Skip to main content

Pete's work

One of Hatch’s jobs in South Africa is part of a joint venture, HMG JV (Hatch; Mott McDonald & Goba), that has been formed to facilitate the Transnet Capital Expansion Program. Transnet, the client, is a government owned body responsible for Rail and Port infrastructure in South Africa. Hence, the program focuses on the revitalisation of the Ports and Rail infrastructure nation wide.

My role on the project is within the procurement team for the Port of Ngqura (‘gqu’ pronounced with a click of the tongue…. nigh on impossible for an Aussie). The port is 20km northeast of Port Elizabeth.

The Port is being built on a green fields site and the phase that is currently underway has a budget of around 8 Billion Rand (A$1.33billion).

The work at this stage is major concrete paving and civil works to shape the container terminal, rail connections, power infrastructure, navigational aides, the buildings that will be required to run the Port (around 20) as well as purchasing the equipment required to run the port (tugs, gantry cranes, STS - ship to shore cranes etc.)
Although I am based in the head office in JHB I visit site for various reasons once every 2-3 weeks. The offices on site are simple, however in a stunning location. They are perched on top of a sand dune, and at its highest point offer a 180º view overlooking the Port and Indian ocean. Native wild monkeys run around (outside) the office and across the roof, confirming that we are definently in South Africa.

Working in SA certainly has its differences including the frustration of dealing with the multiple languages and accents (French, Scottish, Afrikaans, Xhosa and Australian). Dealing with the politics of such a large organisation is also something new for me and can, at times, be testing.

Also unique is BBBEE (Broad Based Black Economic Empowerment) legislation and policies. All of our contracts are awarded not simply on Time, Cost & Quality but also using a preferencing system designed to assist BBBEE. A rating depending on the level of black ownership, employment, training and various other criteria is obtained by bidding companies and impacts the awarding of the various contracts. This makes a lot of sense but is also quite an unusual concept coming from Australia. Other than this the works issues are mostly the same invoices, emails, contracts and contractors!

Popular posts from this blog

Ahhhh..... Spa Day!

Spa Day always brings a smile & sense of excitement to the wives that partake in the day. Today was Spa Day (or should I say guilty day...). Once a month 8 of us take a 40min road trip to Kievits Kroon , a Cape Dutch country estate and spa, where we are pampered, preened and groomed. Our clothes and shoes are banished upon arrival and replaced with a luscious white bath robe and matching slippers. Today we had a body scrub, some sun time and relaxation by the pool, buffet lunch accompanied with wine & fresh juice, some time in the swiss shower and jacuzzi and then finished with a 1 hr full body massage. All of this for around AUD 60! Note- there are some benefits for the husbands from this monthly activity. To reduce the guilt levels a delicious meal is always on the table upon their return home from work! :)

First impressions

Thought it time we touch base and let you know that we are still here!!! We have been very busy since Jen's arrival. Mainly involves trying to lease/buy cars & getting the necessary documentation, sorting out my work VISA, sorting out housing.... We are getting an Audi A3 which we should have by Friday. We can't wait to drive it! Second car to be confirmed (but hopefully purchased by early next week). I have been dropping Pete at work each day so that I can use the hire car... looking forward to sleep in's in the near future and really being a lady of leisure- enjoy it while it lasts I say! I have met with Charles Orbach (accounting firm) and am now in the process of obtaining documentation for VISA (copious amount) and then getting it processed ASAP. They are lovely people and I look forward to starting (probably another 1-3 months though due to length of time to get VISA). I seem to fill my days quite easily with daily food shopping, lunches, breakfasts, gym, organisi...

Breaking News- "Chandler selected to represent EP "

Pete has been selected to compete for the Eastern Cape Team at the upcoming South African triathlon championships- Go Pete!! Whilst Pete performed admirably in the pre-selection a week ago, he by no means participated to gain selection in the team. As it was, it was the first time that he had raced an olympic distance triathlon. One of his fellow Eastern Cape team mates in the 25-29 age group is James Cunnama, a professional triathlete who came 2nd in the Ironman Austria. Pete's not feeling the pressure at all to perform for the team! Tonight he came home from work and went for a long run immediately. He is still undecided whether we will make the trip to Germiston (in Gauteng) for the South African championships however is some what shocked that he has been selected for the team.