Our Team

At Saacosh we believe our people are our greatest asset. Over the years we have been able to put together a dynamic team of experts from different fields who share a common goal: to help our clients work safer and more effective in environments where danger, volatility and constant change is often a given.

Francois Smith

Managing Director
Mobile: +27 (0) 83 609 1262
Email: fsmith@saacosh.com

With a resolute commitment to enriching lives, Francois Smith stands as the Managing Director and co-founder of Saacosh. His fervour for effecting positive change is palpable as he dedicates himself to fostering a culture of compassion and integrity among his team members, while also guiding clients toward innovative strategies for cultivating secure and flourishing work environments.

Boasting over 35 years of profound involvement in the safety industry, Francois’s expertise is anchored by his academic pursuits. He holds an MSc Degree in Industrial Safety from Central Missouri State University (USA), a B-Admin degree from the University of South Africa, and an Advanced Diploma in Risk Management accredited by the Chamber of Mines in South Africa.

Lemon Magalakwe

Senior Facilitator
Mobile: +27 (0)83 344 7809
Email: lemon@saacosh.com

Lemon Magalakwe brings over 23 years of seasoned expertise to the realm of health and safety. As a proficient facilitator, he possesses a profound understanding of the intricate mechanics required to cultivate safety cultures within high-risk work environments. Leveraging his personal journey as a former miner, Lemon masterfully bridges the gap between theoretical health and safety principles and their practical implementation, offering trainees invaluable insights.

Manny Shepherd

Senior Consultant
Mobile: +27 73 290 7941
Email: manny@saacosh.com

With an impressive track record spanning 17 years in electrical and mechanical maintenance, and over 26 years of unparalleled expertise in the Safety industry, Manny emerges as a seasoned professional in his field. As a distinguished training facilitator and consultant at Saacosh, his unwavering commitment is dedicated to delivering training of the utmost calibre.Manny’s passion is foster a comprehensive understanding of compliance standards, channelling this knowledge to cultivate high-reliability organizations. Boasting an electrician’s certificate of competence for artisans, a blasting certificate for opencast mines issued by the DMR, and a National Diploma in Safety Management (TSA), Manny’s qualifications mirror his dedication to excellence.

Gerrit Fyver

Safety Consultant / Facilitator
Mobile: +27 (0) 82 823 5197
Email: gerrit@saacosh.com

Gerrit Fyver is a distinguished professional with a remarkable 35-year journey in the Safety officer domain. His expertise spans diverse sectors, including mining, town management, and site management of drilling operations. Gerrit’s educational foundation consists of a National Diploma in Safety Management, a Blasting Certificate, and specialized training in the OHS Act. His distinction as a Registered Safety Practitioner with Saiosh underlines his commitment to excellence. Gerrit’s competencies encompass a wide spectrum, from international OHS management standards (ISO 45001, ISO 9001) to behavioral-based safety strategies, Occupational Health and Act Training, Consulting, and Auditing.

William Leberegane

Safety Consultant / Facilitator
Mobile: +27 (0) 72 092 1374
Email: william@saacosh.com

William Leberegane is a seasoned professional with an impressive 29-year tenure within the realm of Occupational Health and Safety. Throughout his journey, he has held various pivotal roles, including Safety Officer, Shift Foreman, Safety Instructor, and Mine Overseer. William’s extensive experience reflects his comprehensive understanding of safety dynamics across diverse domains. His multifaceted background equips him with a unique perspective on risk management, hazard mitigation, and safety protocol implementation. He holds a robust educational foundation and specializes in Occupational Safety and Health, Training and Adult Learning, as well as being an Assessor and Moderator. Notably, he excels in SHE Training, demonstrating his dedication to advancing safety practices and knowledge dissemination.

André Oosthuizen

Safety Consultant / Facilitator
Mobile: +27 (0) 83 458 3681
Email: andre@saacosh.com

With an illustrious career spanning 33 years in the mining, industrial, and construction sectors, André stands as an accomplished SHE Manager and Health and Safety Practitioner. His expertise is rooted in diverse industries, fueling his comprehensive understanding of safety dynamics. André holds the National Higher Diploma in Safety Management, a testament to his commitment to continuous learning. His self-proclaimed status as a lifelong student reflects his enduring enthusiasm for knowledge. André is recognized as a graduate member of SAIOSH and holds the esteemed title of Construction Health and Safety Manager accredited by the SACPCMP.

