INTERVIEW
A winning combination in serving the mining sector Netha Engineering Technology Managing Director Neo Gumede explains her company’s competitive edge.
Neo Gumede
What are the core services that Netha Engineering Technology provides?
Netha Engineering Technology is a wear-lining solution company based in Meadowdale. We protect the steel and increase the life of the steel by installing high alumina tile and polyurethane liners. Netha manufactures and maintains cyclones, transfer chutes, steel tanks and launders. Netha Engineering manufactures vibrating screen panels for the mining industry. In what sectors do you operate and where are you noting growth?
Mining industries: coal, gold and platinum. Coal mining in Mpumalanga is showing good growth potential.
BIOGRAPHY Neo Gumede is the founder and owner of Netha Engineering Technology and has 12 years’ experience in process engineering, manufacturing and process equipment supply. She has extensive metallurgical experience in gold, platinum, iron ore and diamonds. She has also worked in the mining industry as a metallurgist and as an equipment supplier in the manufacturing sector. After conducting sales for some time, Neo moved up the ranks to take on leadership roles within the same sectors.
What gives Netha the competitive edge?
Our competitive prices, unbeatable lead times, metallurgical expertise and best-quality products in the market. How did your journey in engineering begin?
It began in 2003 when I started my career as a chemical engineer at Vaal University of Technology. I then practised metallurgy for 12 years in various industries like mining, manufacturing and sales. How did you overcome the obstacles faced by women in the field?
By developing a thick skin and becoming highly knowledgeable in everything I do. Have things improved in the current era?
Yes, things have definitely changed. Women are now recognised, and people are more curious about the capabilities of women in mining or engineering.
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SOUTH AFRICAN BUSINESS 2019
