The Board of Directors is accountable for Exxaro’s governance and performance, balancing the company’s interests as a responsible corporate citizen with the legitimate needs and expectations of stakeholders.
MVULENI GEOFFREY QHENA
CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD (CHAIRMAN OF THE NOMINATION COMMITTEE, MEMBER OF THE REMUNERATION COMMITTEE, AND MEMBER OF THE LOGISTICS COMMITTEE)
Following the announcement to the market, it is my pleasure to inform you that the board of directors (“Board”) has approved the appointment of Mr Mvuleni Geoffrey Qhena (“Geoffrey”) to the Board as an independent non-executive director and the chairperson designate, with effect from 19 April 2021.
Mvuleni Geoffrey Qhena began his career at KPMG, where he completed his articles before joining Eskom for a brief tenure in its treasury function. He then moved to the Industrial Development Corporation of South Africa Limited (IDC) before transitioning to Transnet SOC Limited (Transnet). Qhena later rejoined the IDC, where he rapidly advanced, ultimately becoming the organisation’s Chief Financial Officer. Shortly thereafter, he was promoted to Chief Executive Officer, a role he held until the end of 2018. During his tenure, he launched numerous sector-changing initiatives, funded black empowerment companies, transformed corporate leadership, and developed new sectors that reshaped the South African economy. In April 2021, Qhena was appointed as an Independent Non-Executive Director and Chairperson Designate at Exxaro Resources. His understanding of climate change and the economic impact of coal in South Africa and across Africa underscores his extensive business acumen. Qhena has gained significant board leadership experience, having served as a Non-Executive Director of Acerinox, a Spanish-listed stainless steel company, and as Chairman of Foskor, a wholly owned subsidiary of the IDC. He also chaired the interim board of SAA until the end of June 2021. Currently, he is a Non-Executive Independent Board Member of Investec Bank Limited. With the IDC having been a major shareholder of Exxaro for several years, Qhena brings a comprehensive understanding of the company and its sector.
DR NOMBASA TSENGWA
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER (MEMBER OF THE SOCIAL, ETHICS AND RESPONSIBILITY COMMITTEE)
PhD in Agronomy (University of Maryland, College Park, US), Executive Development Programme (INSEAD, France)
Dr Nombasa Tsengwa started her career in the mining industry in 2003, joining the then Kumba Resources as General Manager: Safety, Health and Environment. With the unbundling of Kumba and the formation of Exxaro Resources, she was appointed Executive General Manager: Safety and Sustainable Development. In 2010, she became Regional General Manager: Coal Tied Collieries, overseeing three underground and four opencast operations. In 2015, she served as Acting Executive Head: Coal Operations before formally assuming the role in May 2016, where she oversaw the operations and performance of the Coal Business and ventures managed by Exxaro Coal. In July 2020, Dr Tsengwa was appointed Managing Director: Minerals, a new division that expanded her Coal and Ferroalloys portfolio to include new low-carbon minerals. In March 2021, she was appointed CEO Designate, taking over as CEO on 1 August 2022, following Mxolisi Mgojo’s retirement. Dr Tsengwa is a member of the Exxaro Board and the Board of the Minerals Council South Africa. She previously served as a Non-Executive Director on the Board of Astral Foods for nine years (2008–2017), chairing the Remuneration Committee and serving on the Nominations Committee. In 2017, Dr Tsengwa received the Standard Bank Businesswoman of the Year Award. In 2018, she won the ‘Africa’s Most Influential Woman in Business and Government – Mining Industry Category’ at the Pan African Awards.
RIAAN KOPPESCHAAR
FINANCE DIRECTOR (MEMBER OF THE SOCIAL, ETHICS AND RESPONSIBILITY COMMITTEE)
BCom (Hons), CA (SA), Advanced Management Programme (INSEAD), Advanced Certificate in Taxation, Advanced Certificate in Treasury Management
Riaan Koppeschaar completed his articles at Coopers & Lybrand in 1995, beginning a successful career in treasury and corporate finance. He held various managerial roles at Iscor Limited, Kumba Resources Limited, and Exxaro Resources Limited, serving as General Manager: Corporate Finance and Treasury for ten years. During this time, he managed financial strategies and key operations. In July 2016, Koppeschaar was appointed Finance Director, significantly impacting the organisation’s financial performance and strategic direction.
GERALDINE FRASER-MOLEKETI
LEAD INDEPENDENT NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR (CHAIR OF THE SOCIAL, ETHICS AND RESPONSIBILITY COMMITTEE, MEMBER OF THE REMUNERATION COMMITTEE, AND MEMBER OF THE NOMINATION COMMITTEE)
Leadership Programme (Wharton Business School), Fellow of the Institute of Politics (Harvard)
As Lead Independent Non-Executive Director, Geraldine Fraser-Moloketi plays a crucial role in Exxaro’s Social, Ethics and Responsibility Committee, as well as the Remuneration and Nomination Committees. With a distinguished career in public administration and governance, she has earned several accolades, including the OP Dwivedi Public Service Award from the International Association of Schools and Institutes of Public Administration and a special achievement award from the University of Pretoria’s School of Public Management and Administration. Fraser-Moloketi is the Chancellor of Nelson Mandela University and a Non-Executive Director on the boards of Standard Bank Group and Standard Bank South Africa. Her leadership and commitment to social responsibility have greatly influenced the organisations she serves.
