Meet Israel Haimbili, Civil Engineer in Training

Meet Israel Haimbili, Civil Engineer in Training

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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Bridging the Gap: Architecture meets Engineering at NUST

Bridging the Gap: Architecture meets Engineering at NUST

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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Meet Kobus Steyn, Structural Engineer

Meet Kobus Steyn, Structural Engineer

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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Namibia – the new renewable energy powerhouse

Namibia - the new renewable energy powerhouse

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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Meet Brandon van Wyk, Civil Engineer in Training

Meet Brandon van Wyk, Civil Engineer in Training

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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Meet Estee Beukes, Senior Structural Engineer

Engineering unearthed: The minds behind the mine

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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Engineering unearthed: The minds behind the mine

Engineering unearthed: The minds behind the mine

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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How to Relax Like an Engineer

How to Relax Like an Engineer

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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What 2023 Meant for Engineering?

What 2023 Meant for Engineering

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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How Architects and Engineers Collaborate

How Architects and Engineers Really Collaborate

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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Engineers Solving World Problems – Providing Clean Drinking Water

Engineers Solving World Problems - Providing Clean Drinking Water

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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The Art of Urban Engineering

The Art of Urban Engineering

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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How Engineers Can Help in Times of War

How Engineers Can Help in Times of War

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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Cutting-Edge Technologies Transforming Structural Engineering

Cutting-Edge Technologies Transforming Structural Engineering

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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5 Things You Didn’t Know About Structural Engineering

5 Things You Didn’t Know About Structural Engineering

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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Why Mentoring Students is a Must

Why Mentoring Students is a Must

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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8 Sustainable Transport Trends

8 Sustainable Transport Trends

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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5 Things You Didn’t Know About Roads

5 Things You Didn’t Know About Roads

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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5 Ways People Drive Success in Business

5 Ways People Drive Success in Business

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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ISO Certification and the Role of Quality Management Systems

ISO Certification and the Role of Quality Management Systems

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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5 Key Insights into the Role of Project Management in Engineering

5 Key Insights into the Role of Project Management in Engineering

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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The Joys & Frustrations of Water and Waste Engineering

The Joys & Frustrations of Water and Waste Engineering

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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A Beautiful Bounty of Butternuts

A Beautiful Bounty of Butternuts

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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How we Live our Company Values

How we Live our Company Values

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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Meet Onesmus, our Energy Efficiency Pioneer

Meet Onesmus, our Energy Efficiency Pioneer

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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Driving Namibia’s Green Hydrogen Revolution with Set-son

Driving Namibia's Green Hydrogen Revolution with Set-son

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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Meet Tjomi, our Pump Optimisation Whiz

Meet Tjomi, our Pump Optimisation Whiz

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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5 Impressive Ways AI is Impacting the Transport Industry

5 Impressive Ways AI is Impacting the Transport Industry

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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Coffee, Vetkoeks & Networking with Lithon Foundation

Coffee, Vetkoeks & Networking with Lithon Foundation

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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5 Exciting Ways Airports will Change in Future

5 Exciting Ways Airports will Change in Future

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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Meet Stephan Calitz, Civil Engineer-in-Training

Meet Stephan Calitz, Civil Engineer-in-Training

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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Purpose, Passion & Plastic

Passion, Purpose & Plastic

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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What does an Agricultural Engineer do?

What is agricultural engineering

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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Meet Luzé Kloppers-Mouton, Assistant Manager

Meet Luzé Kloppers-Mouton, Assistant Manager

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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Lithon Developers: Big Aspirations in the Making

Lithon Developers: Big Aspirations in the Making

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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5 Ways Property Development Helps Economies Flourish

5 Ways Property Development Helps Economies Flourish

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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Meet Sam Ekandjo, CEO of Lithon Developers

Meet Sam Ekandjo, CEO of Lithon Developers

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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What to Expect in 2023 and Beyond

What to Expect in 2023 and Beyond

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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What’s Happening at Lithon Foundation?

What’s Happening at Lithon Foundation?

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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What Does an Industrial Engineer Do?

What Does an Industrial Engineer Do?

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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7 Intriguing Facts About Transport Engineering You Probably Didn’t Know

7 Intriguing Facts About Transport Engineering You Probably Didn’t Know

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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What Does a Transport Engineer Do?

Meet Valontino James, Structural Engineer

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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Meet Valontino James, Structural Engineer

Meet Valontino James, Structural Engineer

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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Windhoek Rehoboth Road Upgrade to Free-Way Standard, Geotechnical Investigation

Windhoek Rehoboth Road Upgrade to Free-Way Standard, Geotechnical Investigation

Geotechnical investigation to evaluate the underlying founding conditions through testing pitting, core logging and laboratory testing of soil and rock samples to determine competent founding layers. DESCRIPTION OF SERVICES Geotechnical consulting services, soil profiling, core logging, interpretation and evaluation of laboratory test results and investigating and proposing foundation types and depths.

