The founder of Niamez is Nathiwetfu Kenniamez Phakathi, is a qualified Research & Development Coating Chemical Engineer.
He holds a Bachelor of Technology in Chemical Engineering from the University of Johannesburg, completed in 2009, and a Diploma in Chemical Engineering from Mangosuthu University of Technology, obtained in 2006. Remarkably, he was among the few Engineering students at Univesity of Johannesburg (UJ) to complete the syllabus in one year while working full-time.
His thesis was a development of water-borne anti-corrosive primer, addressing a significant gap in the coating industry, which at the time relied on a popular but substandard solvent-based anti-corrosive primer that failed the 24-hour accelerated condition (salt spray test).
His project was a success, meeting all SABS and International standards, and surpassing 240 hours salt spray test. From 2012 to 2015, he was the solo developer of Niamez products.
Work experience before Niamez
He joined Plascon Paint in 2007. He enjoyed life in the coating industry. At Plascon Research and Development Center.
He joined Liquid Colours in 2012 as a Laboratory Manager.
Some of his duties there were to develop new colorants, managing quality assurance and managing quality control of daily production products.
He declined some of the following some jobs in the coating industry;
1 Development Technologist: From BASF, the world's largest chemical company.
2 Development Specialist: From Duco Paints (An automotive paint supplier of Toyota South Africa)
His first 4 successful Projects in the coating industry are as follows;
1. Development of Electrostatic Zinc Phosphate: An industrial product applied to metal surfaces under harsh conditions to prevent rust and for decorative purposes. It is widely used globally in the automotive industry for shock absorbers.
2 Development of Water-based Anti-Corrosive Primer: This primer retards corrosion and promotes inter-coat adhesion on metal surfaces. Developed for Transnet coaches and more..
3 Development of Chrome, Lead, and Methanol-free Road Marking Paint:
Previously, some road marking paints contained synthesizers like methanol, lead and chrome. He develped the product within 6 months and met all SABS requirements.
4 Development of Decorative Paint According to SANS 1586: 2021: showcasing his ability to develop high-quality decorative paint.
