Nico joined Aspasa 11 years ago as Director, and also took over the running of Sarma 7 years ago.  Both these two organizations are producer associations, representing employers /companies.

Upon joining Aspasa, Nico had very little knowledge of the industry.  He had however worked for BIFSA as the first Industrial Relations Adviser to the building industry.  His experience of running a service to members was refined, when he became general secretary of a trade union in the financial industry.  A trade union polishes the skills of its officials, in that members want to know what the union does for them, different factions exist and different demands are made on the union.  This is very similar in Associations such as Aspasa & Sarma.

While working for the Cullinan Group, early in the 80’s, manufacturing and mining experience was gained.  The unions were strong and the workplace was used to make their point.  Generally top management were not always eager to get involved in the conflict with the unions, shop stewards and the members (who were the employees), therefore an individual was normally recruited to handle this conflict.  This became Nico’s responsibility when he joined the United Bank (today ABSA), Cullinan Holdings (nine separate divisions, eleven unions) and Cobra Watertech.

After many years of playing mediator, arbitrator, the go between, the judge in cases and the hatchetman does get to one and the eagerness to fight court cases, sitting at the CCMA, handling appeal hearings, doing wage negotiations, dealing with strikes, resolving problems of staff with medical aid, supervisors etc does catch up with one, and the need to develop into a job with less conflict is needed. Therefore Nico was pleased when he was offered the position at Aspasa.   Sarma, having been placed “on ice” for some 2 years was also brought under his wing to run.

Nico, along with specialists in the industry have taken the health & safety audits that are now compulsory for all members to the stage where the member quarries are finding the service invaluable.  The Environmental Audit done every second year has also been taken to the level of international standards.

Sarma use to have separate audits done at Readymix plants for Health & Safety and Quality.  These audits have now been combined into one audit, again comparable to international standards.

Nico is passionate about his position and the contribution he makes to the industry.  He also mentions that the people he has to deal with are some of the best individuals he has come across in his working history.

Other than commitment to his daily work, he also believes strongly in education, which has resulted in him being nominated as the Chairperson of the Institute of Quarries, Educational Sub-committee as well as the Chairperson of CLAS (Cement, Lime, Aggregates and Sand). 

Nico also serves on the Board of the C & CI (Cement & Concrete Institute), the Board of the Institute of Quarrying, the Chamber of Mines Board (Exco). He also serves as an alternative on the Mine Health & Safety Council and the Road Transport Management system Committee as Vice Chairperson.

Nico sees the future of both Aspasa and Sarma as very positive as he feels that private sector and public sector focus must be on infrastructure development.  This will allow the population to have respectable houses, proper schools, hospitals & roads, but also deal with crime in having decent police stations, training facilities for teachers and other disciplines.  Maslaw theory again becomes relevant as it shows humans want a place to stay in, clothes to wear, food to eat and to be treated with dignity.

In his spare time, Nico is involved in 4 x 4 activities. 

Having studied law, industrial relations and human resources/training, Nico still believes to succeed one needs to be street wise, treat people fairly and with dignity.