Kgaugelo Thabang Makofane

Senior Audio Engineer & Technical Director

About

Highly accomplished Audio Engineer and Technical Director with over 15 years of progressive experience in the dynamic event, entertainment, and staging industry. Proven leader in conceptualizing, designing, and executing complex audio solutions for large-scale international and national productions. Adept at managing technical teams, optimizing operations, and cultivating strong supplier relationships to deliver unparalleled sound quality and drive project success in advanced markets.

Work Experience

Senior Audio Engineer/Director of Audio Department QLD

Microhire

May 2024 - Present

Spearheading the audio department for Microhire, a leading events company, by overseeing technical direction, team leadership, and operational excellence for high-profile productions across Queensland.

  • Direct end-to-end audio solutions for diverse large-scale events, encompassing conceptualization, system design, programming, and on-site execution to ensure unparalleled sound quality.
  • Lead and mentor a technical audio team, providing comprehensive training and support that enhances operational efficiency and technical proficiency across all projects.
  • Manage complex audio operations and logistics, optimizing resource allocation and workflow to ensure seamless production delivery and client satisfaction.

Head of Sound

MTKR Marketing and Communications

Apr 2009 - Present

Established and led the Sound division, developing key operational strategies and maintaining a long-term freelance partnership with MTKR Marketing and Communications.

  • Established and led the Sound division, developing key operational strategies and technical standards for all audio productions, ensuring consistent quality.
  • Cultivated and maintained an ongoing freelance relationship with MTKR for over 15 years, consistently delivering high-quality audio solutions for their marketing and communication needs.
  • Managed comprehensive sound design and technical execution for various campaigns and events, contributing significantly to successful client engagements and brand visibility.

Freelance Audio Engineer

Multiple Companies

Mar 2020 - Apr 2024

Provided advanced freelance audio engineering and technical consultancy for a diverse portfolio of clients, specializing in large-scale live events and complex production environments across South Africa and internationally.

  • Executed comprehensive audio engineering for major international events, including Formula 1 2024 Saudi Arabia and MDL Beast 2023, ensuring flawless sound production for global audiences.
  • Delivered high-impact audio solutions for national events such as Night of Legends, DSTV Delicious Festival, and Volkswagen National Awards, consistently exceeding client expectations.
  • Managed end-to-end audio production for diverse projects, from corporate launches (Audi e-tron) to musical festivals and theatre productions, demonstrating versatility and technical mastery.
  • Provided specialized training and technical support, leveraging deep knowledge of L-Acoustics, Digico, and Waves systems for optimal performance in complex live environments.

Director MD

Mstarr Productions

Sep 2019 - Aug 2022

Served as Director MD, overseeing all facets of company management, strategic growth, and operational execution for a dynamic production enterprise.

  • Spearheaded company directorship and strategic management, overseeing all operational facets to drive business growth and project profitability.
  • Cultivated and maintained strong relationships with major suppliers across sub-Saharan Africa, optimizing procurement and ensuring access to cutting-edge audio technology.
  • Managed comprehensive financial processes, including quoting and invoicing, to ensure fiscal health and efficient project budgeting and resource allocation.

Freelance Audio Engineer/Technician

Self Employed

Sep 2019 - Aug 2022

Operated as a self-employed Audio Engineer/Technician, providing specialized expertise in sound system design, setup, and operation for diverse clients across South Africa.

  • Delivered expert audio engineering and technical support for a wide range of productions, ensuring optimal sound performance and client satisfaction.
  • Managed independent project workflows, from technical specification to on-site execution, demonstrating strong self-management and problem-solving skills.
  • Utilized advanced audio consoles and systems (L-Acoustics, Digico, Waves) to provide high-fidelity sound solutions for various events and installations.

Head Of Audio Department

Pristine Moods Productions

Jul 2018 - Jan 2019

Led the Audio Department, responsible for comprehensive sound design, technical execution, and team management to deliver high-quality audio experiences for various productions.

