RESPONSE TO COVID

During the national lockdown Lesedi Technical has been busy working towards ensuring that the less fortunate in our communities aren’t as hard hit by the pandemic. Lesedi Technical made provision for food parcels that were distributed in parts of Gauteng and KwaZulu Natal.

While other staff were engaging with business as usual at home a number of other staff kindly assisted with the assembly of the food parcels. They all worked tirelessly to ensure that the parcels were received timeously and in good condition. It is without saying that not all staff were able to participate as the nation lockdown sought to minimize interactions so don’t feel bad if you weren’t called upon for duty. That said, it was lovely to see members of top management doing the kind of work you would not expect to see them engage in. Quick question, do you know of another company CEO that will actively assist with tasks such as sorting teabags and bags of maize meal? Well, our very own Mr. Majola did so effortlessly in high fashion, wearing THOSE Balenciagas (the ones that look like socks). Show me another CEO who will engage and I will show you a snake with biceps. We truly have a special one! #NeverForget

The assembly and distribution of the food parcels speaks to one of our core principals which is the upliftment of underprivileged individuals and communities. The parcels provided relief at this very difficult time to many homes which is something that we do not take lightly. All food items were all accounted for, the presentation of the parcels was smart and the delivery was swift and direct which made for a dignified experience for the recipients. The preservation of human dignity is a human right.

 

I am aware that there are members of staff who have also participated and contributed towards COVID-19 relief efforts and charity work. We commend you for your dedication towards the betterment of fellow South African lives.

COVID-19 TESTING AT LESEDI TECHNICAL

We have entered Level 3 of the National Lockdown and frequent work from the office has commenced. We are acquainting ourselves with working in an organized fashion, though we will continue to work from home as much as possible. As part of protocol and one of many precautions Lesedi Technical took prior to re-introducing us back into the office calling for all staff to be tested for the virus. Each member of staff was assigned a day to come in for testing from the 4 th of May, but due to challenges in accessibility to testing facilities not all offices were tested in one round. The remaining national offices were however tested shortly after. The process was for the greater good and well done to everyone, it takes a different kind of bravery to allow a stranger to insert a VERY long instrument DEEP inside your nasal cavity.

 

So, I did not witness this with my physical eyes, but reliable sources informed me that a number of our gentleman colleagues trembled, some cried real tears during testing. Whoever said men don’t cry lied to you.

 

While we may have been tested it is imperative that we continue exercising caution. Wash your hands, refrain from touching your eyes, nose and mouth, when you cough and/or sneeze cover your mouth with your elbow. If you use a tissue, use it once and discard of it immediately. Protect yourself and others as we work towards eradicating this pandemic.

LA VIDA LOCKDOWN

There is no denying that we have been subjected to a new way of operating, things are wildly different from just three months ago. You may have experienced changes in your mental state, perhaps physically, but we have all undeniably experienced changes in business operations.

 

The COVID 19 pandemic is a reality that the whole world faces and has to deal with. We have seen the entire globe react to COVID-19 in every way which necessary. The COVID-19 consequences suffered are harsh. They are harsh even at continent levels, country levels and at city levels. Government, commercial entities, NGOs’, churches and households feel the sting and are grappling with COVID-19 management issues. Lesedi Technical is no exception to this truth. Understandably, this factor may be creating great concern and unrest for you. The government is doing its best to flatten the curve but it has been a challenge as the daily infection rate is increasing. We are however seeing cooperation between the corporate sector and government because a common goal exists and that is to getting back to business.

