Riaan Pretorius

My engineering career began with extensive hands-on training in welding and boiler-making following matriculation, during the 1990’s, generally regarded as a prosperous period for the South African engineering industry. This practical foundation fostered a lasting passion for the profession and equipped me with strong technical and problem-solving skills applicable across diverse sectors, including Oil & Gas, Pulp & Paper, Shipbuilding, Power & Energy, and Mining.

Through continuous upskilling and experience, I advanced into Technical, Construction, Engineering, and Project & Quality Management roles. I applied my expertise in welding, process piping, and pressure vessel fabrication and maintenance to ensure technical integrity, safety, and compliance with engineering standards. My consistent record of delivering successful projects led to international engagements, broadening my professional perspective and enhancing my global engineering insight.

Recognising the importance of formal academic grounding to complement my practical experience, I pursued and completed a Master of Engineering degree at the University of the Witwatersrand, Faculty of the Built Environment. Admission was granted based on more than fifteen years of progressive mechanical engineering experience. This academic achievement enabled my transition into Engineering Consulting, where I established and currently lead a successful Consulting and Construction company.

Despite economic challenges in recent years, the firm has maintained strong performance, providing services to clients such as Sappi Ltd, Mondi SA, Coca-Cola Beverages SA, Belgotex, Afgri, Meadow Feeds, and Clariter. Our scope of work includes the design, manufacture, and installation of mechanical process equipment, specialising in the welding of special steels and the installation of pressure equipment in compliance with SANS 347 and the Pressure Equipment Regulations of South Africa.