Elsie van der Walt

Tyre Safety Facilitator
Mobile: +27 (0) 82 418 3345
Email: elsie@saacosh.com

Elsie van der Walt is a vibrant, driven, and dynamic individual who became an integral part of Saacosh Academy in 2023 as a Health and Safety trainer, fuelled by her fervent enthusiasm for OTR tyre safety. With a career spanning 14 years in the safety sector, Elsie has honed her expertise with a distinct emphasis on tyre management, particularly within the mining industry. Her meticulous attention to detail and unwavering dedication to enhancing workplace safety are evident in all her endeavours. Elsie’s educational journey boasts an extensive array of tyre safety and occupational health and safety courses, rendering her an invaluable asset to the team.

Alexander Stramrood

Independent Health and Safety Consultant
Mobile: +27 (0) 82 462 8198
Email: alexander@saacosh.com

With over 35 years of distinguished experience, Alexander Stramrood is an accomplished Safety Expert who excels in steering organizations toward excellence through a robust, riskbased Safety Management System and culture. Renowned for influencing and guiding leaders and safety professionals alike, this expert is adept at showcasing how a strategic safety approach is pivotal in achieving business objectives. Their track record is resplendent with the creation and implementation of comprehensive SHEQ Management plans, procedures, and systems, coupled with vigilant monitoring at all echelons.

Recognized as a leader, coach, and mentor in the realm of SHEQ professionals, his influence reverberates both strategically and operationally, enriching organizations with the hallmark of safety and quality.

Maryna Adamson

Learning Solutions Consultant
Email: maryna@saacosh.com

Maryna Adamson takes on the dual role of Training/ Operations Manager, specializing in Digital Learning and Learner Management Systems. Her inclusion brings extensive expertise in online education, enriching our innovative pursuits.
As a qualified ODEDTP Practitioner with a strong focus on mining, Maryna excelled as a Project Manager in Learning Content Development for the Mining Industry. Her background refines her grasp of safety intricacies, integrating operational risk management.
Her analytical thinking allows a learner-focused approach. As she shapes learning solutions, Maryna’s unwavering commitment to advancing knowledge shines.

Jackie van Eeden

Administrator
Mobile: +27 (0) 76 048 5324
Email: jackie@saacosh.com

In the bustling heart of our organization, our dedicated Office Administrator, Jakkie van Eeden takes center stage, ensuring that every facet of our office functions harmoniously. With an acute eye for detail and a knack for organization, she plays a pivotal role in maintaining the rhythm of our daily operations.
In essence, our Office Administrator is the unsung hero who ensures that our office not only runs but soars, creating an environment where everyone can focus on what truly matters – achieving our goals and delivering
excellence to our clients and partners.

Dean Espach

Sales & Marketing Manager
Mobile: +27 (0) 78 463 1822
Email: dean@saacosh.com

With a decade of solid digital marketing and advertising expertise, Dean Espach excels in forging robust client relationships and shaping potent marketing strategies. He holds a strong background in marketing and public relations from a dedicated three-year study.

Dean Espach adeptly navigates digital marketing, SEO, AI technology, and public relations, translating these proficiencies into impactful outcomes. His dedication to staying current with industry trends propels Saacosh forward in the training and mining sector.

Henriette du Plessis

Client Manager
Mobile: +27 (0)71 802 8415
Email: henriette@saacosh.com

Henriette du Plessis joined Saacosh in the capacity of Client Manager in January 2017. With a profound commitment to delivering excellence, Henriette leverages her expertise to forge lasting relationships and foster growth within our clientele. Her strategic insight, coupled with a keen understanding of safety solutions, positions her as a vital link between our innovative services and the diverse needs of our clients.

Her collaborative spirit shines brightly, functioning as a key team player while harnessing her personal initiative to achieve set goals with a consistent and thorough approach.

Gilbert Dibetso

Regional Manager: Botswana
Mobile: +267 717 37 539
Email: gilbert@saacosh.com

With an unwavering commitment to safeguarding those exposed to occupational hazards, Gilbert’s passion lies in ensuring the well-being of individuals working in perilous environments. In his current role, he finds profound satisfaction in effecting positive change by actively contributing to the establishment of safer workspaces and, ultimately, preserving lives within client organizations.
Gilbert brings an extensive 28 years of experience within the safety industry, with a notable career spanning organizations including Gold Fields South Africa, BCL Mine Botswana, and PPC Aggregates Botswana.
Gilbert’s profound dedication to enhancing safety standards and his diverse experience uniquely position him to drive impactful change in the realm of occupational safety. His leadership embodies the Saacosh commitment to creating safer workplaces and fostering a culture of protection and well-being.