Welcome back to Faces of Geobrugg! In today’s episode, Juan will share a bit about his background, role, and what makes his work both challenging and rewarding.

Hi, I am Juan-Louis de Beer. I am a technical manager for geohazard solutions in Geobrugg Southern Africa. I’m also commercially responsible for Namibia and Botswana, but on the technical side, I cover all of Africa. Depending on the project, I might travel to Tanzania, Kenya, or wherever technical support is needed. I’m a civil engineer by background and have worked in design, contracting, and rockfall protection since 2016.

How has it been working at Geobrugg? Has it matched your expectations?
Absolutely. I knew about Geobrugg before joining and thought it looked like a solid, well-organized company. After three years, I can say it’s exceeded my expectations. The team here is fantastic; everyone’s supportive, and our systems are high-quality, making my job easier. The best part is the people – everyone is willing to help, and that’s invaluable in a job like this.

What do you enjoy most about your job?
The best part is that it’s never monotonous. Every day is different – I might be designing a new solution, troubleshooting on-site, or navigating a completely new challenge. The problems we face can be unique to each project, whether it's finding ways to protect a mine from rockfalls or managing complex installation work. There’s no one-size-fits-all, so every project keeps me on my toes. Plus, it’s rewarding to see our work protect lives and infrastructure; it gives meaning to what I do every day.

Can you tell us about a project that stands out to you?
One of my most interesting projects is currently underway in Namibia, where we’re installing nearly 1 km of rockfall barriers. These are 5,000 KJ barriers, each 9 meters tall – among the largest we install. We’ve been involved from the initial design phase and are now overseeing the installation, which is both exciting and challenging.

Africa is a vast and diverse continent, rich in cultures, languages, and ways of doing business. How do you navigate these cultural and language differences when meeting new clients?
Every country brings its own unique set of cultural expectations. Some clients appreciate formal meetings, while others prefer a more casual approach. I do my research beforehand, but meeting face-to-face is key. Body language says a lot, especially when there are language barriers. We mostly communicate in English, though it’s not perfect English. My own English has an Afrikaans influence, but I must say these cultural exchanges are enriching.

Do you have any favorite South African traditions?
Definitely the “braai” – it’s our version of a BBQ, but it’s more than just cooking food; it’s a cultural event. We’ll light a fire every Sunday, invite friends and family, and cook meat over the flames. It’s a social tradition – good food, good company, maybe a rugby game on TV. It’s such a part of life here that I braai two to three times a week! The great weather makes it easy to do this year-round. Even if it’s winter or a bit rainy, we have a covered porch, so we never miss out.

Is there any fun fact about yourself?
I’m really into endurance running. I usually cover up to 100 km a week, sometimes more if motivated. Running clears my mind and gives me time to think things through. I also love spending time outdoors with my dogs, especially at Paarl Rock in the Western Cape, where I feel connected to nature.

Thank you, Juan, for such an insightful interview! We’ve learned so much about your role and the vibrant culture of your country.