Labotec Celebrated 65 Years of Excellence in Scientific Equipment Supply

Labotec proudly marked its 65th anniversary last year, a remarkable milestone made possible by the unwavering support of our valued clients. For over six and a half decades, Labotec has been at the forefront of supplying cutting-edge laboratory equipment and technology to diverse scientific and research institutions across Southern Africa. This journey has been one of growth, innovation, and resilience, shaped by the ever-evolving landscape of scientific discovery. As we celebrate this legacy, we remain committed to building an even brighter future.

Labotec Corporate Video

Grow, Nurture, Evolve | Science & Technology | Southern Africa

This video is a passionate expression of Labotec’s 60 years in Science & Technology as an equipment supplier of laboratory equipment and solutions. Southern Africa has seen an evolution of science activity in this time. Through symbiotic partnerships with scientists, researchers and others in industry, more than half a century has been eventful and challenging. Over the years, the shaping of Labotec’s story is simply a reflection of your scientific story.

Labotec is a Scientific Equipment Supply Company | ISO 14001 | ISO 9001 | ISO 13485 | ISO 45001

Labotec, a supplier of laboratory equipment to sub-Saharan Africa, was established in 1960 as one of the first laboratory supply companies in South Africa. Labotec has partnered with some of the world’s leading brands, bringing the best quality home to help empower laboratories and manufacturers to make more accurate diagnostic decisions, advance research methods and results and improve production performance in diverse fields such as food & beverage, microbiology, chemistry, physics, medical, industrial, and pharmaceutical. Labotec technical support offers after-sales service on all our products to ensure that clients receive true value from their investment to operate effectively, efficiently, and economically.

The product divisions at Labotec are the Medical and General Lab Divisions. The medical division includes product lines such as centrifuges, bioprocessing fermenters, ULT freezers, and fume hoods. The General Lab division is complimented with products such as ovens, incubators, furnaces, pH meters, NIR, rotary evaporators, water purification systems, fat extractors, protein determination, refrigerated circulators, and more.

Download the Product Catalogue South Africa

Download the Product Catalogue Nairobi Kenya

 

Mission Statement

Labotec’s mission is to supply turnkey solutions and innovative products and services to the scientific community. Our products, professional advice and technical support will empower laboratories and manufacturers to make more accurate diagnostic decisions, advance research methods and results, and improve production performance by:

  • Harnessing and delivering international expertise
  • Supplying a complete offering of high-quality products and services

Vision

Labotec’s vision is to be the best at understanding and satisfying the needs of laboratories and manufacturers in the African region, through evolving partnerships and mutual growth with our clients.

Executive Members

John HardingJohn Harding

Group CEO

John Harding joined Labotec in 1998 and has held various positions within the business management division including General Manager of Admin and Finance. Since 2014, he has held the position of Administration and Finance Director of Labotec. Academic qualifications include an N-Dip in Cost and Management accounting and FCIS qualification with the institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators.

Sylvia Boitumelo Maphathe

Sales Director

Sylvia Boitumelo Maphathe is an experienced commercial leader with over 25 years in life sciences, medical devices, diagnostics, healthcare technology, and the broader scientific industry across South Africa and Sub-Saharan Africa. She has built a solid track record leading high-performing teams, driving commercial strategy, and strengthening customer partnerships across both public and private sectors.

She has held senior roles such as Head of Sales, Business Development Manager, Laboratory Manager and Product Manager within leading scientific and diagnostic organisations. Her expertise includes strategic sales leadership, business development, product and portfolio management, distributor oversight, and market expansion, consistently delivering revenue growth and operational excellence.

Sylvia has worked extensively with sectors such as pathology labs, ministries of health, pharmaceuticals, biotech, academia, animal research, food and beverage, mining, cosmetics, and manufacturing, making her a versatile and well-respected industry professional.

She holds a qualification in Biomedical Technology, advanced executive management qualification, and specialised certifications in Marketing, Life Coaching, Sales Strategy, and several industry-related fields.

Her leadership philosophy is built on strategic clarity, accountability, continuous improvement, and creating long-term value for customers, partners, and organisations.