He was elected unopposed at the annual general meeting held at the Birchwood Hotel, Benoni on Wednesday, who also highlighted that this years’ theme is “passionate commitment to live the legacy”.
SABTACO represents thousands of members in science and engineering disciplines.
Koopman, a graduate from the University of Cape Town with BSc Engineering, is the chief executive at Nako Iliso Consulting- an Engineering and Project Management company.
During his address Koopman said the purpose of the organization -began 27 years’ ago- is to mentor, train and empower black graduates in the country.
“In the past it was unheard of, to have black students studying the likes of engineering and architects but today, we’re proud to say the numbers have increased to such an extent they now exceed our white counterparts,” he told guests during gala dinner.
“Our role as SABTACO is to capacitate our students and also aid with bursaries, because we know some companies that are not registered with us, tend to turn down bursaries from the majority (blacks) but because of revolution, our black sisters and brothers are owning up and making strides in this white dominated sector.”
The former deputy president of SABTACO, Koopman is also a member of the Free State’s Township Board, Mangaung Metro Tribunal, and various committees for the Black Business Council.
The Free State Province born, says his wish is for emerging companies to fully comply and understand Government policies such as procurements, legislation and so forth.
“This will help them procure tenders from the State and other SOEs.”
The former president James Matingi Ngobeni took a swipe at the absence of Government officials, whom according to Ngobeni, did not honour the invite.
“This is highly unacceptable and we’re going to write a letter expressing our dissatisfaction by our State.
How do they expect us to discuss pertinent issues when they’re not honouring invitations?” he asked angrily.
“Next, they will be telling us we do not comply or adhere to their policies.”
