For Johnathan Kalula, opportunity knocked a little over 20 years ago. He answered in style.
Kalula joined VEGA for in-service training after earning his diploma from the Vaal University of Technology (VUT). Soon afterwards, he was seconded to customer Safripol in Sasolburg, where 18 months in the field shaped his approach to instrumentation.
A turning point came when then-managing director John Groom awarded Kalula a bursary to complete his BTech. Instead of moving into a technical role, however, Kalula joined VEGA Instruments' African export business as an external sales engineer. "That opportunity opened doors I never imagined," he says.
Over the next eight and a half years, he travelled to more than 20 African countries, working with customers in mining, water, food and beverage, and oil and gas. "Those experiences taught me as much about people and business as they did about instrumentation," he recalls. The previous Managing Director, Frikkie Streicher, appointed Kalula as Africa Sales Manager approximately 18 months ago, prior to Kalula being interviewed for the Managing Director position.
For Kalula, this journey reflects what has kept him at VEGA. "Opportunities aren't determined by age or title. If you're willing to take responsibility, learn and deliver results, the company backs you."
People first
Over the next 12 months, Kalula's first priority is the team. "Strong teams build great businesses. When challenges arise, you need to know the people around you have your back," he says, emphasising that he wants employees to feel empowered, supported and trusted to make decisions.
To Kalula, customers are equally important. Many have supported VEGA since its days in a Roodepoort residential house and have watched it grow into the Lanseria facility it is today. "I want our customers to know that our commitment to supporting them has never been stronger," he says.
Throughout Africa, Kalula sees further growth potential. VEGA's local presence and the group's global strength position it to support customers wherever they operate. In South Africa, he focuses on maintaining stability and value amid rising competition.
Data and execution
Kalula says VEGA's flagship 80 GHz radar has become an industry benchmark. He also highlights the company's pressure range, which uses ceramic measuring cells developed and manufactured in-house.
Kalula is particularly enthusiastic about the new VEGASWING X. "Customers once saw level switches as simple on-or-off devices, but today, more is required from instrumentation,” he says. VEGASWING X provides the improved diagnostics, safety, easier commissioning and instrument-health visibility they demand, while helping reduce unplanned downtime.
Autonomous, cloud-connected IoT sensors offer another opportunity. By operating without conventional power or communications infrastructure, they enable continuous monitoring in remote locations while lowering installation costs. "VEGA is no longer simply providing measurements," says Kalula. "We're helping customers turn data into action."
German engineering, African support
Kalula believes an instrument's support is as important as the product itself. "In Africa, business is built on customer relationships. A world-class product can only take you so far; the support behind it defines the value VEGA delivers," he says. VEGA has invested in sales engineers and technical experts across Africa, supported by its Lanseria team.
He plans to strengthen this support through training, faster response times, a greater presence in strategic markets and local talent development. "I'm a product of that philosophy. VEGA gave me early-career opportunities and trusted me with responsibility. I want future generations of engineers and leaders to have the same opportunities."
The EngineerIT Editorial and Sales teams congratulate Johnathan Kalula on the appointment. We look forward to seeing your vision for the business come to life, and wish you many years of success in your new role.
