25 years strong: Turning ideas into reality
Nat-Africa has reached a significant milestone of 25 years in business
When Jaco Jansen van Rensburg started a small engineering firm in 1999, little did he know that Nat-Africa Construction and Manufacturing would one day become an industry leader with clients across the whole of Africa.
With a background in drilling exploration, Jaco relocated to Richards Bay 25 years ago with a dream to start his own engineering company. This is when he witnessed the power of a small business positively impact the Richards Bay community.
Having worked in several African countries for over 15 years, Jaco had the passion and flair to work under extreme and harsh conditions. Hard work and dedication saw him building a company that would provide an effective service and commitment to local companies.
In 2014, as part of Nat-Africa’s grand transformation process, Jaco partnered with Venilla Arthur, who was part of Nat-Africa’s growing success for about six years prior to becoming CEO. This strategic move aided the company’s massive progress. Together, Venilla and Jaco (CFO) formed the ultimate ‘power house’, which ensured smooth sailing no matter how rough the seas.
Celebrating 25 years of engineering excellence
Nat-Africa has reached a significant milestone of 25 years in business, where many other companies fail to survive.
Asked why, Jaco and Venilla said, “Firstly, we are hands-on from start to commission phase – no matter how big or how small the project may be. What we do is more than just putting parts together. It’s coming up with ideas, testing principles and perfecting engineering, as well as final assembly.”
Jaco and Venilla are strong leaders who thrive on positive results on all jobs at
hand. They attach great importance to ensuring customer satisfaction at all times and supplying quality products to customer specifications on time.
“We keep on improving the quality of our product by using and utilising the latest technology and equipment available. We supply quality products to customer specifications on time.
“We act in a professional manner and conform to the highest level of business ethics. We actively participate in the upliftment of our employees’ skills and welfare. We are committed to achieving zero harm to employees and individuals.”
Having started with a mere 10 employees in 1999, Nat-Africa now has a staff complement of over 80 full-time employees.
“We have our own in-house transport division – a fleet of over 40 vehicles – which include low beds, crane trucks and fully equipped trailers. This allows us to fabricate in our workshop and transport items all over South Africa for installation with ease of access. We have in-house machine shop, profile division, and a fully equipped workshop that has tripled in size over the last 25 years.
“Nat-Africa’s motto is to strive for perfection in everything we do. We take what exists and make it even better. If something doesn’t exist, we design it,” said Venilla.
Main Activities / Our Services
- Plant maintenance for companies in and out of Richards Bay.
- Fabrication of light to heavy structural steel.
- Erection and installation of light to heavy structural steel.
- Fabrication and installation of carbon steel piping.
- Fabrication and installation of stainless steel piping.
- Fabricate and installation of all plate work.
- Fabrication and repairs to stainless steel components in 304, 310, 316 and 3CR12.
- Asphalt Industry – Hot Storage Silo’s, Skip and Skip rails, Dryer drums & Bag House Structures
Safety standards and achievements
Another important factor in the company’s success has been the implementation of SABS standards. Nat-Africa boasts a number of accreditations:
- Safety – MBA 5-star accreditations
- ISO 9001 certified
- SAIW 3834 accredited company
- On 5 September, Nat-Africa was recognised by South32 for its commitment to safety and efforts in planning and execution that ensured the successful outcome of the Pitch Tank 3 refurbishment and Alesa crane maintenance at the harbour projects. The team was led by Henk Visagie
- A Rio Tinto recognition for the methodology used for the pontoon launching at MPD D1 Walkway – team leader: Neels Barnard.
the team.
Long-serving staff members
The following employees have achieved more than 15 years’ service with Nat-Africa: Elsie Ghonco, Jabulice Dlamini, Chris Labuschagne, Lugani Fakude, Neil Hood, Joseph Makoba, Alson Ndlela, Ashley Perumal and Wouter Jansen van Rensburg.
“Our dedicated employees are most reliable and best in their field of expertise. They have stood with the company through stormy times, and our gratitude and thankfulness go out to every employee of Nat-Africa,” said Jaco and Venilla.
“We would like to thank our customers, without whom we would not have been able to grow and become the leaders in our industry. Thank you for choosing Nat-Africa; we see every one of our valued clients as our business partners.”
Big plans for the future
“Projects we have completed demonstrate what we know – future projects decide what we will learn”
Looking ahead, both Jaco and Venilla, as a team, are committed to further growth and market expansion.
“We plan to explore international markets and continue developing innovative solutions that meet the evolving needs of our customers. Our focus remains on delivering superior products while maintaining our core values of sustainability, quality and customer satisfaction.
“With God at our side, all things are truly possible! This is not where we will stop, this is just the beginning of greater things. Watch this space! The sky has been, and will always be, the limit for Nat-Africa. We will continue to greater heights with the help of our current clients and potential future clients.”
