MANAGEMENT BIOGRAPHIES

Johan Gerber – Senior Non-Executive Advisor

Johan Gerber is a seasoned veteran in the NDT and inspection sector, with over 40 years of experience spanning petrochemical, power generation as well as the engineering and manufacturing industries. A co-founder of Raysonics in 1983, Gerber was pivotal in its growth into a leading NDT business before its acquisition by DEKRA in 2013. He has also served as Honorary Treasurer and President of the South African Institute of Non-Destructive Testing (SAINT).

As Managing Director of DEKRA Industrial RSA, Gerber guided the company through multiple transitions. Under his leadership, DEKRA achieved Level 1 B-BBEE accreditation and expanded digital transformation initiatives. He also drove the cohesive co-location of DEKRA Industrial RSA with its Institute of Learning (IOL) training division at new and expanded premises in Lephalale, Sasolburg and Secunda – which has enabled the company to offer a fully integrated service model to its clients.

 

Gerber believes passionately in the pivotal importance of NDT and inspection throughout industry – while seeking always to demonstrate and uplift awareness of the importance of safety. Demonstrating this in 2024, the company achieved 6 million man-hours without a serious injury; and was awarded its 10th consecutive annual NOSCAR award, with the highest scores ever – as well as recertifying on ISO 9001:2015 and ISO 45001:2018.

In 2024, Gerber was also honoured with an Excellence Award from NOSA for being the winning Managing Director of the Year for the NOSA Mpumalanga region. This prestigious award conferred by NOSCAR recognises his outstanding leadership in driving safety and operational excellence.

In 2025, Gerber transitioned into the role of Senior Non-Executive Advisor for DEKRA Industrial.

Johann Dorfling – Branch Manager, Western Cape

Johann Dorfling began his NDT career in 2002 as a Junior Technician at Raysonics, advancing through roles in major Eskom power projects. He later became Site Manager for DEKRA Industrial RSA at Medupi Power Station, one of South Africa’s largest construction projects to date. Now the Branch Manager for DEKRA Industrial RSA’s Cape Town branch, Johann oversees operations across the Western and Northern Cape, and offshore projects in Namibia and Angola.

Under his competent leadership, the branch has grown significantly, driven by strong client relationships and a highly skilled team. Dorfling’s management goals include expanding DEKRA Industrial RSA’s footprint in Africa, establishing a second Western Cape branch, and mentoring future industry leaders.

In line with this, Dorfling is focused on securing long-term contracts and positioning DEKRA Industrial RSA as the leading NDT and inspection supplier in the region, while championing innovation and sustainable growth.

Johan Loots – Branch Manager, Middelburg

Johan Loots is the Branch Manager for DEKRA Industrial RSA in Middelburg, overseeing NDT call-outs and the SANAS-accredited laboratory. Beginning his career in 1996 with Raysonics (now DEKRA Industrial RSA), Loots rose to the position of Branch Manager in 2012, celebrating 29 years of service in 2025. He was instrumental in establishing the Middelburg laboratory and achieving SANAS accreditation in 2017, which he regards as a very satisfying achievement and career milestone.

Loots’s expertise spans conventional and advanced NDT, destructive testing and replica development. His leadership fosters strong client relationships with foundries and steel manufacturers; as well as leading entities in the petrochemical and power generation sectors. He emphasises teamwork, staff development, safety and treating his team like family members.

Looking ahead, Loots aims to grow DEKRA Industrial RSA’s footprint in Mpumalanga and beyond, with a focus on Secunda and Lephalale. His vision aligns with DEKRA Global’s 2025 goal of being a global partner for a safe, sustainable world, emphasising community upliftment and environmental stewardship.

Ashmini Narotam – Non-Executive Director & B-BBEE Partner

Ashmini Narotam is a seasoned attorney and founder of Transformation Shared Services Pty Ltd (TSS). She is also a Director of SST Attorneys and serves as a Non-Executive Director and BBB-EE partner at DEKRA Industrial RSA. Joining the board in 2021, her partnership was instrumental in achieving DEKRA Industrial RSA’s Level 1 BBBEE accreditation, reflecting her commitment to ethical transformation and business practices.

Narotam leverages her labour law expertise to foster workplace safety, skills development and youth empowerment. She champions initiatives such as digital skills training, aiming to equip South African youth for leadership roles, and to align DEKRA Industrial RSA with the Fourth Industrial Revolution through innovative digital tools. Her efforts also include advancing green technologies and energy efficiency practices, driving sustainability within the industrial sector.

Subscribing to the principle of ‘you build people, and people build your business’, Narotam is passionate about empowering individuals to ensure business success and broader community impact.

