ABOUT US
Our strength lies in a group of experienced, qualified and registered Geoscience, Rock Engineering, Mine Planning and Survey professionals.
The bold step of becoming an accredited training provider through the South African Mining SETA (Sector Education and Training Authority), was awarded as well as QCTO (Quality Council for Trade & Occupations) Accreditation.
This implies that clients who utilize the services of Spiro Survey Training can be assured of their learners receiving National Qualifications with accompanying credits delivered by registered Assessors and Moderators. Spiro Survey Training can, therefore, provide training for the QCTO Occupational Certificates Level 4 qualifications.
OUR HISTORY
The Founder of Spiro Survey Training, Sperro van der Westhuizen, after years of working in Gold Coal and Platinum Mines, in 1993 joined the Department of Mineral Resources as an Inspector of Mines – Mine Surveying Mineral. On his retirement in 2006 he was he was asked by AngloGold Ashanti to re-instate the training for Mine Surveyors and Samplers at ATDS Training centre at Carletonville on the same basis as the well-known Maccauvlei and James Park Training centres. Following the successful implementation of the training at AngloGold Ashanti, other mining companies contacted him to assist them as well in this regard.
Since then, various ex Chief Surveyors, Teachers and MRM’s joined the organisation which served as a Training provider for 94 different companies all over Southern Africa.
The mines are employing individuals who are working in some challenging conditions without the basic technical mineral resource and related ore body safety knowledge. This is a concern both from a Health and Safety and a production point of view. It is not in the mines economic interest to have a workforce that is untrained. Our Facilitators decided it was time to set up a training and consulting company to fill the gap that was emerging in the industry and so Spiro Survey Training & Mathematics Academy’s mission is to fill that gap in the future.
OUR TEAM
We are a dynamic group of professionals with a wealth of expertise and knowledge in the fields of Geoscience, Rock Engineering, Mine Planning, and Surveying. Our team comprises various former Chief Surveyors, Teachers, and MRM's who have joined our organization over the years. We take pride in our role as a trusted training provider for 94 different companies across Southern Africa. With our collective experience and qualifications, we offer unparalleled strength and proficiency in our respective disciplines. Whether it's geoscience analysis, rock engineering assessments, mine planning strategies, or precise surveying techniques, our team is dedicated to delivering exceptional results to meet your needs.
SPERRO
VAN DER WESTHUIZEN
FOUNDER AND CEO
Sperrô is a highly experienced Certificated Professional Mine Surveyor skilled in training Surveyors Samplers and Valuators with a strong safety, health, as well as technical background. Sperrô has 60 years experience in the South African Mining Industries. Sperrô’s experience in the Skills Development and Competency Analyses arena which includes a 14 year term as Inspector of Mines Mine Surveying and a period of two years with the MQA, the SETA for the Mining and Minerals Sector, where he is a member of the TRG 2 team, responsible for sectoral research as well as developing the competency unit standards for the Mineral Surveying Unit.
Sperrô as the sole prop tier of Spiro Survey Services with his team of facilitators conduct training for Surveyors and Mine Managers in the Survey and Evaluation field in the RSA and abroad.
1. NATIONAL HIGHER DIPLOMA: MINE SURVEYING – WITWATERSRAND TECHNIKON
2. GOVERNMENT MINE SURVEYORS CERTIFICATE OF COMPETENCY – DEPARTMENT OF MINERAL RESOURCES
3. INTERNATIONAL LOSS CONTROL DIPLOMA IN PRACTICAL RISK ASSESSMENT – CHAMBER OF MINES OF SOUTH AFRICA
4. REGISTERED ASSESSOR AND MODERATOR – EDUCATION, TRAINING & DEVELOPMENT PRACTICES SECTOR
JOHAN
VAN DER WESTHUIZEN
HOD: ONLINE TRAINING
Johan is an exceptional facilitator with extensive experience in training Mathematics for Surveyors, Samplers, and Valuators. With a robust background in safety, health, and technical expertise, Johan brings a wealth of knowledge to the table. With 37 years of teaching mathematics at various institutions, Johan has honed his skills and expertise in the field. Currently a member of Spiro Survey Services, Johan conducts training sessions for Surveyors in the areas of Survey and Valuation, as well as mathematics. Johan has also obtained assessors and moderation accreditation at SETA, showcasing his commitment to quality education and training. Alongside his facilitation work, Johan serves as the Head of Online Training, overseeing a range of courses and projects from Basic to Elementary Mine Surveyor levels.
