Forging a legacy of excellence

Understanding, and manipulating steel is at the heart of the Macsteel business. To do this, Macsteel has always depended on a long line of experts, people who have loved the chemistry, properties, and behaviours of metal and who have over the years developed a mastery of working with steel. As the first woman in her role, Metallurgist Manager at Macsteel Special Steels Dunswart, Lebogang Mathipa, is aware of this legacy of excellence, and of the importance of her position in the future of that legacy.

As well as overseeing the laboratory responsible for all product testing and the implementation of the quality standard ISO 9001, Lebo also retains responsibilities as Macsteel VRN product specialist and provides technical support to the entire Macsteel group.

“I am responsible for testing materials from our in-house heat treatment facility. We certify that materials are suitable for application based on different local and international specifications. In between there’s failure investigations, technical queries on phone calls, WhatsApp or email from Macsteelers, customers, and even our competition,” she says.

“I get a lot of requests for technical support. For example, I often accompany our sales representatives on visits to their customers on-site, and whenever there’s a special request from, or issues with customers, I will gladly go with them should there be a need.”

Having studied for a bachelor's degree in Physical Metallurgy at the Vaal University of Technology, she first worked at the Scaw Metals group before joining Macsteel as a Product Specialist at Macsteel VRN, in January 2017. In February 2021 she moved to Macsteel Special Steels Dunswart, before being made MSD (Metallurgy Services Division) Manager in 2022. Over the years she has refined the knowledge gained from her studies and is now an expert in every aspect of working with steel from casting, rolling, forging and wiredrawing of the steel itself.

“People think metallurgists have a solution for every problem. We do failure investigations and often focus on complex problems, which involve metallurgical analysis, research, decision-making, and making recommendations. That can really be an emotionally demanding task,” she says.

Lebo is focused on helping Macsteel deliver on its promise of quality through quality metallurgical service. She has worked endlessly on sharing her skills and focusing on training to enhance product knowledge and improve delivery across her team.

“The steel industry and the market are under pressure. There is less opportunity in the market than we had 15 years ago,” she says. “For the past year, we have intensified quality awareness on our shop floor, and my team and I host regular quality briefing and product training sessions. The lesson is, don’t limit yourself, and don’t be afraid to challenge yourself. In everything you do, put in 200% effort.”

With Lebo’s expertise, insight, and willingness to always go the extra mile, it’s clear why Macsteel’s teams, clients and legacy are in the best hands.