Sizwe Mfanafuthi

Quality Manager, Laboratory Manager /Technical Manager /Technical Signatory

City of Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa

About

A highly skilled Civil Engineering Laboratory Manager with over 12 years of experience in construction materials testing and more than 8 years in laboratory and quality management. Specializing in soils, aggregates, asphalt, bitumen, and concrete, I have extensive experience in supervising geotechnical and asphalt testing operations, quality assurance, technical reporting, and ISO/IEC 17025 compliance. A key career highlight includes successfully transitioning Bakgoni Geotechnical Engineering’s Quality Management System from ISO 17025:2005 to ISO 17025:2017, leading to SANAS Accreditation (T1018) with - 30 accredited methods. Recognized for precision, leadership, and a data-driven approach to quality, I am passionate about continuous improvement and client satisfaction. During my tenure at Bakgoni Geotech, I gained valuable exposure to field geotechnical investigations, technical report writing, the application of proper geotechnical terminology, and laboratory testing, while developing a solid understanding of the relevant codes of practice governing field investigations, including testing requirements and appropriate testing frequencies. This experience enabled me to translate technical knowledge into revenue by effectively assisting clients who may be uncertain about their requirements, allowing me to confidently guide and advise customers on appropriate solutions and clearly communicate what is expected of them. Furthermore, I understand the critical role geotechnical reports play in structural engineering by providing essential ground and foundation information that informs design decisions. In cases of building failures, these reports support the identification of soil-related causes such as settlement, heave, or bearing capacity issues, while for future improvements or rehabilitation of existing structures, geotechnical assessments guide the selection of suitable remedial measures, foundation modifications, and risk mitigation strategies to ensure structural stability and performance. CORE COMPETENCIES: Laboratory & Staff Management Quality Management (ISO/IEC 17025) Technical Signatory Duties Geotechnical & Asphalt Testing Data Analysis & Reporting Customer Service & Contract Compliance Staff Training & Development Audit Preparation & Execution Inter-Laboratory Comparisons Analysis & PT Coordination

Experience

  • Technical Manager at Labdoc (pty)LTD
    Jan 2024 - Present · 2 yrs 7 mos

    Developing a Geotechnical Testing Department within Labdoc was a rewarding and challenging endeavor that required a clear vision, strategic planning, and strong execution. It all began when I recognized the growing demand for specialized geotechnical testing services, particularly in construction and infrastructure projects. I saw an opportunity to expand Labdoc’s offerings, which would not only diversify our services but also position us as a key player in the geotechnical field.

  • Internal ISO/IEC 17025:2017 Technical Auditor & SANS Methods Trainer (Civil Eng Laboratories) at Indepedent Consultant
    Jan 2023 - Present · 3 yrs 7 mos

    Provide tailored technical training, mentoring, and audit-readiness support, particularly for small to medium-sized laboratories at different stages of quality maturity: 1. Uncertainty : Navigating compliance challenges and lack of clarity 2. Awareness : Understanding requirements and initiating system development 3. Implementation : Applying and maintaining ISO 17025 systems toward accreditation Assist with gap analysis, document control setup, method validation, uncertainty quantification, and to an extent assessor engagement preparation. Areas of technical focus include soils, asphalt, aggregates, concrete, and bitumen(limited) testing laboratories. References available upon request.

  • Quality Manager & Commercial Laboratory Manager at Bakgoni Geotechnical Engineering
    Jan 2021 - Jan 2024 · 3 yrs 1 mo

    I achieved a significant milestone in my professional journey as a Quality & Laboratory Manager: my commercial laboratory was officially accredited by SANAS (South African National Accreditation System). This accomplishment was the result of years of dedication, hard work, and continuous improvement. From the very beginning.

  • AMT,MT,SMT,LAB TECH & SUPERVISOR/QA at ROADLAB KZN
    Mar 2014 - Apr 2021 · 7 yrs 2 mos

    Testing Soils, Asphalt, Concrete, Chemicals And Supervision of All departments, ensured quality towards the Institutions accreditation.