perform splitting, pulverizing and boxing of samples in Sample Prep and do screen checks.
• Perform the screening of samples for PSA.
• Perform discarding of samples.
• Perform the weighing, fluxing, fusion and cupelling processes within Fire Assay.
• Discarding of samples to return to the client.
• Punctuality at all times.
• Ensure customer requirements are achieved with regard to turn around time commitments. Report daily production figures to the shift/team leader and also bona fide explanations about targets not met and status of equipment/consumables.
• Follow immediate superior's clear detailed instructions and demonstrate flexibility in executing the duties.
• Perform housekeeping to ensure that the work areas and surrounding environment is kept clean at all times.
• Comply and conform to the QHSE policy of the company.
• Good understanding of SLIMS and CCLAS.
• Comply and conform to the Quality Management System (ISO17025 and SANAS).
• Assist with the maintenance of the laboratory instruments and apparatus.
• Able to work in all departments of sample preparation and Fire Assay (rotation)
• Adhere to all quality and safety requirements of the SGS management system.
• Perform any other reasonable tasks as assigned by direct line manager.
• Instruments used: 55 Atomic Absorption Spectrometer, BRUNKER ALPHA II FTIR, PULVIRISER MILL

Laboratory technician at Harmony Gold mine (SGS South Africa)

• Fire assay, The industry-standard, high-temperature metallurgical technique for determining the precise concentration of gold, silver, and platinum group elements (PGEs) in ores, concentrates, and bullion.
• Responsibility to draw up weekly status & production report with regard to internal analysis concerning the responsibility, under the guidance of Section Manager, to validate any new methods or modifications made for XRF analysis.
• Competent in the use of the LIMS
• Able to do troubleshooting on instrument and methods used.
• Instrument used:- Agilent AAS, ICEP-OES, XRF, LECO.

National Senior Certificate (Matric) – St John's College (2016)

Diploma in Analytical Chemistry – Durban University of Technology (2020)