Mr Abrie van der Walt, Chief Executive Officer of Denel Overberg Test Range, with Andrew Lawrence (left) and Jerome Lakey (right), they respectively received the Top Achiever of the Year Award.

On Tuesday, 15 April 2014, at a Management Awards function held at Denel Overberg Test Range, personnel of the Test Range were recognised for outstanding achievements during the past year. These annual awards, the highest awards bestowed by management, are made to individuals in the junior and senior categories as well as to teams for outstanding achievements during the year.

In the Senior Category, the award went to Jerome Lakey for his dedication and commitment in leading the Civil, Emergency and Medical Services Section. Mr Abrie van der Walt, Chief Executive Officer of Denel Overberg Test Range, mentioned in his speech that in managing the Civil, Emergency and Medical Services Section, Jeromes responsibilities include leading the civil team with their maintenance tasks, supporting the fireman with emergencies and medical services and contract managing various building contractors on a regular basis. Jerome showed exceptional leadership and truly lives according to the Denel values of performance, integrity, innovation, caring and accountability.

In the Junior Category Andrew Lawrence received the award for excellent performance during a transforming period in the Human Resources Department. "Andrew has performed exceptionally well and showed dedication, hard work and effectiveness during the year when the Human Resources Department was under immense pressure and was short staffed. He played a leading role in many aspects of the work to ensure effective and continued personnel service to the Test Range staff as well as external stakeholders," Mrs Bridget Salo, Executive Manager: Human Resources, said during her speech.

The team responsible for the Command Destruct system refurbishment and development received the Team of the Year Award in the Technical Category. The Command Destruct system forms an integral part of the Test Ranges in-flight safety capability. The project was undertaken to enhance the service to clients. The project team was commended for their determination, self-discipline and self-impetus to restore the system on time and within the budget.

The garden services team, consisting of Ernest Eksteen and George Murtz, received the Team of the Year Award in the Non-Technical Category for performing high quality garden services at both the Test Range and Die Herberg.

The Umkhonto Test was named as the Test of the Year. The Umkhonto is a missile developed by Denel Dynamics and all missile tests on the development programme were conducted at the Test Range. The test team performed above expectations to ensure that the clients requirements could be satisfied.

Die Herberg Team received a special award for their dedication and excellent service to clients. Jerome Julius received the Safety Representative award for 2013 for his dedicated approach to occupational health and safety.

After the awards ceremony the award winners and nominees socialised in a relaxed manner with all personnel.

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