News
Digital engineering (DE) is transforming industries globally, integrating IT, AI, and data technologies to create smarter virtual environments that optimise the lifecycle of products and systems, from design to maintenance. In Namibia, DE adoption is growing steadily. Consulting engineers in Namibia like Lithon leverage these tools to enhance infrastructure development. Research institutions like the Namibia…
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Namibia’s engineering and construction sectors have long relied on locally available materials to address its unique geographical and economic challenges. From ancient indigenous practices to modern engineering, the use of natural resources has played a central role in shaping the country’s infrastructure. Engineering companies in Namibia like Lithon have embraced this approach, leveraging locally sourced…
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Namibia has been heavily reliant on fossil fuels for its energy needs. However, with the increasing global focus on climate change and sustainable development, engineering companies in Namibia have been playing a crucial role in the country’s efforts to explore renewable energy sources and reduce its carbon footprint.. From an engineering perspective, this article will…
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Namibia’s vast desert landscapes, characterised by their unique geology, arid climate, and expansive terrain, present both opportunities and challenges for engineering projects. For consulting engineers in Namibia like Lithon, navigating these challenges requires innovative design, robust planning, and sustainable solutions tailored to the local environment. This article explores the complexities of engineering in Namibia’s desert…
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Namibia’s agricultural sector is primarily livestock-based, contributing significantly to the nation’s economy. However, arid conditions and unpredictable rainfall pose significant challenges. To mitigate these constraints, climate-smart agricultural practices are gaining prominence. This approach focuses on sustainable and resilient farming methods, such as efficient water management, improved livestock breeds, and high-value crop cultivation. While arable agriculture…
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Namibia’s transport infrastructure is undergoing significant development, with a focus on improving connectivity and efficiency. The road network, while extensive, faces challenges due to the country’s arid climate and vast distances. Key road infrastructure projects include the upgrade of the Trans-Kalahari Highway, the B1 national road, and various regional roads. These projects aim to improve…
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Namibia’s population, estimated at 3.0 million in 2024, grapples with significant demographic, economic, and environmental challenges that impact its stability and development. The country has a growth rate of 1.9% and an urban population that accounted for 43.8% in 2020. With a median age of just 21.5 years and a life expectancy of 65.3 years,…
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Namibia is endowed with rich mineral resources, making the mining sector a cornerstone of its economy. As of 2024, the country has been experiencing a resurgence in mining activities, primarily driven by global demand for minerals and a stable regulatory framework. Engineering companies in Namibia play a crucial role in supporting this growth, providing essential…
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Namibia stands at a pivotal moment in its economic development as it navigates a landscape shaped by both challenges and opportunities. Despite being rich in natural resources and strategically positioned, the nation grapples with issues such as high unemployment, inflation, and climate change. The projected GDP growth rate of 2.5% for 2024 reflects the ongoing…
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In a world where energy powers everything from our appliances and cars to office buildings and so much more, the need for a smarter and more sustainable way to generate and use power is a must. But how can we keep up with our power-hungry lifestyles without depleting our resources and harming the planet? While…
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When it comes to large-scale construction projects – whether it’s building a new mine, developing an energy facility or any other ambitious initiative – success hinges on meticulous planning, coordination and execution. This is where Engineering, Procurement and Construction Management come in. EPCM is not just a process – it’s the foundation that ensures every…
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Building on our last collaboration with The Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST), our Senior Structural Engineer, Estee Beukes, has returned to mentor third-year architecture students about the importance of engineering in their field. This next challenge put the students’ skills to the test, seeing how their previous learnings enabled them to blend architecture…
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The Lithon Foundation is dedicated to spreading love and hope by connecting with organisations that are passionate about making a difference. One such inspiring story comes from Bridge of Hope, a non-profit organisation based in Katutura, Windhoek. Building Bridges of Hope Founded in 2010 by Eugenia Gcilishe, a retired teacher with a big heart…
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The fight against pollution and the need to future-proof the earth are driving a global movement towards green industrialisation. This includes more efficient and sustainable designs, less construction waste, green-production technologies and renewable energy sources. With increased urbanisation, the benefits of green industrialisation are far-reaching. It reduces greenhouse gas emissions, promotes resource efficiency, and…
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When faced with the decision between a career in medicine or engineering, Israel chose engineering – and has never looked back. His passion for problem-solving and community upliftment is brought to life every day in his role as a Civil Engineer in Training at Lithon. When not at work, you’ll find him playing chess, relaxing…
