Skills development, transfer a focus for manufacturer

The requirement to employ and train young people within its operations, coupled with the transfer of industry knowledge, are focuses of hydraulic equipment manufacturer Ndoukhulu Hydraulic and Mining Supplier, CEO Matome Manenzhe tells Mining Weekly.

The idea for this company was developed over the span of 40 years by founders Nelson Manenzhe and Sam Tshehlato, and a significant emphasis is placed on advancing employment and development, as well as transferring their combined experience to young people who are currently enrolled in universities, technical schools and technical vocational education and training colleges.

“Our way of life and business is inspired by the spirit of Ubuntu and social impact. We have a responsibility as an organisation to respond accordingly to growing social challenges, including youth unemployment and poverty,” highlights Matome Manenzhe.

Officially registered in 2011, Ndoukhulu manufactures, repairs and refurbishes hydraulic cylinders for earthmoving equipment and successfully attained International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO) 9001 quality management and quality assurance, and ISO 14001 health and safety certifications.

Manenzhe notes that the company manufactures hydraulic cylinders that can reach up to 8 m in underground mining applications and that these cylinders are typically used to support mine roofs underground. The company primarily supplies its hydraulic equipment to the mining industry, predominantly within the coal, platinum group metals and iron-ore sectors of the mining industry.

Ndoukhulu also manufactures hydraulic systems for graders, dump trucks, rotational pumps and valves found in various items of industrial and mining equipment.

In addition to this, the company has the capacity to refabricate and redesign steel- related products.

“We also do mining accessories, which includes the manufacturing of mine safety tools such as pinch bars to clear any objects that may cause harm. We buy the raw materials and machine it according to the specifications that have been given,” highlights Manenzhe.

Technology, Quality Assurance

Ndoukhulu places special emphasis on the importance of technology in keeping up with the latest trends and developments taking place in the hydraulic equipment sector.

Manenzhe welcomes the advent of AI and states that the company is currently exploring the use of AI in providing analytical and monitoring capabilities to reduce energy consumption and increase operational efficiency within the business.

He also stresses the importance of using computer programmed machinery within the company’s operations. “As a growing company, we are at a stage where we need to acquire new equipment to keep up with the industry’s demand. This may pose a challenge of managing the cash flow from working capital against the capital asset,” Manenzhe highlights. However, he explains that the company remains steadfast in advancing its growth objectives.

“Our strategy is twofold: we highlight growth and development. Our core value is that we need to develop and provide skills to mostly previously disadvantaged people while operating efficiently and effectively in this sector. Our emphasis is on becoming the player that produces the right quality and we strive to be known for doing things well and perfect the first time around,” he states.

Further, Ndoukhulu also seeks to partner with institutions of higher learning to identify the best candidates to work for the company.

“We are not limited to what we are called by. We undertake a variety of endeavours that are different in nature. As long as it is steel- related, then we are happy to add our contribution,” concludes Manenzhe.