VINCENT ZWELIBANZI MNTAMBO
NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR (CHAIR OF THE LOGISTICS COMMITTEE, MEMBER OF THE REMUNERATION COMMITTEE, AND MEMBER OF THE NOMINATION COMMITTEE)
BJuris, LLB (North-West University), LLM (Yale)
Vincent Zwelibanzi Mntambo is Executive Chairman of Xalam Performance and has served in prominent roles such as a senior lecturer at the University of Natal, shaping future leaders. He was also Executive Director of the Institute of Mine Surveyors of Southern Africa (IMSSA), Director-General of Gauteng province, and Chairman of the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation, and Arbitration. He is Chairman of Main Street 333 and a Director of SA Tourism Proprietary Limited. Mntambo is a trustee of the Palaeontological Scientific Trust, promoting scientific research and conservation. His commitment to collaboration and development has had a significant impact across multiple sectors.
MANDLESILO MSIMANG
NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR (MEMBER OF THE INVESTMENT COMMITTEE AND MEMBER OF THE RISK AND BUSINESS RESILIENCE COMMITTEE)
MSc (Regulation), London School of Economics; BA (Cornell University)
Mandlesilo Msimang is Chief Executive Officer of Nozala Investments, a woman-owned private equity firm with a diversified portfolio spanning the minerals and energy sector, as well as industrial and consumer services. Nozala's assets include blue-chip South African companies such as Sasol Oil and Woodlands Dairy. Before joining Nozala, Msimang founded and managed a pan-African ICT policy and regulatory advisory firm, serving clients including mobile operators, regulators, and governments across Africa and the Middle East. She gained telecoms experience through senior roles at a sector regulator and a mobile operator. Msimang is a seasoned executive and entrepreneur with expertise in ICT regulations and policy. Her governance and ICT sector experience, both nationally and internationally, make her well-equipped to support Exxaro's energy growth strategy.
CHANDA JOANNE NXUMALO
INDEPENDENT NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR (MEMBER OF THE AUDIT COMMITTEE, MEMBER OF THE RISK AND BUSINESS RESILIENCE COMMITTEE, AND MEMBER OF THE INVESTMENT COMMITTEE)
MEng (University of Oxford)
Chanda Nxumalo has 15 years of experience in the renewable energy and power sector. She has worked across North America and Europe, delivering technical, commercial, and environmental advisory services in the renewables industry. As a Director of Harmattan Renewables, Nxumalo has provided technical consultancy and asset management services for renewable energy projects across Sub-Saharan Africa. Over the past decade, she has played a crucial role in advancing renewable energy rollout in South Africa, acting as spokesperson for the South African Photovoltaic (PV) Association and consulting on some of the first renewable projects delivered as part of South Africa’s Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Procurement Programme. With her extensive skills and experience in the energy sector, both nationally and internationally, Nxumalo is well-equipped to support Exxaro’s energy growth strategy.
PETRUS SNYDERS
INDEPENDENT NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR (CHAIRMAN OF THE RISK AND BUSINESS RESILIENCE COMMITTEE, MEMBER OF THE SOCIAL, ETHICS AND RESPONSIBILITY COMMITTEE, MEMBER OF THE INVESTMENT COMMITTEE, AND MEMBER OF THE LOGISTICS COMMITTEE)
BEng (Mining), Diploma in Marketing Management, MCom in Business Management, Mine Manager’s Certificate of Competency (Coal and Metalliferous)
Petrus Snyders works at Submex Investment, a company focused on niche coal projects. With 14 years of directorial experience, he has held roles such as Chief Operating Officer at Sable Mining Africa and Continental Coal, Director of Operations at Keaton Energy, Managing Director at Riversdale Holdings, and Business Manager at Anglo Platinum. Snyders is a member of the South African Institute of Mining and Metallurgy, where he previously chaired the northern region. He also served as Vice President of the South African Colliery Managers' Association.
ISAAC MALEVU
NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR (MEMBER OF THE INVESTMENT COMMITTEE AND MEMBER OF THE LOGISTICS COMMITTEE)
CA(SA) Bachelor of Commerce: (University of Witwatersrand) Post Graduate Diploma in Accounting: (University of Natal) Member of South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA)
Isaac Malevu is a member of the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA) and serves as Chief Financial Officer of the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC). Before joining the IDC, he was an audit partner at EY, leading various audit engagements, and later held the position of Finance Executive at Standard Bank Corporate Investment Banking. With a strong background in finance and accounting, Malevu brings valuable expertise to his role.