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When one of our Senior Structural Engineers, Estee Beukes, was invited to help guide young architects at The Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST), she welcomed the opportunity to share her expertise. It’s this kind of initiative that forms a core part of Lithon’s mission to nurture talent and give back to the community…
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Inspired by a documentary he watched as a boy, Kobus knew exactly what he wanted to do from a very young age. He now brings his lifelong passion to life as a Structural Engineer at Lithon. When he’s not tackling challenging projects at work, he’s outdoors spending quality time with his family. What inspired…
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As climate change and depleting resources continue to threaten the future of our planet, it’s no surprise that the demand for renewable energy is rising. What we may not consider is that this demand is transforming the mining industry. Coal, gold, iron ore and copper have always been popular mining ventures, but we’re seeing a…
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From a young age, Brandon was captivated by the world of civil engineering, learning the ropes from his father during holiday jobs. Now at Lithon’s Swakopmund office, he’s inspired by the potential to positively impact communities and the environment. When he’s not engineering solutions, Brandon enjoys personal development and quality time with loved ones. What…
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With a passion for creating order from chaos, Estee Beukes is a true problem solver. As Lithon’s Senior Structural Engineer, she tackles everything from structural challenges to team dynamics. When she’s not engineering solutions, she’s baking sweet treats for family and friends, or settling down to watch a historical documentary. 1. What inspired you…
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When it comes to mining, there’s a lot more to it than finding resources and getting them out of the ground. In fact, the amount of research, planning, logistics and infrastructure begins way before any dirt is even turned. That’s where we come in. Not as miners, but as the people behind the operations, smoothing…
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From climate change to poverty and distance, food insecurity is complex and multifaceted. But how can engineers help to solve this global challenge? We tapped into the minds of some of Lithon’s experts to understand how engineers can contribute to tackling food insecurity. Expert Insights from the Agricultural Engineer Willie Knouwds says that climate…
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Engineering projects are vast, complex, and involve significant investment. That’s why preliminary studies and meticulous planning are a must. There are various types of studies to assess a project’s feasibility and help bridge the gap between a big dream and a realistic result. Frikkie Holtzhausen, a Civil engineer at Lithon, having extensive experience in…
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Like a clock with its many different moving parts, so is the world of engineering. By now you know more about civil, structural, mechanical, and electrical engineering, each with its own subdisciplines. Most engineering projects, especially big ones like skyscrapers, bridges, or power stations, require a harmonious interplay of these distinct disciplines. This collaborative process,…
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The world generally experiences an engineer’s work through visible outcomes like bridges, skyscrapers, and machines. But, behind these structures and devices are detailed research planning and analyses. Various types of preliminary engineering studies help to test the viability of a client’s project idea and to scope out the costs involved. With help from Lithon’s resident…
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Lithon puts its people first, valuing genuine care and prioritising relationships inside and outside of work. Part of this involves supporting our employees’ wellness journeys, and recognising the interconnected relationship between a healthy body and a thriving mind. Rest is a big part of this. During this season of rest, you might be curious if…
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It’s always interesting to reflect on the year that was, to understand some of the key happenings that influence the way we work and the projects we undertake. We spoke with Lithon’s CEO, Gert Maritz, to gain insight into the developments of 2023 that are set to shape the future of engineering. Here’s what he…
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Architects are often praised for the beautiful buildings they design, but their behind-the-scenes partners, structural engineers, are equally important to achieving the design vision and ensuring that it works. If you’ve ever wondered how architects and engineers work together; how they divide, conquer and collaborate, Lithon’s Dalene Vries has some answers for us. 1.…
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Water gives life to people, cities, and nature. While at times a plentiful resource, there are many places on earth where it is extremely scarce, or heavily polluted. As a result, millions of people around the world do not have access to clean drinking water. Lithon has some smart engineers tackling this challenge. We weighed…
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From the early stages of a town’s conception to its full-fledged infrastructure, urban engineers work behind the scenes to make a town planner’s visionary ideas functional. We’ve been discussing the influence of urban engineers on the planning and development of towns and cities (read our previous article). In this article, we’ll explore five key insights,…
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Ever wondered how your city was designed and built, and who was involved in making those decisions? You may be surprised to discover that it was not only town planners, urban designers, and architects that designed your city. Engineers were involved too! This sub-discipline of civil engineering is called ‘urban engineering’. We chatted to Lithon’s…
