Steel Construction Journal readers
SAISC FEATURE
Some of our standout projects of those years included those multi-storey steel framed buildings the tallest of which was 29 storeys, the heavy engineering machines such as stacker-reclaimers, ship to shore container handling cranes, work on the aluminium smelter projects, work on the Richards Bay Minerals project, the cold rolling building at Columbus stainless steel which was about ½ a kilometre long. The most complicated by way of geometry bc( before computerized 3D packages could deal with that complexity) was the North end of the International Convention Centre in Durban.
My favourite project of all the years I was in construction was the 3 triangular nodes that we added to international departures at the then Johannesburg International Airport( now OR Tambo). These 200 tonne structures were assembled about 1 kilometre away from the current positions and towed onto site starting at 10.00pm.
A close second comes the work we did erecting the Saldanha steel continuous casting project where at times we had over 300 people on site.
Yes they were exciting times that I look back on with pride. It gives me a great kick to see some of our projects years after their completion, whether for the first time or one of many visits. Right around the corner from us in Jan Smuts Avenue is a bridge that Speedy erected one Good Friday morning.
In 2001 I came to the conclusion that life had to be worth more than 7 days and 5 nights a week working for a contractor. I left Girder Naco and joined a smaller contractor for a relatively short time, but it did not work for them or me. At about this time( September 2001) I attended a breakfast gathering and found myself sitting next to and chatting to a lady I had not previously( nor subsequently) met. After a while she asked me for my business card and as soon as she realised I was a Professional Engineer( registered in
Some farewell messages from our
Steel Construction Journal readers
Spencer has had a such a tremendous personal and professional impact on so many people. Here is a small selection of some of the messages sent in by Steel Construction Journal readers. Rest assured that all messages sent in will be passed on to Spencer, but for the sake of space, not all have been published here.
“ Spencer, since we first met as fellow GDE students in late 1970’ s you have been the first person that I have phoned to discuss or ask your advice relating to construct-ability of steel buildings. Your practical experience from the Speedy Welder days and your work with SAISC has given you deep insight and knowledge which you have always been happy to share with others – a rare attribute!! Your contribution to the engineering profession in South Africa through informative notes and lectures as well as at SAICE functions is legendary. Hopefully you will continue to take an interest in your passion for many years to come.” – Don Midgely, RMCE
“ It has been an absolute pleasure to work with you, your wealth of knowledge and the way that you have been willing to share it with all is to be highly commended, we wish you good health and happiness in the years ahead. You will be deeply missed.” – Tim Tasioulas, TASS Engineering
“ Thank you for your response to numerous questions over the years, for your overall contribution to the industry and in particular the SAISC initiated conferences and courses.” – Peter Gage, Jones & Wagener
“ Spencer is a double legend – both academically and practical.” – Anton van Dyk, Nako Group
“ Thank you very much for the practical advice you could give off the cuff; it is wonderful to be able to trust advice unreservedly. Your retirement is the loss of the steel industry. Hope you will keep on writing technical articles for publication in the steel magazine.” – Dawie Malan
“ Sir you were and always will be a leader( I know you will not sit back now)” – Leon Cotzee, TWProfile
“ Without doubt Spencer’ s contribution to the education and training of structural steel designers will be missed. I look forward to continuing our friendship beyond steelwork!” – Rob Young, Young & Satharia
“ Thanks for everything Spencer, you are a legend in the structural engineering industry. I have appreciated your helpfulness and in depth knowledge and understanding of the industry. There are many young engineers who indeed owe you a debt. I suspect we have not seen the last of you.” – Bruce Saxby, BSi Steel
“ Your energy, wit, support, brilliance and tireless energy will be sorely missed in and out of our Association Board meetings. Wishing you a well-deserved rest in your retirement and enjoy smelling the roses and quaffing a glass or two of wine! Best wishes.” – Dodds Pringle, ISF
“ Whether it was from behind your desk doing an article, a speaker at a course or teaching, you have done it to serve the industry and more importantly to serve the people of the industry by developing us.” – Roelf Lizemore, SAISC School of Draughting
“ Hard work, dedication and a positive attitude. Just some of the qualities you have shared with us each and every day. We are sad to see you go but you leave our industry in a better place thanks to your contribution.” – Ben Garrad, CEA
“ Whenever I needed to discuss a steel related issue Spencer would always be a great sound board and often gave an alternative view that was compelling. Thanks, dankie mille, grazie. I salute you as a man of steel!!!!” – Franco Mordini, ASTPM
“ A great mentor and friend! I’ d miss him except for the fact that I intend to keep him close.” – Amanuel Gebremeskel, SAISC
“ To have you as one’ s colleague is to be empowered in the knowledge that one will always have able, loyal support.” – Hennie de Clerq, former SAISC CEO
“ Thank you for sharing your knowledge and enthusiasm for steel. The SAISC, its sub-associations and members are grateful for all the support they have received from you. We wish you a happy retirement and hope that you will stay close to us.“ – Paolo Trinchero, SAISC CEO
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