1993 - 2004 South Africa
11 years in one of the most beautiful countries
After we visited South Africa several times, we emigrated in January 1993, shortly after the release of nelson Mandela. Somebody in Germany commented this with the words: “The one eyed will be king in the land of blinds” ….. How wrong he was! In principle, this website is created to give an introduction to the technologies which are offered by alera international GmbH I still would like to share some impressions we have accumulated during 11 years in South Africa.
On the other hand, South Africa can offer some very special features. Christians, Muslims, Hindi and Jews respect each other and live together next to each other with no major conflicts. 78.000 km2 = 6,4 % of the total area of the country, which is equivalent to Belgium and the Netherlands combined, are nature reserves where plant and animal find their natural habitat. Also with regard to maritime wildlife protection, South Africa takes a leading role in the world.
After our arrival in South Africa, we have founded THERMAX Engineering and began our activities as engineers in the area of energy and environmental technology. The necessary registration as professional engineer (ECSA 940183) was completed efficiently, however to build up a business in the now rapidly changing South Africa was not always easy. However, South African and German friends and the tolerant lifestyle, combined with sunshine and nature helped us to master these hurdles without to much difficulties.
The South African economy is very heavily orientated towards the exploitation of the many resources being available. These resources, which are controlled by only a few large cooperation’s are often exported without bringing much value added to the country. Smaller industry is not as widespread as in Germany and most of the machinery and plant is imported on a turnkey basis from overseas. Therefore, the potential for engineering business, especially in a specialised field such as energy or environmental technology is limited.
This in turn required quite some flexibility from us and we had to serve a great number of industries. To mention but a few examples; we have upgraded energy plants for the wood panel industry and also optimised wood panel presses. We have optimised steam boilers in breweries and also have commissioned beer residual dryers. In the edible oil industry we have built the first coal fired thermal oil heaters and also organised the disposal of residual sludge’s and in the fish meal industry we have eliminated odour problems. Last but not least we have supplied a medical waste pyrolysis incinerator in Cape Town.
Through our active membership in the National Association of Clean Air (NACA) we also had numerous activities in the environmental field. We conducted environmental simulation dispersion modelling, optimised gas clean up plant such as wet scrubbers, optimised cyclones for the cement industry and improved many different combustion processes. It was very interesting to notice, that very soon after Mandela came to power, South Africa introduced very stringent environmental legislation, in some aspects exceeding the laws in existence in the USA or Europe.
As far as our work permitted, we have always endeavoured to explore this country. At night one can observe the Milky Way in such clarity as nobody will ever see such wonder in the northern hemisphere. Or just within two hour’s walk from the centre of Cape Town, one is surrounded on top of Table Mountain by total nature and silence, just like the alpine world.
There are many areas with no electricity, just perhaps a hut where animals and mankind live near to each other undisturbed. Furthermore South Africa is a “paradise” for private pilots. Visual night landings without any air traffic control by just switching on the runway lighting with a few clicks on the talk button or the visit to a farm in the desert with its own “dirtstrip” are daily activities. And on the farm, the local people share a hearty breakfast with the pilots and their “passengers
So why to go back to Germany?
Our son returned back to Germany in2002 to follow his career as a professional triathlete
One of our friends was killed just because someone wanted his cell phone and his shoes.
Many industries, such as the textile industry collapsed after the country was opened for imports.
Living in Europe offers many business and personal opportunities and an abundance of culture. This has made the return to Germany quite attractive.
South Africa, however, still is a very fascinating country and we regularly come back and visit.