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War is catastrophic. It tears lives and communities apart as it upends the fabric of society itself. Infrastructure crumbles, homes become ruins, and places we once knew and loved turn unfamiliar and hostile. While the emotional and physical scars of war are often permanent, rebuilding society, if we work together, is possible. Helping countries get…
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In a previous article, we discussed some interesting facts about what it’s like to work as a structural engineer. Now, we’d like to look at what’s changing and explore the cutting-edge and continuously evolving technologies in the structural world. Again, we went to our go-to head of Structures, Valontino James, for some insight into the…
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For many people, structural engineering conjures images of towering city office blocks, bridges spanning across rivers or sports stadiums with their awe-inspiring domed roofs. But these aspects of structural engineering are merely the tip of the iceberg. What really goes on is far more intricate than meets the eye. We chatted to Lithon’s head of…
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Lithon’s head of transportation, Richard Laborn, is not only interested in getting people from A to B on a state-of-the-art national freeway. He’s interested in the journey young engineers take through their careers too. As a civil engineer with 30 years of experience, he’s had plenty of time to hone his gift for mentorship. Richard…
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In a world that’s always on the move, it’s important to pause and reflect on the environmental impact of our chosen mode of travel. While change may happen slowly, it’s the progress towards it that counts. Changing our mode of transport might be a big weight for the average citizen to carry, but rest assured…
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Roads are the arteries of our cities, pumping life to and from the heart. While most of us experience roads on a daily basis, whether via car, bus, bicycle or foot, we often don’t give much, if any, thought to how they’re designed. If we did, we’d realise that the roads we take for granted…
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People are the indispensable heartbeat of every business. Creating a workplace where people are respected as whole individuals, and not just ‘bums on seats’, is essential to business success. Lithon considers all our people to be part of a family. In fact, one of our core values is People Focus which means emphasising genuine care…
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In April 2023, Lithon received ISO 9001:2005 certification. While this demonstrates our commitment to exceptional quality, customer satisfaction, and continued improvement, it also means a lot more! Lithon’s Lynn Stephansen was part of the task team that led the implementation and certification process. She shares some insights into how this achievement helps us serve our…
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Engineering projects involve many moving parts with large teams of consultants and stakeholders. This complexity requires robust project management in order to ensure a high level of excellence is reached on time, and within budget. It’s not as easy to achieve as it sounds and requires a rounded set of skills. We chatted to Lithon’s…
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Clean water is essential for life. It’s not only the reason we stay hydrated but the reason we eat, as well. This precious resource forms the foundation for human civilisation and it makes sense that most of the world’s major cities are positioned near freshwater sources. Keeping our water clean, purifying it once it’s been…
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How one small farming project in Mariental is solving food insecurity in Namibia. Lithon’s founder, Adriaan Grobler, is passionate about venture engineering and the impact that comes from investing in these kinds of projects. In essence, Venture Engineering brings engineering thinking and skills to innovative ideas and projects that can significantly improve the life…
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Lithon was founded with a mission to make a significant and positive impact on people’s lives. To live out this purpose, we developed a core set of values that help us to turn our words into actions. While our mission is the centre of our business wheel, our values are the spokes. They work together…
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When it comes to merging electrical engineering with sustainable practices, Onesmus Shavuka shines brighter than the most efficient LED! As a seasoned part of the Lithon family from 2011, Onesmus isn’t just our in-house energy efficiency expert — he’s also a passionate mentor to the next generation of engineers. And when he’s not engrossed in…
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Electrical engineer, Set-son Shifidi, has always been passionate about energy and its transformative impact on communities. With over two decades of experience under his belt, he’s brought many energy projects to life! Today, he lends his expertise to a range of highly technical projects, while motivating and inspiring his team members at Lithon. He enjoys…
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When he’s not buried in a book or cheering on his favourite soccer team, mechanical engineer, Tjomi Shatika, is busy diving into pumping systems and figuring out how to make them more energy efficient. Since joining Lithon in 2020, Tjomi has become passionate about the world of pumping systems optimisation, focusing on variable frequency drives…
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Artificial intelligence (AI) has been a 2023 hot topic, and whatever side of the fence we sit on, there’s no denying that it’s changing our world. For some time now, AI has impacted our everyday lives without us even realising it. And today, we’re looking at the amazing things it’s done and will continue to…