 

Speaking of goals, have you heard of the Lockdown Spread? It’s the increase in body mass resulting from being indoors. I can without shame declare that I have been afflicted by the Lockdown Spread, it resulted from incessant baking and the refinement of my culinary skills. To be fair it was in an effort to keep my family’s mind off the notion of the pandemic. I hope your physique is as before, and if not, do try to engage in physical activities from time to time and to maintain a balanced diet. You may consult Shawn Naidoo for tips on how to run 50km a day in your backyard, alternatively, you can click the link below for a quick home work out: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gUWFmn8f3H4

 

It is no secret that the lockdown can bring about feeling of anxiety and stress. Perhaps one/you may feel a way about spending extended periods with family members, which you’re not accustomed to. Perhaps one has/you have had a traumatic experience such as the ending of a personal relationship or the loss of a loved one. Life happens to the best of us. Take care of yourself not only physically, but mentally as well as it is a vital part of your wellbeing. If you or anyone you know may require support with their mental health FAMSA offers anonymous counselling services via WhatsApp on 065 242 2553. Take care of your mental health.

 

While Lesedi Technical is a place of work, we recognize and appreciate that you are an individual who has so much more to contribute to this family. You truly matter to the organization and it is therefore imperative that the company and that us as individuals do everything in our power to eliminate chances of infection. Your continuous hard work and efforts will have an impact on the company and society at large. We are certainly fortunate to be active as a business and to have been able to continue contributing positively to the South African economy. Keep up the good work!

BACK TO WORK PROTOCOL

As we enter Level 3 of the National Lockdown all sectors have re-opened for business, we will be interacting frequently with each other and need to be more vigilant than ever. While we won’t be in the office at full capacity we will be sharing spaces and facilities and it is vital that we be cognizant of the manner in which we utilize those spaces under the new circumstances. Please be reminded of the following enforceable measures that Lesedi Technical will be enacting in response to the COVID-19 and in an endeavour to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

  • Body temperatures of staff are to be measured with an infrared thermostat before entering the company premises. Employees who have a body temperature higher than 37,5 C will not be allowed access to the offices.
  • There will be no business trips undertaken until further notice. Employees must opt for voice calls or video conferences.
  • Access to company common areas such as the social room are to be regulated. The number of people in these areas is to be limited, preferable to zero.
  • A social distance of at least 1.5 metres must be ensured among people standing in the same room.
  • Access to our offices, more especially to third parties (e.g. suppliers, providers, etc.) will be monitored. Access will be given to those that are essential. This notice will be accessible to employees and visitors at the entrance of our offices
  • Masks have been provided to each staff member, if you have not received your packet as yet please inform Karabo. Sanitizers will be available around the office and all staff should make use of it.
  • Staff should wear masks at all times.
  • In the event that a staff member was (or is) infected, the office will be thoroughly sanitized.

In keeping with the health and safety obligation that we have as an employer, we will keep you informed of health risks that may arise in carrying out your duties. We also have to ensure that working practices do not create undue risks to yourself. As such, the Lesedi Technical COVID-19 Response Committee will carry out risk assessments on an ongoing basis and consider any factors that may make you particularly susceptible to infection.

 

We recommend that you take the following action to stop coronavirus from spreading:

  • Cover your mouth and nose with tissue or your sleeves (not your hands!) when you cough or sneeze
    Put used tissues in the bin immediately
  • Wash your hands with soap and water often
  • Use hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available
  • Try avoid close contact with people who are unwell.

As of the 15 th of June 2020, we will be running a Q+A column on COVID 19 as it relates to Lesedi Technical’s ” back to work protocol”. Please keep an eye out for more details. In the interim, should you have any information in this regard, please email them to yelandat@LesediTechnicalConsulting.com. There will be up-to-date information on hygiene practices circulated and displays around the office. Familiarize yourself on how to protect yourself and others. We all in this together, and united we will emerge as victors. Your cooperation is imperative.

