Welcome to Simera Holdings
“Engineering a smarter tomorrow, today.”
OVERVIEW
Company Overview
Founded in 2010 by Johann du Toit and his mentor, the late Dr. Terry Terblanche, Simera Holdings applies advanced engineering to create innovative hardware solutions under the motto “Engineering a smarter tomorrow, today.” Simera, meaning “today” in Greek, reflects a philosophy of maximizing each day’s potential to innovate and uplift.
Based in Somerset West, Simera has developed diverse solutions ranging from submarine speed measuring devices and medical implants to satellite structures and consumer electronics. In 2018, Simera shifted focus from consulting to building hardware production companies with unique, essential offerings. Now owned by three South African family trusts, Simera remains dedicated to advancing global technology solutions.
PORTFOLIO
Simera Holdings has these main divisions under their umbrella of quality products.
Simera Sense
Simera Sense is a Belgium company with subsidiaries in France, England and South Africa. The company is a leader in the development and manufacturing of optical payloads for satellite constellations.
Simera Trace
Simera Trace creates a digital trail for the identification and tracing of bulk materials like ore. This enables massive savings, better quality control, transparency, accountability and higher efficiencies.
Simera Robotics
Simera Robotics developed a smart drive management system for earth moving machines like bulldozers focused on agricultural applications. This prevents driver mistakes, enables autonomous driving, predictive maintenance, fuel savings and new business models for OEM manufacturers by reselling to existing clients with legacy machines.
LEADERSHIP
Simera Holdings managment team.
Group CEO
Johann du Toit
is Group CEO of the Simera Group, CEO of Simera Sense, and a director of Simera Trace and Simera Robotics. He has more than twenty years’ experience in mechanical engineering, and more specifically, structural design, analysis and testing exposure to diverse industries. Being a never-ending optimizer, he loves to plan, execute and adapt projects and processes to match the ever-changing dynamics of real-world engineering and business environments. One of his greatest work achievements was the realization that by aptly managing, guiding and empowering a great team, the outcome would be far more than your own limited contribution could have been. At the core, what he loves and enjoys the most, is to share his passion with colleagues, clients, fellow engineers and students with the hope that they too can experience the great pleasures of pursuing a career they truly enjoy.
Director
Josias van der Westhuizen
Josias van der Westhuizen is a seasoned professional with a strong background in engineering and business. After completing his engineering studies, he began his career as a senior lecturer in mechanical engineering at the University of Stellenbosch. In 1987, he transitioned to the private sector, joining Aerodyne Technology, where he eventually became a shareholder and Managing Director of AAT Composites. Under his leadership, the company successfully developed and supplied composite parts for commercial aircraft interiors, achieving annual sales of $20 million.
Following his retirement from active business in 2014, Josias joined the Simera Group as a non-executive director, leveraging his extensive experience in business and corporate development to contribute to the company's growth and strategic direction.
Director
Nicolas Lategan
Nicolas Lategan is a director in Simera Holdings, Simera Trace and Simera Robotics. Nicolas started his career doing market research and new invention feasibility studies. He always leaned towards the tech industry, and eventually developed a competence for innovation commercialization. He operated in the innovation space for several years both in South Africa and abroad. He joined the Simera family in 2017 and in 2022 he founded Simera Trace. The potential impact the technology can make, together with its scalability, motivated the team to gear the company towards the mining industry. Nicolas is married and has two teenage boys of whom he is extremely proud.
Director
Janine Wiggins
Janine Wiggins began her professional journey as a teacher before transitioning to administrative and support roles, where her dedication to helping others truly thrived. For many years, she served at Robertson House, a residence for individuals with spinal cord injuries, committing herself to improving the quality of life for its residents.
In 2011, Janine’s enthusiasm for technology and innovation brought her to the Simera Group, where she assumed an administrative role. Since the establishment of Simera Holdings, she has been a key member of the executive and strategic management team.
Janine views her role within the Group as a privilege and is passionate about contributing to its continued growth and remarkable potential.