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What brings a bunch of Namibia’s distinguished business folks and entrepreneurs together early on a Friday morning? Well, hot coffee and tasty vetkoeks, of course! (What else!? 😉) We’re talking about our Lithon Breakfasts, organised by Lithon Foundation, which happen on the second Friday of every month at our Windhoek office. We invite local…
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Air travel helps people and goods travel safely between sometimes far distances, at the fraction of the time it takes any other type of transport. It’s one of the great engineering achievements of the 20th Century. Think of the ancient sailing ships fraught with the dangers and health risks of lengthy time spent at sea,…
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From building his own fishing kayak to working on large scale civil engineering projects, this young civil engineer-in-training has a drive to make things happen, and achieve his goals. He’s passionate about technology and how it can help engineers deliver their work faster and better, but he also loves a good hike in nature. He…
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Luzé’s Sustainability Story Lithon’s sustainability champion, Luzé Kloppers-Mouton, has been passionate about sustainability for as long as she can remember, and it’s contagious. She chose to study interior architecture because of her desire to add life and nature to built environments with biophilia and biomimicry. During her studies, she was quickly absorbed into the…
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Did you hear about the magic tractor? It turned into a field of crops. ✨ If you chuckled at that, you might be an agricultural engineer at heart! From installing irrigation systems to extending the life of fruit and vegetables, these super smart engineers make sure the world stays fed. Agricultural engineers are the masterminds…
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Lithon’s new assistant manager of economic development, Luzé Kloppers-Mouton, is a woman of many creative talents! She has a passion for all things green and sustainable, including fitting out her own house with green technologies. When she’s not working hard at making the world a better place, she loves to go camping with her three-year-old…
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This month, we’re honoured to be officially launching Lithon Developers. While our property development arm has been running since 2012, a new impetus for Lithon Developers has now been created with the appointment of Sam Ekandjo as CEO. With Sam at the helm of Lithon Developers, it will take us to new heights. We’re excited…
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Houses, schools, offices, shopping centres, theatres, and sports arenas all have something in common. As developments, they play a vital role in any economy by creating jobs, providing homes, generating revenue, attracting new people and more. But not all property development projects are created equal. The best kinds of developments start with a proper vision…
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Lithon Developers has a new CEO. He’s passionate about the difference well-planned property development can make in the world, but did you know that this hard-working guy also has a 5th Dan black belt in karate, and likes to prepare budgets (just for fun) in his free time? We sat down with Sam to find…
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Lithon couldn’t do without accounts administrator, Cherecé Roussouw, who keeps a lot of things in the office from falling apart! She’s the stylishly dressed, smiling face at the office that loves to help people. However, did you know that she’s completing an LLB and owns 25 pairs of shoes (even after giving a whole lot…
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We often look to our international friends for inspiration but did you know that there are plenty of impressive engineering innovations coming out of Africa? Developing countries tend to have very different needs and problems to solve compared to their first world counterparts. With often high levels of poverty and inequality, Africa needs solutions that…
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It’s always fun to imagine (and predict) what the future might hold. Lithon’s founder, Adriaan Grobler, has a few thoughts about what the world of engineering might bring us in 2023… Technology will disrupt Possibly the biggest catalyst for change across the world – technology – will continue to force us to evolve at…
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Lithon Foundation acts like a bridge – and engineers love building bridges! Our strategy is to support, guide and strengthen organisations (receivers) that are already making an impact in people’s lives and communities. Part of that strategy involves connecting these organisations with willing and able companies and individuals (givers) who believe in a cause, but…
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Industrial engineers focus less on making actual things, and more on designing efficient and cost-effective processes. Ever been mesmerised by watching an automatic assembly line at a factory? Well, there’s an industrial engineer to thank for making that work. They figure out how to use primary resources – people, machines, materials, space, information, and energy…
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You’ve heard us talk about Lithon being a family. Well there’s one big heart behind all the activities that bind our people together. That’s Marsia Reed, Lithon’s Head of Human Resources, and also CEO of the The Lithon Foundation. It’s no secret that there have been many learnings in the 20 years that Lithon…
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Transport engineering is a wide field which includes everything with wheels/mobility and the infrastructure that carries them. It’s a challenging discipline which involves complex problem solving and requires plenty of experience to do it well. We chatted to Lithon’s Civil and Transport Business Unit leader, Richard Laborn, to dig a little deeper into transport engineering.…
