Lwandile’s career began with hands-on roles in South Africa’s manufacturing sector, where he optimized production at companies like Consol Glass and Marcopolo Bus Manufacture. His early work designing conveyor systems and implementing energy-saving initiatives laid the foundation for his technical expertise. But it was his transition to mining and infrastructure projects that truly defined his impact.
As Lead Piping Engineer on the Almalyk Copper Project in Uzbekistan, Lwandile spearheaded piping designs for a major industrial operation, navigating complex cross-cultural teams and stringent safety protocols. His work ensured compliance with international standards while keeping the project on schedule and within budget. This global experience was complemented by projects across Africa, including the Kamoa-Kakula Copper Project in the DRC, where he managed the construction and commissioning of process piping systems, and the Newmont Ahafo Mill Expansion in Ghana, a $580 million gold mine project where he led piping and tank installations.
In South Africa, Lwandile’s expertise shone in projects like the Zondereinde Platinum Mine, where he balanced technical requirements with stakeholder collaboration near Eskom power lines and Magalies Water servitudes. His ability to deliver under pressure was evident in Zimbabwe’s Ngezi Phase II Platinum Mine Expansion, where he managed a R85 million piping contract through contractor financial challenges, ensuring 12.9 km of HDPE-lined pipelines were installed flawlessly.