Tribute to Mervyn Traut: He Gave Freely because He Cared

Over the years, SAFEX has been privileged to count among its members individuals whose contributions have left a lasting impression on our Association and the wider explosives industry. These are people who had a passion for safety with an unwavering generosity to share knowledge. With a deep commitment to protecting lives and the environment, they have quietly shaped our collective progress. Their impact—immeasurable and often unseen—makes them the unsung heroes of SAFEX.
Mervyn Traut was one of those rare individuals.

It was with profound sadness that SAFEX learned of Mervyn’s passing on 14 September 2025, at the age of 84. To his beloved wife Gill, his three children, five grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren—whom he cherished deeply—we extend our heartfelt condolences. His legacy lives on not only in the lives he touched but in the safer world he helped build.

Mervyn’s journey in commercial explosives began in 1959 in the laboratory at AECI Somerset West. His background in physics and chemistry laid the foundation for a career defined by technical excellence and principled leadership. He developed a deep understanding of nitroglycerine (NG) and PETN processes, eventually managing and operating these with distinction. While he had hands-on experience with NG, his true expertise lay in PETN and the manufacture of detonating fuse (CORDTEX). Over four decades, Mervyn rose through the ranks to become General Manager of the Somerset West site, retiring in 2000 after a career marked by integrity, dedication and care.

His involvement with SAFEX as an Individual Associate began in 2005. At that time site remediation was becoming a critical challenge in our industry. Legacy sites used for manufacturing explosives—some over a century old—were being decommissioned and required safe rehabilitation. When AECI ceased explosives manufacture at Somerset West, Mervyn was entrusted with the task of remediating the site to acceptable standards for future sale and development. With little precedent to guide him, Mervyn embraced the challenge, developing protocols and procedures that would become benchmarks for others.
Recognising the broader relevance of this work, SAFEX established its first Workgroups at the 2005 Congress in Geneva. Mervyn pioneered this initiative by convening the Remediation and Decontamination Workgroup, a role he held until his passing. Under his steady leadership, the Workgroup produced a five-part Good Practice Guide—still regarded as the definitive resource on explosives site remediation.

Mervyn’s expertise in PETN naturally led to his involvement in the SAFEX PETN Workgroup, which recently published its own Good Practice Guide. His contributions were, as always, generous and insightful. In recognition of his deep knowledge and collaborative spirit, SAFEX appointed him to its Expert Panel, making his wisdom accessible to all members.

Beyond SAFEX, Mervyn was a respected figure in the National Institute of Explosives Technology (NIXT) in South Africa, where he presented numerous papers and served on the Advisory Forum. In 2001, NIXT honoured him with its prestigious Gold Medal and Honorary Membership for his lifelong contributions to explosives safety and manufacturing.

Mervyn’s commitment to service extended far beyond the professional sphere. As a devoted Christian, he taught Sunday School at the local Presbyterian Church for over 50 years. He was a passionate advocate for vulnerable children, serving as Chairman of the Board of PATCH—a local charity supporting abused children—from 2000 until his death. He was described as embracing the role “with vision, dedication, and deep compassion.”

He also left his mark on the sporting community. As a founder and first Chairman of the Somerset Hockey Club, he was awarded Honorary Life Membership and remembered as “the cornerstone of their history.” His involvement in judo earned him South African Judo Union (SAJU) colours for officiating at national tournaments.

At SAFEX, we believe in learning from incidents. But what if we applied that principle to a life well lived? In reflecting on Mervyn’s legacy, three qualities stand out:

1. Understanding Processes

Mervyn had a strong grasp of the science and the systems associated with manufacturing processes. But what set him apart was how he applied that knowledge. He learned by doing and valued the input of operators. When solving a problem, he was always ready to go back to basics. He believed a clear understanding led to better and safer decisions.

2. Connecting with People

Mervyn’s humility and respect for others stood out. Colleagues described him as “a gentleman,” “a patient person,” and “someone who made me feel valuable.” Many said, “he respected people at all levels.” He treated everyone with dignity, no matter their rank or role. His deep care for people was the driving force behind his commitment to health and safety.

3. Willingness to Share

Because of his respect for others, he shared what he knew—freely and often. In return, people shared openly with him which deepened his own understanding. His door was open, his advice thoughtful and he never hesitated to help when asked. He wanted others to be safer, do better and stay informed. That spirit drove his work with SAFEX Workgroups and his many presentations at conferences.

In every way, Mervyn embodied SAFEX’s core values of Care and Share. His life was a testament to the belief that caring for people fuels the passion to share knowledge and that sharing knowledge saves lives.
To honour Mervyn Traut is to live out those values with the same quiet humility, generosity, and grace that he showed us all.
Boet Coetzee