Behind the Innovation: Production Plant Leadership Crafting Quality Excellence

Herman Van Der Merwe

Herman has a long career in sterile manufacturing across several companies. He holds a degree in Production and Operations Management. As Plant Manager, Herman is passionate about the core objective of manufacturing the highest quality critical life saving medicines for our patients.

At a glance
  • Plant Manager since 2021
  • Over 16 years management experience
  • Extensive Operational experience, leading teams to operational excellence

Ida Motlhasedi

Ida has vast experience in leadership, quality and operations in the pharmaceutical industry. Before joining Fresenius Kabi Manufacturing South Africa, Ida held senior quality and operations positions in other pharmaceutical organisations, such as Aspen pharmacare. She has obtained a bachelor’s degree in pharmacy and a MBA from the Nelson Mandela University.

At a glance
  • Quality director and Responsible pharmacist since Aug 2018
  • Over 15 years quality and operations experience in the pharmaceutical industry
  • Passionate with a great understanding of the role of leadership in sustainability of quality systems in the business

Shiraz Adam

Shiraz brings over 18 years of expertise in financial management across pharmaceutical, logistics and FMCG industries. Currently at Fresenius Kabi Manufacturing South Africa, he leads the financial strategy, oversees all finance functions, and safeguards the company’s long-term financial health for the unit. He has held senior positions within several multinational corporations, including UPS, Reckitt Benckiser and General Cable. Shiraz holds a bachelor’s degree in commerce from the University of Natal and is a certified Professional Accountant (SA).

At a glance
  • First joined Fresenius Kabi in 2016
  • Extensive experience in building and leading finance organisations within international companies
  • Proven expertise in driving business and finance transformations

Yusuf Madhi

Plant Manager 

Yusuf is a results-driven Engineering and Production Manager with over 12 years of experience in the pharmaceutical, automotive, and FMCG sectors. Possessing a Mechanical Engineering degree from the University of the Witwatersrand, he has a proven track record of optimising production processes and leading cross-functional teams to achieve operational excellence. His expertise encompasses managing complex projects, including the successful execution of the COVID Vaccine Project at Janssen Pharmaceuticals, establishment of a new sterile manufacturing facility at Aspen pharma with isolator and freeze drying technology. 

At a glance
  • Joined Fresenius Kabi Manufacturing South Africa in August 2022 as Technical Manager, currently Production Manager since November 2023
  • 12 years of industry experience, 8 years of sterile manufacturing experience
  • Extensive knowledge in sterile manufacturing processes and technologies with a passion for enabling our people to achieve manufacturing excellence

Ephraim Mlotshwa

As the HR and Organisation Development Manager, Ephraim serves as the HR Business Partner for Fresenius Kabi Manufacturing South Africa leadership team. In partnership with the HR Team, he creates, leads, and delivers a broad range of HR services with a focus on retention, talent management planning, culture, and development. Ephraim has worked for Sumitomo Rubber, Cipla, Tongaat Hulett and other companies before joining Fresenius Kabi.

At a glance
  • HR and Organisation Development Manager since October 2022
  • Over 15 years of management experience
  • Extensive experience in strategic thinking, communication, problem-solving, and employee relations

Sharmila Rajput

Sharmila is a seasoned supply chain professional with a strong foundation in finance, which has bolstered her strategic approach to managing supply chain operations. With a customer-focused mindset, she is dedicated to ensuring the timely delivery of critical products to patients. Her expertise includes managing the delicate balance between demand, supply, and the company's broader objectives. Sharmila's experience in sterile manufacturing is extensive, encompassing the startup of new sterile facilities and the successful launch of new products. Her prior roles include key positions at Intramed (now Fresenius Kabi Manufacturing South Africa) and Aspen Pharmacare, where she contributed to operational excellence and innovation.

At a glance
  • Supply Chain Manager at Fresenius Kabi Manufacturing South Africa (Since September 2018): Leading supply chain operations for a global pharmaceutical leader, ensuring efficient delivery of critical healthcare products
  • Over 25 Years of Experience in Supply Chain Management with a Finance Background: Combining deep financial expertise with supply chain leadership to drive strategic decision-making and cost-effective solutions
  • Extensive Expertise in Sterile Pharmaceutical Manufacturing: Specialising in managing the complexities of sterile manufacturing environments, including the coordination of production, demand planning, and product delivery within stringent regulatory frameworks

Jeremiah Thorne

As the Technical Manager of Fresenius Kabi Manufacturing South Africa, Jeremiah is responsible for the Plant Utility and Automation Services, Energy, Environmental, and Occupational Health & Safety (EEOHS) Management Systems, Capital Expenditure and Project Management as well as the overall Asset Care Management Systems for the site. Jeremiah holds a Bachelor of Technology (BTech) degree in Electrical Engineering (NMU) and a Postgraduate Diploma in Business Management (MANCOSA) qualification and more than a decades worth of experience in the pharmaceutical industry (Sterile Manufacturing).

At a glance
  • Technical Manager – Fresenius Kabi Manufacturing South Africa since November 2023
  • Over 22 years experience in Engineering and Project Management
  • Over 15 years experience in Pharmaceutical industry (Sterile Manufacturing)