Dennis Aupa Olaotse PrEng, MBA, Cert Dir.
Gaborone,GA
Summary
Seasoned Professional Engineer and Certified Director (Corporate Governance) with over 20 years of experience in the power industry. Led an engineering regulatory body as a Chief Executive for 9 years. Dedicated to adding value to organizations and assisting in the achievement of engineering ideas and mandates.
Overview
30
30
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Registrar/CEO
Engineers Registration Board
08.2015 - Current
- Tasked with upholding engineering practices and protecting the welfare and interest of the public by regulating activities and conduct of registered engineers and promoting the highest standards of engineering practices in Botswana
- Implementation of the Engineers Registration Board mandate
- Strategy formulation and management
- High level representation at meetings and forums
- Financial performance
- Policy advocacy and high quality leadership to the management and staff
- Development of organisational policies, standards and guidelines
- Advises Government on engineering regulatory matters
Manager Telecommunications Services
Botswana Power Corporation
09.2013 - 07.2015
- To manage and control the provision of telecommunications services to ensure continuity of supply, enable efficient operation of the power network and to generate revenue from surplus fibre capacity leading to reduced downtime and improved financial position
- Managed short-, medium- and long-term telecommunications network development plans and programmes;
- Provided technical information and monitored implementation of approved projects and development plans;
- Co-ordinated and implemented best practices for telecommunications network design and operations;
- Conducted projects feasibility studies to stakeholder satisfaction;
- Ensured that employees are competent, motivated, informed and updated on new technology;
- Increased customer base and product portfolio
- Managed customer interfaces to stakeholder satisfaction
- Ensured reduced equipment downtime and forced outages; and
- Monitored and controlled safe working operations
Manager Transmission Projects & Technical Services (Acting)
Botswana Power Corporation
04.2007 - 08.2013
- To plan, organise, and control the provision of project management, power system protection, telecommunications, and computer application services to ensure continuity of supply and enable efficient operation of the power network leading to reduced down time
- Formulated, planned, coordinated medium term network planning programmes to achieve adequate capacity and a reliable network
- Formulated and recommended network and equipment specification, standards and designs to ensure quality, cost effectiveness and standardisation
- Provided technical information on the implementation of works programmes to ensure an efficient, cost effective and up to standard delivery of the projects
- Designed and/or approved designs of major reticulation systems and installations with cost estimates
- Prepared documentation for open tender projects and recommended the selection of consultants and contractors for projects
- Acquisition of way leaves and land; and access to construction sites to ensure the efficient implementation of projects
- Approval of telecommunications system designs, technologies and changes to equipment specification to ensure conformity to standards
- Approval of computer applications system designs, technologies and changes to equipment specification to ensure conformity to standards
- Formulated and ensured the implementation of all telecommunications and computer applications standards, policies and specifications
- Formulated short-, medium- and long-term transmission network development plans using load development forecasts
- Facilitated and monitored the implementation of approved projects and development plans
- Ensured compliance with the occupational safety, health and environmental requirements within the business unit
- Was a member of the Planning Sub-Committee, Management Committee and Coordination Centre Board of the Southern African Power Pool
- Also attended SAPP Executive Committee meetings
Telecommunications Engineer
Botswana Power Corporation
08.2002 - 08.2013