1. NATIONAL TECHNICAL DIPLOMA (ELECTRONIC)
2. QUALIFIED INSTRUMENTATION TECHNICIAN (DENEL)
3. NATIONAL EDUCATION DIPLOMA (UNISA)
4. ADVANCE SURVEY CERTIFICATE (COM)
5. ACCESSOR OUTCOME BASED CERTIFICATE
6. MODERATOR OUTCOME BASED CERTIFICATE
7. REGISTERED SACE EDUCATOR
CASSIE
GELDENHUYS
FACILITATOR DRC
Cassie is a highly skilled professional with a diverse background and a wealth of expertise. Having obtained assessors and moderation accreditation at SETA, Cassie is committed to ensuring quality education and training. With a strong focus on Mine Surveying, Cassie provides facilitation services across a wide range of courses and projects, from Basic to Advanced levels. With an impressive background that spans over Engineering, 24 years in Information Technology, 2 years in Sales, and 3 years of Survey experience, Cassie brings a unique blend of knowledge and skills to the table. Cassie's dedication to professional development is evident through certifications such as the Chamber of Mines Basic and Elementary Mine Surveying Certificate. Cassie is associated with Competitive Edge Training and Consulting, conducting Outcome-based Assessments to deliver high-quality training and consulting services.
1. ENGINEERING
2. TWENTY FOUR YEARS IN INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
3. TWO YEARS IN SALES
4. THREE YEARS SURVEY EXPERIENCE.
5. COMPETITIVE EDGE TRAINING AND CONSULTING
6. CONDUCT OUTCOME-BASED ASSESSMENT
7. CHAMBER OF MINES BASIC AND ELEMENTARY MINE SURVEYING CERTIFICATE
DENNIS RAE
FACILITATOR
Dennis possesses over 50 years of mine surveying experience, with 37 of those years spent at various Gold and Platinum mines. Additionally, he served as an Inspector of Mines with the Department of Mineral Resources for 16 years until his retirement in 2012, holding the position of Director of Mine Surveying. During his tenure at the DMR, Dennis took on the role of Technical Task Group Facilitator, responsible for developing and compiling unit standards-based qualifications in Mine Surveying and Minerals Valuation for the Mines Qualification Authority. Furthermore, Dennis has contributed significantly to the Institute of Mine Surveyors, having served as a Council Member and Chairman of the Technical Committee. Currently, he holds the position of Chairman of the Minerals Council of South Africa Examination Board for Mine Surveying. Since retiring, Dennis has remained actively engaged in the field of education. He served as a lecturer at UNISA and delivered guest lectures at the University of Johannesburg and Witwatersrand University. Since 2014, Dennis has been an integral part of the Spiro Survey Training team, fulfilling the role of facilitator for subjects such as Survey I, II, and III, Geology, and Mining Legislation for the Mine Surveyors Certificate of Competency. Dennis's vast experience and expertise make him a valuable asset to the industry, and he continues to contribute to the field of mine surveying with his wealth of knowledge and dedication.
