Dawie Olivier – 2024 SAIW Gold Medal Award

2024 SAIW GOLD MEDALIST SHARES JOURNEY OF PASSION, INNOVATION, AND RESILIENCE

Dawie Olivier, a seasoned expert in welding and non-destructive testing (NDT), has been honoured with the Gold Medal at the 2024 SAIW Awards, a recognition that celebrates exceptional contributions and dedication within the field. Dawie’s career journey is marked by passion, perseverance and an unending curiosity; showcases the essence of the welding and NDT industry.

From bursary holder to industry veteran

Dawie’s introduction to the industry began as a bursary student for his BSc. Engineering degree, which required him to work for the state in an assigned role upon graduation. His early assignment placed him at the TPA central workshop in Gillooly’s, where his exposure to heavy-duty machinery and industrial settings sparked an unexpected but profound interest in inspection and engineering. Despite the long commute from Pretoria, Dawie immersed himself in the work and later transitioned into the inspection industry by joining TÜV Rheinland, a pioneering inspection company in South Africa at the time.

A pivotal moment in Dawie’s career came during his training stints in Germany, where he was introduced to innovative boiler technology, including 600 MW once-through boilers. This exposure ignited his passion for inspection, evolving his curiosity into a lifelong dedication to the profession. “I was hooked on the inspection profession,” Dawie recalls, marking this period as a turning point that deepened his commitment to technical excellence and innovation.

Ongoing learning and professional challenges

Dawie’s journey has been filled with challenges that have tested both his professional and personal resilience. Professionally, the transition from working with global organisations like TÜV Rheinland and SGS to establishing a local business posed formidable obstacles. The industry can be fraught with high expectations and occasionally unmet promises, yet Dawie emphasises the importance of unexpected support, which helped sustain his career’s momentum. He specifically credits his co-directors at OSG, including Gert Lombard, whose steady guidance and vision provided invaluable support during challenging times. “When times were tough, Gert insisted that at least one level head must be present on the Board, come what may,” Dawie notes, highlighting the importance of collaborative and principled leadership.

On the personal front, Dawie reflects candidly on the difficulties of maintaining family relationships while working in a demanding field that often required long periods away from home. Despite the physical distance, he remains close to his two sons and adores his three grandchildren, emphasising that finding a balance between work and family, though challenging, has been instrumental in shaping his career.

Contributions and collaborative achievements

Dawie’s career has been distinguished by his involvement in collaborative projects that shaped industry standards and regulations. Serving on various committees, Dawie encountered diverse perspectives and interests that occasionally clashed but ultimately led to innovative solutions.

His ability to engage and elicit opinions from a “silent majority” in meetings became a skill that allowed him to tap into hidden expertise within teams. Dawie learned early on the value of listening and patience: “Once you can loosen them up, gems of wisdom come forth, which oftentimes were crucial in the understanding of the subject matter.”.

Advice to the next generation

As a Gold Medallist, Dawie is now a role model to aspiring professionals in the welding and NDT field. His advice is rooted in curiosity and preparation, encouraging young professionals to remain inquisitive and never accept things at face value. “You’ll be amazed at the depth of any subject you arrive at after only the second ‘why?’” he advises, underscoring the importance of critical thinking and continuous learning.

Dawie also highlights the confidence that comes from knowledge, urging newcomers to enter meetings with a robust understanding of the topics at hand. This approach, he notes, not only boosts confidence but also positions one as a valuable contributor within any professional setting. His guidance is both practical and insightful, reflecting a career built on curiosity, integrity, and a dedication to learning.

A legacy of excellence

Dawie Dawie’s journey in the welding and NDT industry serves as an inspiring narrative of resilience, curiosity, and dedication. From his early days as a state bursary holder to becoming a respected leader and Gold Medal recipient, Dawie’s story is a testament to the power of passion and perseverance. His commitment to his profession, combined with his collaborative spirit and eagerness to adapt, has left an indelible mark on the industry. For Dawie, the SAIW Gold Medal is not merely an award, but a symbol of a career spent tirelessly pushing boundaries and inspiring others to follow suit.