CONTINUATION OF WORKS DURING COVID-19

Government has taken a phased approach to the relaxation of the national lockdown regulations, some of which have allowed for certain Lesedi Technical projects to resume. Among these active projects is the refurbishment of the Saambou building located in Germiston. The site is well organized and Lesedi Technical management is very pleased with the progress of the project. Stripping and demolition has taken place and current works include the installation of plumbing services and electric works, mechanical works and building works. Another project that is steadily underway is the construction of the BRT (Bus Rapid Transit) System stations in Ekurhuleni. The active works taking place are for Station 20 in Chloorkop and Station 10 in Tembisa. Construction on both sites are currently ongoing, these include specialized electrical works, mechanical works as well as building works. Health and safety officer Jonathan Bradtke advised me of the various precautions that are being implemented on site to prevent the spread of COVID-19. He informed that the following are enforced:

  • Sanitizers and disinfectants supplied and readily available in the work place
  • Engineering controls by installing temporarily hand wash basins
  • The use of personal protective equipment (PPE) is mandatory for all staff
  • Daily screening of all staff upon entry onto site
  • There is continual training on the nature of the virus and how staff members can best circumvent the spread of COVID-19.

Click the link below for a demonstration of the routine on site hand washing process: While the pandemic has had a negative effect on business activity globally Lesedi Technical endures and continues to work towards Building A Better Africa to the best of its ability. It is critical that although the company continues to fulfil its business obligations, that it is also vigilant in its endeavor to curb the spread of COVID-19.

HEAD OFFICE FACE LIFT

It has been scientifically proven that interior design has an impact on your and can have positive impact on your mood. The Lesedi Technical head office has been treated to a feel good mood because upon returning to the office we were welcomed into a space that was rejuvenated. During the office shutdown Lesedi Technical head office received a facelift and first on the agenda was a fresh coat of paint on the internal walls. To add sass, flair and personality to the building wall paper has been added to one of the walls on the first floor. The well fitted wall paper features a feathered print which exudes a tranquil and soothing ambience.

 

The improvements weren’t limited to the inside of the building, the outside walls also were treated to a deep cleaning in order to give the building an overall fresh feel. There were also repairs done to the ceiling. If some of you can recall, earlier this year there was a leakage to the west wing of the building and so it was an opportune time for maintenance to be effected.

 

Further, in an effort to prepare staff for a hygienic workspace the office was decontaminated. Decontamination is an effective method of ensuring that the workplace is thoroughly sanitized. The decontamination process involved the microbial fogging of all surfaces at the office, including ceiling and floors, with the use of special chemicals. Lesedi Technical has really looked forward to having you back in the workplace and while it may not be business as usual, it will be a pleasurable space that is conducive for productivity.

MASK ETIQUITTE

We come to work to create ideas, to solve problems and provide services and achieve these goals as a collective. It is therefore important that we do so harmoniously in order to achieve these goals.

 

There has been much debate about where and when the use of the protective face mask against the spread of COVID-19 is enforceable in the office. The use of the mask is for your protection and that of your colleagues. We understand that while it may be uncomfortable to have your mask on for potentially lengthy periods, it essential is for everyone’s wellbeing. Below are guidelines for when it is advisable to have your protective mask on.

 

A kind reminder to maintain a 2m social distance in smoking areas. Do organize your cigarettes and lighter before heading to the smoking area to avoid unnecessary interactions with fellow smokers.

FAQ

Given that we are a group of bright minds there have been questions making the rounds, some more re-occurring than others. At Lesedi Technical we offer multiple channels of support including the Lesedi Technical Buzz for which you can receive the answers you seek or information that you perhaps weren’t even aware you needed prior to this. We have developed FAQs (frequently asked questions) that will provide clarity on various topics of concern within the company and with the help of our HR Manager Babalwa Zibi and Savo Mastilo these have been aptly addressed.

LESEDI TECHNICAL ENGINEERING
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HEAD OFFICE

First floor, Building 3, Maxwell Office Park, 37 Magwa Cresent,

Waterfall City

010 822 1050

BLOEMFONTEIN

Genius Loci Office Park, 

Hoogenhout Street
051 446 0826
051 446 0829

KWA-ZULU NATAL

5 Park Lane, Floor 2 Mayfair
on the Lake Umhlanga,
Durban, 4330
087 351 1469