Japie Venter (middle) who received his 40-year long-service award with Abrie van der Walt, CEO of the Test Range and Bridget Salo, Deputy CEO of the Test Range.

On 10 December 2014 various long-service awards were conferred at Denel Overberg Test Range. Japie Venter received his 40 year long-service award and Marthinus Simons and Errol Yssel both received their 30 year long-service awards.

The commemoration of Japie Venter’s 40 years of service to Denel is testimony of a “life time” career of commitment and dedication containing many highlights. After matriculating in Pretoria, Japie obtained his Engineering degree, an Honours Engineering degree and his Master’s degree in Engineering Electronics at the University of Pretoria. Before joining the Test Range, Japie worked at the Post Office. In 1983 he was transferred to Armscor and became involved in the initial design and establishment of the Test Range. Over the years Japie has held various positions and made valuable contributions making the Test Range the successful organisation it is today. His contributions varied from technical achievements like the design and establishment of the control room, to initiating investigations into the possibilities of involving the Test Range in the space business. Japie’s academic and technical background, his years of experience and dedication have made Japie a valued member of the Test Range team.

Martinus Simons was the first security officer to be appointed at the Test Range on 30 May 1983. He always displayed good work ethics and was promoted to shift leader, the positions he currently holds, since November 1996. On numerous occasions Marthinus acted as head of Physical Security. His positive attitude and ability to accept new challenges has made him a true asset.

During 1985, Errol Yssel was transferred to the Test Range as an Electronic Optic Technician. As part of the founding team he was involved and later played a prominent role in establishing the optical capabilities of the Test Range. In July 2006, Errol was appointed to his current position as System Manager: Optics. He is an influential member of the Optics section and his knowledge and experience in optics is invaluable.

These long-service awards re-affirm that the success and existence of the Range rest on the extensive knowledge, technical experience and expertise of its personnel in the aviation industry and more specifically the test range field.  

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