Personality Profile
Sponsored by :
JOHAN BEKKER
– “I LOVE WHAT I DO”
By Ntsako Khosa
H
is role includes liaising with clients to determine their
requirements, design a possible solution and facilitate the
procurement and implementation thereof. “My day-to-day
tasks include heat load calculations, duct design, equipment
specification, compiling tenders and managing site work.
“Our clients come from a variety of industries but are mainly
pharmaceutical or food and beverage. These industries require
environments that have cleanliness levels of the highest order and I
love being part of the team to achieve exactly that,” he says.
GETTING STARTED
In the third year of his National Diploma in Mechanical Engineering
at the Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) he was approached
by an industrial air-conditioning equipment supplying company to
complete his P1 and P2 modules with them. “I ended up working
as a sales engineer for the supply of chillers, air handling units and
rooftop packaged units.
“After being with the company for three years, I ventured
into the manufacturing industry to experience and learn how
factories work. I was involved with the manufacture of armoured
military vehicles where I was responsible for the fitment of the
air conditioning system, diesel tanks and fuel lines, as well as the
internal ducting and insulation. During this time, I completed my
BTech final year project,” he says.
After spending a year and a half in the manufacturing industry
he saw an opportunity for his current position and knew that was
where his future lay. “I started working for HCE the first working
day after my graduation ceremony,” he recalls.
very low margins for error. I love what
I do and strive to contribute to the
team,” he shares.
He has enrolled at TUT for his
Master’s in Engineering, specialising
in Engineering Management and
aims to complete it in 2021. He sees
the heating, ventilation and air-
conditioning industry as a golden
thread through the future of mankind.
“There will always be a need for a
HVAC solution, regardless of changes
and developments to the equipment
being used. I would like to be a part
of that. I am extremely happy to have
found a specialisation field in this
industry, being process clean rooms
and associated services,” he adds.
“It is only by Grace that I have been able to accomplish what I have and to be where
I am today.” – Johan Bekker, junior project engineer at HI Calibre Engineering.
PROJECTS
Some of the projects he’s worked on include:
• On-site training for and assisting with the construction of
air handling units for the Julius Nyerere International Airport
Phase 3 in Tanzania.
• Being part of the team supplying multiple shopping centres
with HVAC equipment, such as Ballito Mall.
• Supplying air handling units for Knightsbridge WSP
Headquarters.
FOR THE LOVE OF THE JOB FUTURE PLANS
He shares that the niche market that HCE caters for weren’t
services he was familiar with until he learnt a little bit more through
research for his current position. “Once I saw the work HCE was
doing, I knew I had to be a part of this spectacular team. After
seeing all the work that goes into these projects, I must give credit
to each member for doing exceptional work in a segment that has “I am also a committee member of the South African chapter
of ASHRAE Region At Large and hope to add value to the
international community.”
He is motivated by the possibility of making a positive impact in
the world. “Whether that is by designing an optimal solution or just
treating others with respect.” RACA
www.hvacronline.co.za
RACA Journal I March 2020
Johan Bekker,
junior project
engineer at
HI Calibre
Engineering.
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