Refinery Interchange - Piling

Refinery Interchange - Piling

Trusted Geotechnical Solutions for Southern Africa

PRECISION. EXPERIENCE. INTEGRITY.

Fairbrother Geotechnical Engineering is a leading South African geotechnical contractor delivering specialised ground engineering solutions to infrastructure, energy, commercial, and industrial projects. With over five decades of experience, we combine technical excellence, rigorous safety standards, and hands-on project management to deliver reliable results in challenging ground conditions.

From piling and lateral support to soil investigations and slope stabilisation, we tailor every solution to meet the exact needs of your site, timeline, and budget.

Built on Experience.

At Fairbrother Geotechnical Engineering, we pride ourselves on delivering technically sound, cost-effective ground engineering solutions. Founded in 1974, our team of engineers, technicians, and operators bring deep expertise and a practical understanding of Southern Africa’s diverse geology.

Our Values:

  • Precision – Engineering solutions designed with care and accuracy.

  • Accountability – Transparent, compliant, and safety-first in everything we do.

  • Partnership – We work closely with clients, engineers, and project teams for seamless integration.

Accreditations:

  • SANAS-accredited B-BBEE: Level 1

  • CIDB-accredited: 7SJ, 7SC, 7CE

  • BCCEI members (Bargaining Council for the Civil Engineering Industry)

A crane holding up a drilling platform for the installation of rock anchors for the catch fences

Chapman’s Peak - Anchors

Drilling rig on top of Cape Town Castle, Grouting and geotechnical investigation on a heritage site in Cape Town

Fairbrother Geotechnical Engineering has a rich legacy dating back to 1964, when James Fairbrother, a mechanical engineer by profession, began a part-time waterwell drilling business in Cape Town. Innovating from the start, he built a custom drilling rig based on a forklift to install waterwells for residential clients and farmers.

As the demand for specialist services grew, the business evolved. In 1974, J Fairbrother Drill (Pty) Ltd was formally registered, expanding into geotechnical investigations alongside its waterwell operations.

The company’s legacy deepened with the involvement of James's sons—Ian Fairbrother (B.Sc Civil Engineering), who joined in 1979, followed by Peter Fairbrother (B.Com, C.A. (S.A.), A.C.M.A) in 1986. Adrian Meerburg (NHD Civil Engineering) joined in 1990 and today leads operations as the Managing Director.

In 2010, Paul Fairbrother (B.Bus.Sci Finance) joined the team as the third generation of the Fairbrother family, continuing the legacy of innovation and dedication to quality.

From humble beginnings to a trusted leader in geotechnical engineering, Fairbrother remains proudly rooted in its heritage while continuing to grow with each new project.

Management Team

  • Adrian Meerburg

    Managing Director
    NHD (Civils)

  • Paul Fairbrother

    Financial Director
    B.Bus.Sci (Finance)

  • Peter Fairbrother

    Chairman
    B.Com. C.A. (SA) A.C.M.A

  • Cody Meyer

    Contracts Manager
    Btech Eng (Mech)

  • Luke Denton

    Contracts Manager
    ND (Civils) (Cum Laude)

  • Richard Suter

    Estimator
    BSc (Hons) QS, PrQS, MAQS