ABOUT US

As an employer in the Metal and Engineering industry in the Western Cape, you are invited to become a member of the Cape Engineers and Founders’ Association (CEFA).

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Who We Are

ABOUT CEFA

The Cape Engineers and Founders Association (CEFA) represents engineering and manufacturing employers in the Western Cape registered with the Metal and Engineering Industries Bargaining Council (MEIBC). Our members range from foundries to high-tech manufacturers, united by a shared commitment to industry excellence, fair practice, and sustainable growth.

CEFA advocates for its members in all industry negotiations with trade unions, covering wages, working conditions, and employee benefit funds. Through our affiliates and alliance partners, we provide additional resources, guidance, and support to help businesses navigate challenges and succeed in a competitive market.

Driven by integrity and collaboration, CEFA remains a trusted voice for employers across the Western Cape’s metal and engineering sectors.

Where We Came From

CEFA History

1950s – 1970s

Founding & Growth

CEFA formed to unite Western Cape engineers and manufacturers, representing employers in trade and education forums.

1980s – 1990s

Advocacy & Leadership

Championed fair procurement for local industry and influenced post-apartheid policy reform.

2000s – 2010s

Partnerships & Expansion

Partnered with SETAs and government to drive skills, compliance, and SME growth. Expanded to include emerging innovators.

2019 – 2023

Modernisation & Resilience

Launched digital member platforms, led policy roundtables, coordinated COVID-19 response, and fought unfair imports through unified industry advocacy.

2025 – 2030

Future Vision

Driving trade reform, sustainability, and collaboration to remain the Western Cape’s leading employer organisation.

The Numbers

CEFA Stats

128 companies represented
Just under 10,000 employees in the Western Cape
14 affiliations
10 companies serve on the CEFA Executive Committee ( Atlantis Foundries, AMC Cookware, CFW Group, Duferco, Edan Plastic, , John Thompson, Kwikot, Mobitrain ,NuvixIR, Seamquip
75% of our members are SMMEs
CEFA is also a signatory to the Plastic Industry Main Collective Agreement (PIMCA), which covers approximately 34,000 workers nationally in the plastics sub-sector of the Metals and Engineering Industries Bargaining Council (MEIBC).
The latest wage agreement CEFA signed includes a 7% wage increase from July 2025 to June 2026, followed by 6% increases in each of the next two years, reflecting above-inflation adjustments.
CEFA’s membership spans a diverse range of employers, from foundries to electronic manufacturers, all registered with the MEIBC and operating within the Western Cape.

Focused on our members:
CEFA’s dedicated affiliations

TESTIMONIAL

What Our Clients Say

CEFA consistently delivers exceptional support and advice. As a small business, we’ve found their expertise indispensable. Melanie’s dedication and commitment to helping members are truly appreciated.

Heather O’Connor

CAM Services – Finance and HR

We’ve benefited from CEFA’s reliable support for many years. Mel and her team are always available to assist with labour matters, giving us confidence that CEFA is always in our corner.

Emile Coetzee

Capewell

CEFA has been a valuable partner, providing clear guidance on complex issues. Their assistance in strengthening our sick leave policy and closing legal gaps has been outstanding.

Kevin Vos

Colcab – IR and Compliance Admin

CEFA’s guidance has greatly enhanced our decision-making and organisational practices. Their commitment to balanced employer-employee relationships makes them an essential and trusted partner.

Elethea Faro

Pepkor

CEFA has been instrumental in improving our reporting systems and navigating legislative changes. Melanie, Bernard, and the team are proactive, knowledgeable, and always ready to assist—an invaluable resource for our business.

Cathi Eastment

BAC (Baltimore Aircoil Company) – HR Manager

CEFA is a trusted source of information and guidance. Their regular updates on legislation and compliance keep us informed, compliant, and confident in managing our workforce responsibly.