  • Directed comprehensive audio operations, including conceptualization, plotting, and programming, for diverse productions, ensuring high-quality sound delivery and audience engagement.
  • Managed and mentored the audio technical team, providing targeted training and support to enhance departmental capabilities and project execution efficiency.
  • Oversaw operations and logistics for audio setups, optimizing equipment deployment and workflow to meet stringent project deadlines and technical specifications.

Warehouse Supervisor Sound Engineer

Sound Harmonics

Jan 2015 - Feb 2016

Supervised warehouse operations and provided expert sound engineering support, optimizing equipment management and delivering on-demand services for various shows.

  • Managed warehouse operations, overseeing inventory and equipment logistics to ensure efficient preparation and timely deployment for sound productions.
  • Delivered on-demand sound engineering services for various shows, ensuring technical excellence and client satisfaction in diverse live environments.
  • Implemented organizational improvements in warehouse management, streamlining processes to enhance equipment availability and reduce turnaround times by 15%.

Audio Supervisor

Exclusive Management

Nov 2007 - Feb 2009

Played a foundational role in establishing the Sound department at Exclusive Management Services, overseeing initial setup, operational development, and early project execution.

  • Pioneered the establishment of the Sound department, developing foundational infrastructure and operational protocols from inception.
  • Contributed to the strategic planning and execution of sound solutions for early projects, setting a high standard for technical delivery and client satisfaction.
  • Collaborated effectively with cross-functional teams to integrate sound services seamlessly into overall event management and production workflows.

Education

Electrical Engineering

Ekhrunrni East College

Jan 2006 - Dec 2007

General Studies

Hans Moore High School

Jan 2002 - Dec 2005

Certificates

Dante Level one (1) & (2) Certifications

Audinate Education

Jan 2025

Shure Advanced Wireless Certification

Jands Australia

Jan 2025

Kara II System

DWR Distribution

Apr 2023

Waves-SoundGrid 101: Introduction to SoundGrid

DWR Distribution

Oct 2022

Waves SoundGrid 301: Advanced Training

DWR Distribution

Oct 2022

Waves-SoundGrid 201: In-Depth Training

DWR Distribution

Oct 2022

Digico Beginner

DWR Distribution

Oct 2018

Digico Advanced Training

DWR Distribution

Jul 2018

L-Acoustics Sound Vision

L-Acoustics

Jun 2018

L-Acoustics K Systems

L-Acoustics

Jun 2017

L-Acoustics LA Networks

L-Acoustics

Jun 2017

Languages

English

Skills

Audio Engineering

  • Live Sound
  • Sound Design
  • Audio System Design
  • Audio Mixing
  • Sound Reinforcement
  • Technical Support

Event Production

  • Event Management
  • Staging
  • Conferences
  • Musical Festivals
  • Theatre Productions
  • Corporate Events

Technical Operations

  • Operations Management
  • Logistics Management
  • Warehouse Management
  • Equipment Management
  • System Integration
  • Troubleshooting

Leadership & Management

  • Team Leadership
  • Department Management
  • Project Management
  • Training & Development
  • Mentorship
  • Strategic Planning

Vendor Relations

  • Supplier Relationships
  • Procurement
  • Contract Negotiation

Financial Management

  • Quoting
  • Invoicing
  • Budgeting

Audio Consoles & Systems

  • L-Acoustics K Systems
  • L-Acoustics LA Networks
  • L-Acoustics Sound Vision
  • Kara II System
  • Digico Consoles
  • Waves SoundGrid (101, 201, 301)
  • Dante Audio Networking
  • Shure Wireless Systems

Soft Skills

  • Communication Skills
  • Multitasking
  • Problem-Solving
  • Team Collaboration
  • Adaptability
  • Self-Motivation

References

Landy Yeatman

CFO/Director at Mstarr Productions

Richard Smith

Sound Harmonics-DWR Distribution

Gareth Gambers

Current Supervisor at Microhire

Wynand Veldsman

Eventech