Company

Serving South Africa since 1976

KAEFER’s South African journey began with a major insulation project at Newcastle Steelworks in 1974. Since establishing a permanent local presence in 1976, we have grown our capabilities, people and partnerships across the region.

Today, KAEFER South Africa supports critical operations in energy, mining, chemicals and manufacturing, combining local expertise with the resources and specialist knowledge of the KAEFER Group.

Our leadership team

Our leadership team brings together local industry experience, technical knowledge and a shared commitment to safe, reliable delivery.

Portrait of Jayson Cleaver

Jayson Cleaver
Managing Director

Portrait of Rosta Mahlaba

Rosta Mahlaba
Financial Director

Portrait of Umesh Prakash

Umesh Prakash
Technical Director

Portrait of Anne Pwapwa

Anne Pwapwa
Commercial & Legal Director

  1. Our local journey begins

    KAEFER starts working in South Africa on a major insulation project at Newcastle Steelworks, in partnership with FERM Insulation.

  2. Engineering capability expands

    KAEFER develops advanced acoustic and insulation solutions for South Africa’s power and petrochemical industries, helping improve safety and operating conditions.

  3. Moving beyond insulation

    The acquisition of Thermal Insulation Suppliers and Contractors expands KAEFER’s local offering into scaffolding and corrosion protection.

  4. Investing in people

    KAEFER establishes the Sizani Training Centre, strengthening local skills development and supporting industry training. The centre has since trained more than 10,000 people.

  5. Sasol-results-2023

    Supporting critical infrastructure

    KAEFER secures a major long-term Eskom maintenance contract, providing insulation and access services across approximately 30% of South Africa’s coal-fired utility fleet.

  6. 50 years and moving forward

    In 2026, KAEFER South Africa celebrates 50 years of permanent local presence, with a continued focus on developing people, strengthening local capability and supporting the future of industry.

Creating opportunities in South Africa

Our commitment to transformation includes Level 1 B-BBEE Contributor status, 30% Black ownership and 30% Black women ownership.

Through local employment, skills development and career opportunities, we help strengthen the capabilities needed by South Africa’s industrial sectors.

These commitments support meaningful participation and opportunity in South Africa.

Our values

Our values guide how we work with clients, colleagues and partners, helping us build trusted relationships and deliver responsibly.

Reliability: We do what we say.
Ambition: We look for better ways to deliver.
Team spirit: We support one another and work together.
Respect: We value people and different perspectives.

6 portrait photos of KAEFER employees, operatives, admin, males & female, on top is the label of the KAEFER values
Roped off working area with person working the background

Health & Safety is part of every job

Health & Safety is fundamental of how we plan, manage and deliver our work. Our teams take responsibility, identify risks early and speak up to protect people, assets and the environment.

We work together to ensure that everyone can return home safely.

Doing the right work, the right way

We believe in acting with integrity, taking responsibility and continually improving how we work.

Integrity & Compliance

Clear standards and responsible conduct guide how we work with clients, colleagues and partners.

ESG & Sustainability

We consider our impact on people, communities, the environment and the long-term performance of our work.

LEAN at KAEFER

We use LEAN principles to improve safety, quality, efficiency and collaboration on site.