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Whether it’s high-speed railway networks, a bridge over water, an airport runway, or simply a suburban street, we’ve all experienced and used one of these marvels of modern society. If you’re wondering who to thank for these, your smooth transition from one highway to another, or the delight of catching every green light, look no…
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Valontino James heads up Lithon’s Structural Engineering business unit. We discovered that not only is he one smart guy (he is currently pursuing his PhD) and passionate about structural engineering, but he’s also a half-marathon runner, enjoys a good braai, and loves music with soul. 1. When did you join Lithon? In October 2021, but…
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Engineers have provided innovative solutions to some of the world’s most pressing problems, and in so doing, have shaped the course of history. Can we rely on them to help us transition to a greener and more sustainable future? The answer is, a resounding: YES! Here are some ways that engineers are already helping to…
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Accountant, Lydia Steyn, is based at Lithon’s Oshakati branch and is one of six on the Lithon finance team. In true, family-business style, Lydia is also wife to Cilliers, who is an engineer and the branch manager at Oshakati. We sat down with Lydia to find out that she likes even numbers, enjoys camping in…
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Civil engineering is one of the oldest, yet least understood professions. These engineers are the backbone of every society – responsible for designing and constructing buildings, bridges, roads, dams, and other structures. But that’s not all! Here are some awesome facts about the history of civil engineering that you probably didn’t know. 1. It…
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At Lithon, we believe that successful engineers are not born, they are made! It’s our passion to nurture young graduates and students into the best versions of themselves, while becoming great engineers in the process. We sat down with Lithonian, Fabianus, to unpack exactly what an internship at Lithon might offer a young engineer.…
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From the Pyramids at Giza in Egypt, to the Great Wall of China, civil engineers have played an important role in creating the world we know. Civil engineers design, construct and maintain the civil infrastructure that allows us to live in our homes without fear of our roof caving in, drive on our roads…
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Systems developer and debtors clerk, Juliandri, joined the Lithon family in September 2021. In fact, as the daughter of Lithon founders, Adriaan and Adri Grobler, she was really born into the family! Despite having never intended to work with her parents, Juliandri is feeling right at home, and loving her job. 1. Tell us…
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From inventing the wheel to perfecting flight, mechanical engineering has been responsible for major inventions that have shaped the world as we know it. Mechanical engineering revolves around motion and energy transfer and uses mathematics, science, and technology to solve real-world problems. Read on to find out more about what mechanical engineers do. What…
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Engineers are the inventors, designers, problem solvers, and builders of the world we live in. They are often called ‘unsung heroes’ because they design products that we use every day without even knowing it. But engineers also invent new technologies that change our lives in big ways. Here are some typical character traits that help…
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Experienced electrical engineer, Muhenje, joined the Lithon ranks in August 2021. We recently had a chance to sit down with him and find out what he loves most about his job and working at Lithon. Why did you choose to become an electrical engineer? I was attracted to electrical work from a very young age.…
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The Colosseum, the Eiffel Tower, the London Underground, the Golden Gate Bridge, and Taipei 101 all have one thing in common – a structural engineer turned them from an idea into a reality. Structural engineering is part of the broader field of civil engineering. It ensures that the ‘bones’ of a structure can confidently stand…
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Ever wondered what engineers are really like? Let’s take a lighthearted look at these complex problem solvers with some insight from someone who’s been married to a civil engineer for almost 15 years. They can be masters of DIY. This will depend on their field of engineering, but it’s likely that home DIY projects will…
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Given that he’s been an integral part of the Lithon team for more than a decade, it’s rather fitting that George Uusiku’s friends nicknamed him ‘Lithon Guy’ on the day he received his job offer. We chatted to him recently to find out what his average day looks like, what he appreciates about Lithon’s culture,…
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It’s almost impossible to give a short answer to this question, but if we had to try, we’d say that electrical engineers are the brains behind anything to do with electricity, electronics and electromagnetism. So that’s how it comes to be that power stations, the internet, navigation systems, and telecommunication networks – seemingly very different…
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The Lithon Group has recently launched a Venture Engineering division to identify and create new business and development opportunities in Africa. Wondering what venture engineering is all about? And why a consulting engineering firm is initiating its own projects and developments? We answer these questions and more right here. What is venture engineering? The short…
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Engineering is all around us. And we engage with it every day in almost every aspect of our lives. From the smartphone that connects you to your world to the car that gets you from A to B and the office building you work in – all of these require the specialised skills of an…
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