- Job purpose is to manage the efficient operations of the Corporation’s power system telecommunications network
- Managed and organised telecoms facilities by allocating duties and responsibilities
- Established & maintained procedures for planning, testing, installation, commissioning, routine maintenance, system fault analysis and repairs
- Ensured compliance to relevant telecoms legislation
- Prepared and evaluated tenders and acted as Project Engineer/Manager for telecoms projects
- Prepared budgets and authorised their use
- Hired, trained, motivated, evaluated employee performance and disciplined staff
- Member of the Telecoms Working Group of the Southern African Power Pool
Divisional Engineer (Acting) – Electro Technical Services Department
Botswana Power Corporation
12.2006 - 03.2007
- This was a Head of Department position responsible for coordinating the activities of Protection, Computer Applications and Telecommunications Sections
- To plan, organise, and control the provision of power system protection, telecommunications, and computer application services to ensure continuity of supply and enable efficient operation of the power network leading to reduced down times
Assistant Telecommunications Engineer (South)
Botswana Power Corporation
10.1999 - 07.2002
- Installed, tested and commissioned telecoms systems (radio high sites and links, fibre equipment, PBXs, power line carriers, etc)
- Carried out routine maintenance and repair of telecoms equipment and systems
- Designed systems to user requirements and evaluated equipment reliability
- Authorised expenditure against approved budgets
- Trained and motivated subordinates
- Prepared Capital and Expenditure budgets
Acting Assistant Telecommunications Engineer (North)
Botswana Power Corporation
06.1998 - 09.1999
- First 6 months I was responsible for all Corporations’ telecommunications needs in the Northern region
- The rest of the period I was acting in the South, handling requirements in the Southern region
Engineering Assistant – Telecommunications
Botswana Power Corporation
02.1996 - 05.1998
- Directed Objective Training (DOT) entailing intensive, hands-on training
Graduate Trainee
Botswana Power Corporation
01.1995 - 01.1996
- One year familiarisation training programme in all technical departments
Education
MBA - Master of Business Administration
University of Botswana
01.2003
B. Eng (EE) - Bachelor of Engineering in Electrical and Electronics (2i)
University of Botswana
01.1994
BSc (1) - Bachelor of Science Year 1
University of Botswana
01.1990
Skills
- Project Management
- Regulatory Compliance
- Problem-solving abilities
- Critical Thinking
- Relationship Building
- Professionalism
- Adaptability and Flexibility
- Multitasking Abilities
Professionalmemberships
- Engineers Registration Board of Botswana, Registered Professional Engineer
- Institution of Engineering and Technology (MIET), UK, Member
- Institute of Directors South Africa (IoDSA), Member
- The South African Institute of Electrical Engineers (SAIEE), RSA, Former Member, 01/01/95 - 12/31/07
- The Institute of Electronics & Electrical Engineers (IEEE), USA, Former Member, 01/01/99 - 12/31/07
- Botswana Qualifications Authority Appeals Committee, Member, 12/01/15 - 06/30/20
- University of Botswana Department of Electrical Engineering Advisory Board, Member, 04/01/16 - 06/30/19
Projectsportfolio
- Phakalane 132/11kV Substation Upgrade, 2007 - 2009, BWP 55 million
- Kgale View Substation Upgrade, 2007 - 2009, BWP 37 million
- Molepolole 132/33kV Substation Upgrade, 2007 - 2009, BWP 27 million
- Airport Road Mirror Substation, 2007 - 2009, BWP 29 million
- Segoditshane Capacity Increase, 2008 - 2010, BWP 31 million
- Woodhall Substation Upgrade, 2008 - 2010, BWP 12 million
- Integration of 70MW Matshelagabedi Diesel Emergency Power Plant to the BPC Grid, 2009, BWP 28 million
- 220kV Orapa 2 Switching Station, 2009 - 2010, BWP 41 million
- Jwaneng Mine Substation Upgrade, 2007 - 2011, BWP 55 million
- Morupule B Transmission Integration Projects, 2008 - 2012, BWP 1.5 billion
- All BPC Telecommunications Capital Projects, 2002 to 2015, Fibre Optic Links: over 1200km total fibre distance, Radio Communications Systems (HF, VHF & UHF), Last Mile Links, Fibre Optic Terminal Equipment (PDH & SDH), Telecommunications Links for ERP Support.