M.C. Liebenberg – Level 3 Technician and Technical Advisor

M.C. Liebenberg is a seasoned NDT Level 3 Technician with DEKRA Industrial RSA, bringing over 15 years of expertise in advanced testing, inspection and operational oversight. Since joining the company in 2007, he has played a pivotal role in certifying technicians, designing inspection procedures and ensuring the reliability of facilities and equipment. His NDT and inspection experience spans projects in  industry sectors such as power generation, petrochemicals and manufacturing.

Liebenberg is passionate to learn more about cutting-edge technologies, reflecting his commitment to advancing inspection methodologies. He also oversees training and mentorship programmes, ensuring technicians are equipped with both technical proficiency and practical skills.

With a focus on technical excellence and operational efficiency, Liebenberg’s experience supports DEKRA Industrial RSA as a leader in NDT and inspection services, contributing to the company’s growth trajectory across a wide range of industrial sectors, from mining to maritime and many more, in South Africa and Pan-Africa.

Donovan Vermeulen – Branch Manager, Vaal Triangle

Donovan Vermeulen is the Vaal Triangle Branch Manager for DEKRA Industrial RSA, overseeing operations in Sasolburg and Johannesburg. Since joining the company in 2011 as a PMI technician, Donovan has steadily advanced through various roles in the company – including as a multi-skilled technician at Kusile Power Station and General Operations Manager – before taking on his current leadership position in 2018. His expertise includes non-destructive testing (NDT), vendor certification and integrating training through the DEKRA Institute of Learning (IOL).

Vermeulen is passionate about building client trust and fostering operational excellence. Reflecting on his journey, he shares that hard work and perseverance pay off. He also believes that, by maintaining strong relationships and focusing on continuous learning, DEKRA Industrial RSA can achieve excellence for both its people and clients.

Vermeulen and his team are uniquely positioned to attract larger projects and foster community development through accessible training and job creation – supporting parent company DEKRA Global’s Vision 2025 of being a global partner for a safe and sustainable world.

Rob Hallier – Proposals Manager

With a career spanning over four decades, Rob Hallier brings unmatched expertise and dedication to his role as Proposals Manager at DEKRA Industrial RSA. Initially Hallier joined DEKRA Industrial RSA in 2013 as Commercial Manager of the Secunda Branch, and from 2015 he has led the Estimating Department, overseeing accurate project pricing, tender preparation and client liaison. His responsibilities include reviewing RFQ (request for quotation) documents, compiling quotations for high-value projects and facilitating tenders across South Africa, Pan-Africa and globally.

His other career highlights include previous roles in construction management at Grinaker Construction (Eastern Cape) and Murray & Roberts, as well as a bespoke cabinetry business owner.

Armed with a National Higher Diploma in Construction Management, Hallier excels in leadership, cost control and strategic thinking. His goal is to unify the Estimating Department while fostering collaboration and ensuring DEKRA Industrial RSA maintains its reputation for excellence in industrial NDT, inspections and training.

JP Muller – Business Line Manager, Vendor Inspection & Expediting Services

JP Muller joined DEKRA Industrial RSA in 2022, bringing with him a wealth of expertise in inspection services, business development and client relations. Starting as Business Line Manager for Lifting and Rigging, Muller quickly demonstrated his ability to lead and innovate within the organisation. In 2024, he was appointed Business Line Manager of Vendor Inspection and Expediting Services, where he now focuses on service expansion, operational excellence and aligning with DEKRA’s global quality standards. Muller has also worked closely with DEKRA Japan on a vehicle mapping and electric vehicle testing initiative in South Africa.

Muller’s extensive qualifications include certifications as a Lifting Machinery Inspector (LMI), expertise in Non-Destructive Testing (SNT-TC-1A), ISO 9001 Quality Management, and Industrial Rope Access (IRATA). His strong foundation in project management and business development enables him to deliver cost-effective, high-quality solutions.

Muller is committed to positioning DEKRA Industrial RSA as the leading provider of vendor inspection services in South Africa, and to further developing vehicle mapping and testing – while fostering international growth, strengthening client relationships and driving sustainable innovation.

Christopher Mörsner – Head of Training & Consulting Division, DEKRA IOL

Christopher Mörsner has dedicated over 15 years to DEKRA Industrial, steadily advancing towards his current role as Head of Training and Consulting at DEKRA Industrial RSA’s adult-based education occupational skills training division, the DEKRA Institute of Learning.

Beginning his journey with the company in September 2009, Mörsner has been instrumental in driving innovative training and consulting solutions tailored to diverse industries. His extensive qualifications include an International Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety, a degree in Project Management, and various safety certifications – complemented by ongoing studies for a Masters’ degree in Financial Management in Emerging Markets.

A passionate advocate of sustainability, Mörsner focuses on fostering growth and creating unique, supportive environments which empower teams and clients alike. His position at the helm of DEKRA Institute of Learning positions him as a pivotal leader, committed to DEKRA’s vision of being a global partner for a safe, secure and sustainable world.