The Name of Legendary Metallurgist Sertay Kenzhalin Immortalised in a Street Name in Aktobe
Sertay Kenzhalin began his professional career in 1943, becoming one of the first graduates of a factory vocational school and commencing work in the first smelting shop of the Aktobe Ferroalloy Plant. Over the course of his career, he advanced from a furnace assistant to one of the enterprise’s most respected specialists, making a significant contribution to the development and implementation of new technological processes, including the production of low-carbon ferrochrome.
“Throughout his years of service, Sertay Kenzhalin made an outstanding contribution to the development of our enterprise, to the formation of its production culture, and to the establishment of traditions that we continue to value and uphold today. For many, he was a mentor—a man of integrity and action whose opinion was respected and trusted. He left behind a large and close-knit family: children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. This is the clearest testament to the fact that he was not only a true professional, but also a man of great heart, whose values continue to live on in his loved ones,” said Yerzhan Abdulabekov, Director of the Aktobe Ferroalloy Plant, speaking at the ceremony.
Sertay Kenzhalin’s professionalism was recognised not only at the enterprise level, but also at the state level. He represented the region in the Supreme Soviet of the Kazakh SSR.
“For my father, there were no ‘other people’s’ problems—every appeal from citizens was a matter of personal responsibility,” said Serik Kenzhalin, son of Sertay Kenzhalin. “As a deputy, he met with people, reviewed letters, travelled to sites, and provided support to metallurgists, enterprises, social institutions, schools, and cultural organisations. When necessary, he even visited places of detention if he believed the matter required his direct involvement. He set aside his own affairs and ensured that every appeal was resolved. He was known and respected not only in the city, but throughout the entire region.”
For many years of conscientious and dedicated service, Sertay Kenzhalin was awarded the Order of the Red Banner of Labour, the medals For Labour Distinction and For Labour Valour, and was conferred the honorary title of Honoured Metallurgist of the USSR.
“For our family, he was first and foremost a caring father. He raised us with a deep respect for elders, a strong sense of responsibility, and a commitment to hard work. He consistently emphasised the importance of education and honesty in relations with others. Today’s event—the unveiling of the stele and mural, and the renaming of the street—is not merely an act of remembrance for us, but a powerful confirmation that his work and life principles were truly significant,” Serik Kenzhalin added.
Sertay Kenzhalin is survived by a large and close-knit family: six children, seven grandchildren, and seventeen great-grandchildren. Relatives of the renowned metallurgist and guests of the ceremony also visited the Aktobe Ferroalloy Plant, where earlier this year a mural depicting Sertay Kenzhalin was unveiled on the building of Smelting Shop No. 1—another symbol of profound respect for a man whose life and professional legacy have become an integral part of the enterprise’s history.
