Passion, purpose and affinity

Managing corporate life while nurturing change in the horticultural industry
The managing director of Burmeister and Partners Consulting Engineers, Ronald Kubas, shares his passion for both engineering and horticulture.
Patricia Coetzee
  • 9 Months Ago - 2024-02-02 00:00:00
Ronald Kubas stepped into his role as MD of Burmeister and Partners Consulting Engineers in 2007 after joining the company in 1993, immediately after his graduation from the University of Cape Town. He believes that the most tangible change he has introduced to the company since his appointment as MD has been the cultivation of leadership, project ownership and individual-driven self-management within the company.
In addition to his position as MD, Kubas has been: chairman of the Rehoboth Community Trust since 2003; director of Ark Fishing Industries since 2004; trustee at the Allan Gray Orbis Foundation since 2018; trustee of the Caliber Capital Trust since 2023; trustee of the Finkenstein Portion Three Holdings Trust and held a previous position as director at Meatco Namibia from 2013 to 2020. He was also a shareholding partner at Burmeister & Partners Consulting Engineers in 1999 before stepping into his position as MD.

Roles and responsibilities
At Burmeister & Partners Consulting Engineers, his responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the development, implementation and maintenance of the overall business strategy and to oversee the overall financial management. He also manages the engineering expertise within the firm to optimise and improve the company’s consulting engineering service delivery to a group of diverse clients and stakeholders within Namibia and internationally. His role further entails ensuring that sound governance principles and practices are maintained.
In addition, he mentors and trains young engineering talent to ensure that they are equipped with the skills to meet the demands of the industry in terms of quality, in full compliance with engineering standards and industry good practices.
When asked how he keeps up with all his responsibilities, he explained that this is not just a job for him but much more. “I thoroughly enjoy what I do; it has become a lifestyle, not just a job,” he said.
He said that because of his passion for what he does, he has been able to achieve multiple accomplishments for the company. "To single out a few would be difficult, but I would say the development of the company’s headquarters in Windhoek and being 'owner engineers' on the multi-billion Namport container terminal project are some of our biggest accomplishments.”
To add to this success, Kubas says the next step for Burmeister & Partners Consulting Engineers is to expand the company’s footprint within Africa, with engineering projects already executed in countries such as Angola, the DRC Congo, Chad, South Africa, Mozambique, Rwanda and Botswana.

Words of wisdom
The MD puts emphasis on qualities such as hard work and diligence. “Work smart, be diligent throughout any task you engage in, and keep in mind that a rock-solid set of ethical values infused with integrity is fundamental to long-term success," he said.
Having practiced his own advice throughout the years, he added that it is important to always maintain a balanced lifestyle and have passion, purpose and affinity for your work.
Being a family man, businessman and farmer takes great discipline and a greater sense of understanding of the importance of balancing all aspects of your life, he said.

Nurturing communities
Besides being an agent for change in the engineering industry, Kubas has a passion for horticulture and helping his fellow farmers reach their full potential.
“I have green fingers – farming and being in Mother Nature are my hobbies."
He explained how he has sighted a number of successful underground water sources for farmers using pseudo-scientific, engineering and ‘traditional’ methods.
He was able to explore and share his love for horticulture and farming through the Rehoboth Community Trust and the many projects the trust executes every year, one of which is the annual Rehoboth Expedition.
His involvement in the Rehoboth Community Trust has not just exposed farmers to various opportunities for growth but has also helped various other industries, such as fashion, art and education, grow in the community by introducing initiatives such as bursary opportunities and workshops throughout the year.