1. NATIONAL HIGHER DIPLOMA IN MINE SURVEYING – WITWATERSRAND TECHNIKON
2. GOVERNMENT MINE SURVEYORS CERTIFICATE OF COMPETENCY – DMR
3. INTERNATIONAL LOSS CONTROL DIPLOMA – MINERALS COUNCIL OF SOUTH AFRICA
4. REGISTERED ASSESSOR AND MODERATOR – EDUCATION, TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT SETA
5. REGISTERED PROFESSIONAL MINE SURVEYOR – GEOMATICS COUNCIL OF SOUTH AFRICA
6. A FELLOW MEMBER OF THE INSTITUTE OF MINE SURVEYORS OF SOUTHERN AFRICA.
MJ DE VILLIERS
GRAPHIC DESIGN & MARKETING
Marjone is a highly qualified and versatile individual with a diverse range of skills and qualifications. She holds a TEFL Qualify Level 5 Certificate, demonstrating her expertise in teaching English as a foreign language. Additionally, Marjone has earned a Professional Certificate in advanced graphic design from Centurion Academy, showcasing her proficiency in visual communication. Her knowledge extends to social media and personal branding, as she has obtained a certificate in this field from Hudson Community College in the USA. Marjone's passion for photography is evident through her completion of a certificate in exploring digital photography from the same institution. Furthermore, she has undergone training in trauma debriefing and counseling, as well as personal and group counseling skills. Prior to her current endeavors, Marjone served as an operations administrator and tutor for the Collective Genius Private Cambridge Learning Centre. Her background in communication science, coupled with her skills in graphic design, art, and music, enables her to transform theories, techniques, and strategies into impactful visual solutions. Marjone's creativity extends beyond design, as she enjoys crafting engaging lessons to inspire her students and designing professional presentations to motivate teams. She is an effective communicator, capable of connecting with individuals of all ages and backgrounds.
1. TEFL QUALIFY LEVEL 5 CERTIFICATE,
2. PROFESSIONAL CERTIFICATE IN ADVANCED GRAPHIC DESIGN FROM CENTURION ACADEMY,
3. CERTIFICATE IN SOCIAL MEDIA AND PERSONAL BRANDING FROM HUDSON COMMUNITY COLLEGE USA,
4. CERTIFICATE IN EXPLORING DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY FROM HUDSON COMMUNITY COLLEGE USA,
5. TRAUMA DEBRIEFING AND COUNSELING COURSE CERTIFICATE
OBIE OBERHOLZER
FACILITATOR
Obie is a highly experienced Certificated Professional Mine Surveyor with 35 years of experience in the gold mining industry. He holds a National Higher Diploma in Mine Surveying from Witwatersrand Technikon, a Government Mine Surveyors Certificate of Competency from the Department of Mineral Resources, and a Master of Engineering in Mineral Resource Management from the University of Witwatersrand. Throughout his career, Obie has worked as a mine surveyor and planning manager, gaining valuable expertise in the field. Additionally, he has two years of experience in training the BPF process to the mining industry, showcasing his commitment to knowledge sharing and professional development. Obie has also collaborated with the MQA (Mining Qualifications Authority) in setting the curriculum for sampling and survey training in the mining industry. With his extensive experience and dedication to the field, Obie brings a wealth of knowledge and skills to any project or organization he is involved with.
1. ENGINEERING
2. TWENTY FOUR YEARS IN INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
3. TWO YEARS IN SALES
4. THREE YEARS SURVEY EXPERIENCE.
5. COMPETITIVE EDGE TRAINING AND CONSULTING
6. CONDUCT OUTCOME-BASED ASSESSMENT
7. CHAMBER OF MINES BASIC AND ELEMENTARY MINE SURVEYING CERTIFICATE
WILLIE HEFER
FACILITATOR
Willie is a seasoned Mine Surveyor with an impressive track record of 33 years of experience in the gold mining industry. He holds several notable certifications from the Chamber of Mines of South Africa, including certificates in Advanced Mine Surveying, Advanced Mine Valuation, and Elementary Mine Environmental Control. Willie's commitment to professional development is further demonstrated by his attainment of a Diploma in Loss Control Management and completion of the Anglo Gold Ashanti Mine Design and Scheduling program. In addition to his expertise in mine surveying, Willie also possesses valuable experience as a facilitator. His extensive knowledge and practical skills make him a valuable asset to any mining operation, and his dedication to continuous improvement ensures that he stays up-to-date with industry advancements and best practices.
1. CHAMBER OF MINES ELEMENTARY SURVEY CERTIFICATE
2. CHAMBER OF MINES ADVANCED SURVEY CERTIFICATE
3. BASIC INSTRUCTIONAL TECHNIQUES (BIT)
SKILLS ANALYSIS
4. CRITERIA REFERENCED INSTRUCTION (CRI)
TOM CRONJE
GEOLOGY FACILITATOR
Tom Cronje began his career in 1989 as a Learner Official in Geology with Gold Fields SA. He earned a National Higher Diploma in Economic Geology from Technicon Witwatersrand in 1992 and was appointed as a Geological Technician at Northam Platinum in 1993. In 1995, he moved to JCI at Western Areas Gold Mine, where he worked on the VCR orebody and later served as the Shaft Sinking Geologist for South Deep Shafts. In 1997, he founded Tom Cronje and Associates, specializing in water sealing and rock consolidation with Industrial Synthetic Oils (ISO). By 1999, he returned to Northam Platinum as Senior Geologist, later moving to Messina Platinum and Lonmin in the same role. He was promoted to Manager Geology in 2006, working at Baobab and Karee Shafts. From 2011 to 2015, he served as Mineral Resources Manager at International Ferro Metals – SA. In 2016, he joined Synntech Projects Zambia as a Project Coordinator before being appointed by Mopani Copper Mines as the Head of Hydrogeology and later as Technical Services Manager at the Mufulira operation. In 2020, Tom was appointed Technical Services Manager at Barberton Mines, later leading the BML Project Department until 2024. Over his 34-year career, his expertise spans mining geology, underground and opencast mining, surface exploration, feasibility studies, due diligence, water sealing, rock consolidation, resource modeling, project management, and rehabilitation.