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Redirection of Pumpstations Swakopmund, Geotechnical Investigation

Redirection of Pumpstations Swakopmund, Geotechnical Investigation

Geotechnical investigation to determine material consistency with depth and determine the depth of rock to inform the design team for design requirements, excitability and determination of quantities. DESCRIPTION OF SERVICES Geotechnical consulting services, and dynamic cone penetration testing to determine the soil consistency with depth and determine the depth of rock bed.

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6 ways engineers are leading the way to a greener future

6 ways engineers are leading the way to a greener future

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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Meet Lydia Steyn, Accountant

Meet Lydia Steyn, Accountant

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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5 Amazing Facts About Civil Engineering You Probably Didn’t Know

5 Amazing Facts About Civil Engineering You Probably Didn’t Know

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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4 ways Lithon internships help young engineers reach their potential

4 ways Lithon internships help young engineers reach their potential

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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What Does a Civil Engineer Do?

What Does a Civil Engineer Do?

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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Meet Juliandri Grobler, Systems developer and debtors clerk

Meet Juliandri Grobler, Systems developer and debtors clerk

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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What Does a Mechanical Engineer Do

What Does a Mechanical Engineer Do

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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7 Characteristics of a Successful Engineer

7 Characteristics of a Successful Engineer

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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Meet Muhenje, Experienced electrical engineer

Meet Muhenje, Experienced electrical engineer

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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What does a structural engineer do?

What does a structural engineer do?

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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7 things to know about engineers

7 things to know about engineers

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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Meet George Uusiku, engineering technician

Meet George Uusiku, engineering technician

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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What does an electrical engineer do?

What does an electrical engineer do?

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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What is venture engineering anyway?

What is venture engineering anyway?

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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What does an engineer do?

What does an engineer do?

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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Navigating times of crisis

Navigating times of crisis

The world had barely emerged from the Covid-19 pandemic when the Russia-Ukraine war began to send shockwaves around the globe. This conflict has not only created a humanitarian crisis, it has also affected the availability and cost of essential goods and materials like food, fertiliser and fuel. What can business leaders do to future-proof their…

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Meet Hannes Van Schalkwyk, civil engineer

Meet Hannes Van Schalkwyk, civil engineer

Hannes van Schalkwyk was born in Namibia, but with a father who worked as an accountant for a mining company, he spent much of his childhood in South Africa, moving from one small town to another. In 1996, having completed his engineering studies at Technikon Pretoria, he returned to his country of birth and, before…

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Lithon’s development model: a catalyst for change

Lithon’s development model: a catalyst for change

Lithon’s new Venture Engineering division was born from a commitment to make a significant impact on people’s lives, and a firm belief that success starts with collaboration. Between those with the means to finance innovation, those with available resources for development, and those with the necessary expertise to bring the two together and facilitate a…

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Meet Fabianus Gomachab, structural engineer

Meet Fabianus Gomachab, structural engineer

Fabianus Gomachab is a natural storyteller and teacher who shares his passion for engineering in understandable and relatable ways. He’s also an avid reader and sports fan, loves spending time with his wife, family, and friends, and recently started farming sheep and goats – not that surprising, considering he comes from a family of cattle…

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Tsumeb Urban Eco-Village

Tsumeb Urban Eco-Village

At the Lithon Group, we are passionate about new venture creation through greenfield deal-making and development services. To illustrate this, we’re introducing an initiative of our own – and it’s not only a first for Namibia, but it’s also quickly become Lithon Holdings CEO Adriaan Grobler’s all-time favourite project. This is none other than the…

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Meet Willie Knouwds, Sales Business Unit Leader

Meet Willie Knouwds, Sales Business Unit Leader

Willie Knouwds arrived at Lithon in March 2020, just days before the start of the Covid pandemic. But joining the company as the team was forced into lockdown certainly hasn’t stopped him from getting down to business and becoming an invaluable member of the Lithon family. As the Sales Business Unit Leader, Willie leads and…

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The Lithon Foundation: facilitating meaningful connections

The Lithon Foundation: facilitating meaningful connections

With the dynamic Marsia Reed at the helm in Namibia, the Lithon Foundation is living its purpose of bringing love and hope to Africa. We’re incredibly proud of everything our Foundation has achieved in the past 12 months, despite the challenges posed by the pandemic. By staying agile and adaptable to change, we’ve helped dozens…