Skillscoursesattended
- Practical SCADA & Telemetry Systems for Industry (IDC 1996)
- Power Systems Communications (ABB 1997)
- Introductory Course in Supervisory Management Studies (ISM 1998)
- Hay Job Evaluation (2002)
- Effective Interpersonal Skills (Wits Graduate School of Business Administration 2003)
- Optical Fibre System Fundamentals, Splicing, Testing, Installation Techniques, Contracting & Managing (ATC 2003)
- Fundamentals of Project Management (IBEX 2008)
- Integrated Generation & Transmission Planning (EU Aid 2010)
- Transmission Planning (EU Aid 2010)
- Transmission System Analysis & Planning with PSS/e (EU Aid 2010)
- Planning, Designing & Managing PPP Projects (EU Aid 2010)
- IEC 60870-6 TASE.2 (ICCP) (Netted Automation GmbH 2011)
- Medium Voltage to Extra High Voltage Design Workshop (Spectacular 2011)
- Essential Tools & Techniques (X-pert Group, 2013)
- Microsoft Project 2010 Skills (X-pert Group, 2013)
- Senior Management Development Programme (USB-ED, 2014)
- FIDIC Training on the Yellow Book (BCA Training, 2015)
- Being a Director – Part 1 (IoDSA, 2015)
- Being a Director – Part 2 (IoDSA, 2015)
- Being a Director – Part 3 (IoDSA, 2016)
- Being a Director – Part 4 (IoDSA, 2016)
- Governance of Ethics (IoDSA, 2017)
- Being a Director – Part 5 (IoDSA, 2017)
- Certified Director (South Africa, 2020)
Personal Information
- Date of Birth: 06/10/67
- Gender: Male
- Nationality: Botswana
- Marital Status: Married
References
- Mr. Gideon Parirenyatwa, BSc (Eng), CEng, MIET. Prof Eng (ERB). Consultant, +44 7391 153176, gparirenyatwa@gmail.com, gparirenyatwa@icloud.com, Former Supervisor & Colleague
- Mr. Dithuso Phetlhu, Pr Eng, Managing Director, DSP Holdings (Pty), +267 3170744, +267 71305474, dphetlhu@dsp.co.bw, Former ERB Chairperson
- Mr. Lovemore Chilimanzi, Principal Consultant, PPA Energy, Eastgate Lane, East Block, Bedfordview, South Africa, 2007, +27 (0) 11 615 3403, +27 (0) 76 111 5851, Lovemore.chilimanzi@ppaenergy.co.za, Lovemore.chilimanzi@ppaenergy.co.uk, Former Work Colleague
- Mr. Edward Rugoyi, Pr Eng, General Manager – Generation, BPC, 71300767, rugoyie@bpc.bw, Former Supervisor
- Mr. Francis Mokone, Pr Eng, Current ERB Chairperson, 71318834, francis.mokone@gmail.com
Hobbies and Interests
- Exercise & Sport fanatic
- Travelling (including for leisure)
Languages
Excellent, Excellent, Excellent, Excellent
Certification
- Certified Director (South Africa)
Languages
Setswana
First Language
English
Advanced (C1)
C1
French
Beginner (A1)
A1
Affiliations
- Served 2 terms as a member of the Botswana Qualifications Appeals Board
- Served as a member of an Advisory Board of the Faculty of Engineering of the University of Botswana
- Plays Lawn Bowls (member of Botswana Bowling Association); loves football and golf
Accomplishments
- Established brand identity of the Engineers Registration Board (ERB) of Botswana
- Built a strong reputation & image of ERB to its stakeholders and improved its profitability
- Successfully introduced an annual "Engineering Forum" event in Botswana which has grown from strength to strength.
- Developed in-house consultancy capacity for all telecommunications capital projects at my previous employer (Botswana Power Corporation).
- Developed and successfully implemented a procedure for installing fibre optic cables on all new high voltage transmission lines in Botswana
- Developed and implemented project management guidelines for the power transmission capital projects of Botswana Power Corporation.
- Financial recovery of an organisation through use of internal telecommunications assets, replacing leased lines from national operator.
Timeline
Registrar/CEO
Engineers Registration Board
08.2015 - Current
Manager Telecommunications Services
Botswana Power Corporation
09.2013 - 07.2015
Manager Transmission Projects & Technical Services (Acting)
Botswana Power Corporation
04.2007 - 08.2013
Divisional Engineer (Acting) – Electro Technical Services Department
Botswana Power Corporation
12.2006 - 03.2007
Telecommunications Engineer
Botswana Power Corporation
08.2002 - 08.2013
Assistant Telecommunications Engineer (South)
Botswana Power Corporation
10.1999 - 07.2002
Acting Assistant Telecommunications Engineer (North)
Botswana Power Corporation
06.1998 - 09.1999
Engineering Assistant – Telecommunications
Botswana Power Corporation
02.1996 - 05.1998
Graduate Trainee
Botswana Power Corporation
01.1995 - 01.1996
MBA - Master of Business Administration
University of Botswana
B. Eng (EE) - Bachelor of Engineering in Electrical and Electronics (2i)
University of Botswana
BSc (1) - Bachelor of Science Year 1
University of Botswana
Similar Profiles
DARVIN NAKIGUDDEDARVIN NAKIGUDDE
Technical Inspector at Architects Registration BoardTechnical Inspector at Architects Registration Board
Robyn KellyRobyn Kelly
Registration/Administration Officer at Architects Registration Board Of Victoria (ARBV)Registration/Administration Officer at Architects Registration Board Of Victoria (ARBV)
NATASHA NAICKERNATASHA NAICKER
Financial Administrator at National Home Builders Registration CouncilFinancial Administrator at National Home Builders Registration Council