1. NATIONAL DIPLOMA IN ECONOMIC GEOLOGY, TECHNICON WITWATERSRAND, 1991
2. NATIONAL HIGHER DIPLOMA IN ECONOMIC GEOLOGY, TECHNICON WITWATERSRAND, 1992
3. GDE – MINING ENGINEERING (MINERAL RESOURCE MANAGEMENT AND ESTIMATION), WITWATERSRAND UNIVERSITY, 2014
4. APMSA (IPMA) LEVEL C CERTIFICATION AS PROJECT MANAGER, IPMA, 2020
5. MEMBER, GEOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF SOUTH AFRICA (MEMBER NO. 60262)
6. MEMBER, SOUTH AFRICAN COUNCIL FOR NATURAL SCIENTIFIC PROFESSIONS (SACNASP) (MEMBER NO. 400055/08)
7. APMSA (IPMA) LEVEL C CERTIFICATION IN PROJECT MANAGEMENT
BILLY BOOTH
FACILITATOR
Billy is a highly experienced facilitator skilled in training Surveyors, Samplers, and Valuators with a strong background in safety, health, and technical aspects. Billy has 37 years of experience in the South African mining industry. His expertise extends to the skills development and competency analyses arena, including a 17-year tenure as Training Manager at Vaal Reefs in the Survey and Evaluation sector. He played a crucial role in recruiting and training the first surveyors of color in the Anglo American Corporation and served on the Anglo American Corporation EDP Training Committee. Billy also provided assistance with Survey Training courses at the AAC Central Training Unit in Macauvlei, Vereeniging. Additionally, he presented Mining Survey to non-Mining Managers and was involved in the recruitment of personnel to the department. Billy acted as a mentor to Technician students and served as a lecturer at a Technical College for Mining Officials who attended the N3 Mining Survey.
1. CHAMBER OF MINES ELEMENTARY SURVEY CERTIFICATE
2. CHAMBER OF MINES ADVANCED SURVEY CERTIFICATE
3. BASIC INSTRUCTIONAL TECHNIQUES (BIT)
SKILLS ANALYSIS
4. CRITERIA REFERENCED INSTRUCTION (CRI)
JOHAN OLLEWAGEN
SURVEY DRAUGTING FACILITATOR
Johan began his career as a leaner Mine Survey draughtman at Vaal Reefs in 1978 Johan has 44
years of experience in Mine Survey Draughting (manual and computer aid Micro station ) in the
South African mining industry and his passion for his field make him an invaluable asset in the mining industry.
Johan is a highly skilled professional facilitator and a wealth of expertise in training the Mine Survey
Computer Aid Draughting. Johan has 30 years of experience in training the Chamber of mines of
South Africa Mine Survey Draughting in the South African mining
CHAMBER OF MINES CARTIFICATE IN MINE SURVEY DRAUGHTING
WANDA COLLEN
ADMINISTRATION HEAD & PA
Wanda is a highly skilled and experienced professional in the field of office administration. With her expertise, she has successfully served as the Administration Head of Spiro Survey Services, showcasing her exceptional organizational and management abilities. Prior to her role at Spiro, Wanda held positions of responsibility in various businesses, including Edgars and CNA, where she served as a Marketing Manager and Store Manager. This experience has equipped her with a deep understanding of business operations and customer service. Additionally, Wanda is well-trained in the use of Pastel, a popular accounting software, enabling her to efficiently handle financial tasks and contribute to the smooth running of administrative processes. Her commitment and dedication are evident through her four years of service at Spiro Survey Services, where she continues to excel in her role. Wanda's expertise in office administration makes her a valuable asset to the organization.