ROYAL HUSTLERS Gert Maritz on the question of purpose and the power of engineering
“L
iving out my God-given purpose to help individuals and organisations fulfil their purpose and be the change that they want to see, motivates me on a daily basis...”
These are the wise words of Lithon Project Consultants’ CEO Gert Maritz. In this edition of the Royal Hustlers show he shares his career journey and inspiring story of purpose. As a child, Gert’s “aha” moment happened after he saw a picture of a bridge – the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco to be specific. It was at that moment that his interest in engineering was sparked. An analytical and logical person by nature, Gert’s favourite subjects in school were mathematics and science. He also developed a keen interest in three-dimensional drawings at a very young age, a hobby which became an early indication of where he’d find himself in the future. With the foundation of his career set by his hard work in high school, Gert ultimately went on to pursue tertiary studies at the University of Stellenbosch where he graduated with an Engineering degree. After making his official entry into the engineering profession and meeting Lithons’ Founder Adriaan Grobler, Gert joined Lithon in 2005. He was drawn to the Lithon purpose “to make a significant and positive impact in the lives of people”, which aligns with his personal purpose.
Now he is the CEO of Lithon Project Consultants – a group of companies specialising in innovative engineering and sustainable development. After more than a decade of working at the company, Gert remains passionate about Lithon and the engineering profession as well as what the engineering sector can do for the development of Namibia. “I don’t think people really understand the importance of engineers in a country. The economy is built through infrastructure, whether it’s roads, railways and so forth. As engineers we are privileged to be at the forefront of the stimulus to economic advancement both on a micro and a macro level,” says Gert. This is why his biggest motivation after all these years still is seeing the impact of his work and its ability to transform the lives of people for the better. Apart from his profession, Gert finds joy in his family. A proud husband and father, he enjoys his time off with his active family who loves engaging in physical activities as much as possible. Steadfast in his dreams and hopes for the future of Namibia, Gert is hopeful that with continued intervention of the private sector in partnership with the government, there is hope for a prosperous future for the country. Tune in to The Royal Hustlers on 99FM every Monday to Friday from 07h35, with Namibian Royal Hustlers featured on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
25