Tertia Willett

Allweld Nuclear and Industrial – HR Manager

Joining CEFA was one of our best business decisions. The team’s professionalism, expertise, and genuine care set them apart. Their responsiveness and personal engagement reflect CEFA’s true commitment to member success.

Cindy Walker

ALC – HR Practitioner

LEADERSHIP

CEFA Executive Committee Members

The CEFA Executive Committee meets regularly to guide and manage the Association’s activities.
The focus areas include:
Membership and financial oversight, Labour and industrial relations, including MEIBC matters
Legislative updates and their impact on employment practices, Economic and commercial developments affecting industry, Wage negotiations with trade unions, Skills development and engagement with the MerSETA

Melanie Mulholland

CEO

Business Leadership and Development

With over 20 years’ experience in HR and skills development, Melanie leads CEFA’s strategic and operational direction. A seasoned industry voice, she represents CEFA on MEIBC and MerSETA committees. She holds degrees in Human and Social Sciences and Leadership Development from GIBS.

Ryan Cox

CHAIRPERSON

Managing Director, AMC Cookware, Metal

Ryan holds an MSc in Mechanical Engineering from UCT. At AMC Cookware, he advanced from product development to Manufacturing Director, overseeing high-quality stainless-steel production. He brings deep technical and operational expertise to CEFA’s leadership.

Francois Pretorius

Vice Chairperson

Operations Director, Edan Plastic

Francois combines marketing, communication, and manufacturing expertise. Since 2018, he has led operations at Edan Plastic, focusing on process optimisation in plastics and polymers. His cross-industry background strengthens CEFA’s modern approach to industry growth.

Bernard Ashlin

Vice Chairperson

Retired

With over 50 years in engineering, Bernard has served CEFA and the MEIBC at regional and national levels. Formerly Group MD of CME Holdings, he continues to advise on technical and policy matters, supporting CEFA’s industry advocacy.

Bertram Albrecht

HR Manager, Duferco Steel Processing

Bertram oversees HR, labour relations, and compliance at Duferco Steel. He serves as CEFA’s employer trustee on the MIBFA Board and holds BTech and Advanced Labour Law qualifications. A Chartered HR Professional, he brings 25+ years of experience to CEFA.

Joe Raad

HR Managing Director, CFW Industries Group

Joe leads HR for CFW Industries, a long-standing manufacturer of air-technology solutions. A CEFA and MEIBC committee member, he offers decades of experience in workforce leadership and industry representation.

Lisl Harmse

Managing Director, MobiTrain

Lisl has led MobiTrain since 2018, driving growth in outsourced HR, training, and recruitment solutions. With over two decades in the staffing industry, she brings insight into employment trends, compliance, and workforce development.

Nicolene de Villiers

HR Business Partner South Africa, Electrolux

Nicolene has over 14 years’ experience in HR, compliance, and training. As HRBP for Electrolux South Africa, she leads strategic HR initiatives and supports development across operations. She contributes broad regulatory and skills expertise to CEFA.

Nicolette Cronje

HR/IR Manager, John Thompson (a Division of ACTOM)

Nicolette, an admitted attorney with an LLB and Master’s in Labour Law, manages HR and industrial relations at John Thompson. She brings 13 years’ experience in labour relations, training, and industry representation to CEFA’s committee.

Vinesh Chetty

Managing Director, SeamQuip

Vinesh, a qualified artisan and former apprentice of the year, founded SeamQuip in 2004. His company specialises in precision tooling for the tin and beverage sectors. He brings technical depth and entrepreneurial vision to CEFA.

Zan-Mari Kok

Founder Nuvix IR Specialist

Zan-Mari, founder and lead IR Specialist at Nuvix, holds an Honours in Industrial Psychology and Labour Relations. With nine years’ experience in labour law, dispute resolution, and workplace negotiations, she is a qualified Commissioner known for her high success rate representing employers at the CCMA and MEIBC.

Become a Member

Join the Cape Engineers and Founders Association today and let your voice be heard in our industry.