Smith Capital Equipment

from Latest Lifting Africa Jul-Aug 2020

State of the art customer portal help keep crane maintenance on track

Fortunate Mdanda – Smith Capital Equipment

Fortunate Mdanda, the CEO of Smith Capital Equipment (SCE), is a highly qualified and experienced Corporate Manager. She holds a Bachelor of Accounting Science degree, an Honours Bachelor of Commerce in Auditing and a Master’s in Business Administration. Fortunate has gained vast experience in internal controls, risk, auditing, tax and compliance from Pfizer Laboratories, Alexander Forbes, South African Airways, City Power, South African Revenue Service and The Office of the Auditor-General. In her recent role at Pfizer, she provided support to develop and maintain a strong and practical risk awareness, compliance and control culture and environment; provided in-market support, guidance, and consultation to help drive efficiencies; pro-actively identified emerging risks and strategies and built strong relationships with key stakeholders. She has chaired and served as a member of various Audit Committees. Over the past 5 years, Fortunate has played a paramount role in lifting Smith Capital Equipment to new levels with the assistance of the National Empowerment Fund. Fortunate has fostered a culture of diversity and inclusiveness for all in the Company. She especially

focuses on creating opportunities for women through the implementation of the Smith Capital In-Service Training and Apprenticeship programmes. These programmes assist the candidates in completing the practical aspects of their certified training in becoming qualified Artisans. By completing their Trade Qualifications through the various in-service training programmes at Smith Capital, Fortunate hopes more exposure is afforded to women in the industry. The majority equipment for SCE is locally designed and manufactured, with drilling rigs and aerial platforms boasting over 90% local content. These locally manufactured products, together with Smith Capital’s imported products (such as the Fassi cranes brought in from Italy) and the ongoing service and repairs side of the business establishes that Fortunate considers a wide reach of solutions for the SCE customer. Additionally, Fortunate has placed an emphasis on the export of units to Africa. The African market demands a different approach and Fortunate believes Smith Capital has a firm understanding of what this market commands. Smith Capital designs these units specifically for the African terrain, based on the territory and the applications required of the equipment. Fortunate’s passion for positive change has seen her supporting the creation of work environments that focus on diversity and inclusion. Her management style revolves around providing support in skills-training and opening new opportunities within the industry. Fortunate places a focus on growing the inclusive culture at Smith Capital, while ensuring the team is involved in all aspects of the business. By making the strategic goals and vision of the company known to the workforce, Fortunate ensures the entire team is always on the same page. Fortunate took a leap when she changed career directions. However, her previous experience in the business sector created the perfect background for entering into the lifting industry. Resilient and adaptable at heart, Fortunate was able to merge her business savvy with the expertise of the Smith Capital team. Together, Smith Capital has been able to cross barriers and deliver unparalleled premium products to their customers. Another piece of expertise Fortunate brings to her role as CEO of Smith Capital, is learning that business doesn’t come to you, you go look for business. You go make your presence felt. Fortunate is an active supporter of the development of women in her industry. She advises young people to be positive and prepared to learn. When embracing each opportunity, there are certain to be challenged, but an open-minded and positive person can reach untold heights.