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Studies: fundamental to project success

Studies: fundamental to project success

At Lithon, extensive research and feasibility studies are an integral part of our project advisory and consulting engineering offerings. These scientific analyses determine the viability of a proposed project by considering risk factors and how likely the project is to succeed. “Without these studies, the potential success of a project is unknown, and it may…

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Meet Dalene Vries, Incorporated Engineer in Training

Meet Dalene Vries, Incorporated Engineer in Training

Dalene Vries has a family she loves, a career she’s passionate about, and she’s about to start work on her dream project. But it took plenty of dedication and hard work for her to get to this point, including studying civil engineering part-time, while being a mom of two with a full-time job! We caught…

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Why every company needs an X-team

Why every company needs an X-team

When Namibia recorded its first cases of Covid-19 in March 2020, Lithon was perfectly positioned to meet the pandemic’s challenges head-on and seamlessly transitioned to remote work within a single weekend. And that’s largely thanks to the company’s strategic planning and its earlier deployment of an X-Team – a group of young employees tasked with…

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Meet Cilliers Steyn, Graduate Civil Engineer

Meet Cilliers Steyn, Graduate Civil Engineer

Cilliers Steyn was introduced to Lithon in 2015, when he completed a year of in-service training with the company while studying civil engineering. The encounter was a win-win – Lithon found a young engineer passionate about his chosen field, while Cilliers found a company with a culture that spoke to his heart and a team…

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The rise of the aerotropolis

The rise of the aerotropolis

Dr John D. Kasarda tells us that “airports will shape business location and urban development in the 21st century as much as highways did in the 20th century, railroads in the 19th and seaports in the 18th.” If you haven’t come across the term aerotropolis before, this is what is meant by it.  The aerotropolis…

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Towards a renewable future

Towards a renewable future

Harnessing the power of renewable resources like wind, sunlight and rain may not be a new concept, but it is one that’s becoming increasingly critical to the survival of our planet. As a key enabler of sustainable development, renewable energy is highlighted in the UN’s Sustainable Development Goal 7, which aims to “ensure access to…

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A favourite project: the Husab Mine Access Road

A favourite project: the Husab Mine Access Road

When our Husab Mine Access Road project was completed in June 2014, it boasted the longest bridge to be constructed since Namibia’s independence and was recognised for how it handled an environmentally sensitive area. But this infrastructure project is notable at Lithon Namibia for another reason – and is an all-time favourite of CEO Gert…

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Meet Bartle Rautenbach, Engineering Technician

Meet Bartle Rautenbach, Engineering Technician

Bartle Rautenbach (affectionately referred to by his colleagues as Oom Bartle) was born in Usakos, a small town on the banks of the Khan River in the Erongo Region. He joined the Lithon office in Swakopmund (just 140 km away from his birthplace) in January 2009 at the peak of his career – one that…

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From the desk of Adriaan Grobler

From the desk of Adriaan Grobler

What is impact investing? Over the last decade, impact investing has been seen more regularly, by both business and public sectors, as a new asset class, capable of providing market related returns on investments. In fact, it’s recently become a megatrend in the investment world as impact investors seek financial returns while making a positive…

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Engineering for good: sustainable development projects changing lives

Engineering for good: sustainable development projects changing lives

In her foreword for the Engineering a Better World conference programme, Dame Ann Dowling, President of the Royal Academy of Engineering, outlines the critical role that engineering must play as civilization moves ahead.  After calling attention to the breakthrough achievements of the engineering industry in the 20th century, she notes that, “we are far from…

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From the desk of Adriaan Grobler

From the desk of Adriaan Grobler

The impact and effectiveness of Development Finance Institutions Development Finance Institutions (DFIs) aim to bridge the investment gap between commercial investments and state development aid in developing countries. Given their public funding and developmental mission, DFIs tolerate more risk with their longer view on investments. They’re also not constrained the way private investors are. This…

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Meet Richard Laborn, Head of Civil and Transportation

Meet Richard Laborn, Head of Civil and Transportation

Coming from a family of Caterpillar mechanics, Richard bucked the trend by becoming an engineer. In his 30-year career, he’s worked on a number of large-scale projects, including the Tati Nickel Activox project in Botswana and the Sishen South Mine development in South Africa. With a wealth of expertise and three decades of on-the-job experience,…

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A closer look at civil engineering

A closer look at civil engineering

Civil engineering has been around for a very long time. It’s one of the oldest types of engineering (second only to military engineering), and it deals with the design and construction of infrastructure like roads, dams, bridges, and sewage systems. In fact, the construction of the pyramids of Giza, between 2550 and 2490 BC, could…

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