BENNETOR MAGARA
INDEPENDENT NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR (MEMBER OF THE RISK AND BUSINESS RESILIENCE COMMITTEE AND MEMBER OF THE INVESTMENT COMMITTEE)
BSc Honours (Mining Engineering), Advanced Management Programme (GIBS), Accelerated Management Development Programme (London Business School)
Bennetor Magara is a mining veteran with over 30 years of experience, possessing strong technical expertise in coal and platinum mining. His background includes business leadership and operational management in both underground and surface mining, including soft and hard rock mining. He has held significant roles such as Executive Head of Engineering and Projects at Anglo American Platinum and Chief Executive Officer of Anglo Coal South Africa. His most recent role was Chief Executive of Lonmin Public Limited Company. He has served on the boards of Anglo American South Africa, Foskor, and Rustenburg Platinum Mines, and as Chairman of Richards Bay Coal Terminal. Magara is the founder and Chairman of Africa Mining & Metals Group and serves as a Non-Executive Director on the boards of Weir Group Public Limited Company and Grindrod Limited.
BILLY MAWASHA
INDEPENDENT NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR (MEMBER OF THE AUDIT COMMITTEE AND MEMBER OF THE INVESTMENT COMMITTEE)
BSc Engineering (Electrical), Government Certificate of Competency for Engineers, Factories (Electrical), Government Certificate of Competency for Engineers, Mines and Works (Electrical)
Billy Mawasha is a certified director with the Institute of Directors of Southern Africa and the South African Institute of Electrical Engineers. He brings operational and technical leadership experience in the mining sector, having served as Head of Operations and Integration at Kumba Iron Ore and as Country Head of Rio Tinto in South Africa. Mawasha is also the founder of an investment company, providing strategic and technical leadership to his investee companies. His previous board memberships include Foskor Limited Technical Committee and Sishen Iron Ore Company Limited. Mawasha currently serves as Non-Executive Director of Murray & Roberts Holdings Limited and Metair Investments Limited. He has completed the Global Leadership and Public Policy for the 21st Century programme (Harvard Kennedy School), the Advanced Management Programme (Kellogg School of Management), the Accelerated Development Programme (London Business School), and the Programme for Management Development (GIBS).
KARIN IRETON
INDEPENDENT NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR (MEMBER OF THE SOCIAL, ETHICS AND RESPONSIBILITY COMMITTEE AND MEMBER OF THE RISK AND BUSINESS RESILIENCE COMMITTEE)
MA in International Political Economy (University of Leeds), International Programme for the Management of Sustainability (Netherlands), Environmental Impact Assessment and Management (University of Aberdeen)
Karin Ireton has over 30 years of experience in sustainability across the coal, power generation, mining, and banking sectors. An international specialist in sustainability, she currently works as an independent consultant, focusing on strategies for growth, risk identification and management, transparency, and disclosure. Her work includes assessing the impact of climate change on business and advising on emission reduction and strategic adaptation. Previously, Ireton was Group Head of Sustainability for Standard Bank Group and Head of Sustainable Development for Anglo American Public Limited Company. She has served on the boards of Aureus Mining Incorporated and the National Business Initiative, representing Standard Bank. Her leadership roles include Chairman of the Sustainable Development Forum, member of the JSE Limited SRI Advisory Committee, Chairman of the UNEP Finance Initiative, and member of the Climate Change Action Group Global Steering Committee.
PHUMLA MNGANGA
INDEPENDENT NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR (CHAIR OF THE REMUNERATION COMMITTEE, MEMBER OF THE NOMINATION COMMITTEE, MEMBER OF THE SOCIAL, ETHICS AND RESPONSIBILITY COMMITTEE, AND MEMBER OF THE LOGISTICS COMMITTEE)
PhD in Entrepreneurship/Entrepreneurial Studies (Wits Business School), MBL in Business and Management (UNISA), BEd (University of KwaZulu-Natal), BA (University of KwaZulu-Natal)
Dr Phumla Mnganga is the founder and Managing Director of Lehumo Women’s Investment Holdings, a woman-owned and managed investment company. Previously, she was Group Head of Human Resources for Tongaat Hulett Group, overseeing investor relations, and a senior consultant in change management at Deloitte. Dr Mnganga has chaired the boards of the University of KwaZulu-Natal, Gold Circle Proprietary Limited, and the Siyazisa Trust. She serves as Independent Non-Executive Director on the boards of Altron Group, Adcorp, Spar Group, and Novus Holdings.
NONDUMISO MEDUPE
INDEPENDENT NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR (CHAIR OF THE AUDIT COMMITTEE AND MEMBER OF THE RISK AND BUSINESS RESILIENCE COMMITTEE)
PGDip in Accounting (University of KwaZulu-Natal), BAcc (University of Durban Westville)
Nondumiso Medupe is a Chartered Accountant and holds a certification in Sustainability Leadership and Corporate Governance from London Business School. Medupe serves as an independent board member, Chair of the Risk Committee, and Member of the Audit Committee for City Lodge Hotels Limited. She is also a board member of Alexander Forbes Group Holdings Limited, where she sits on the Audit and Risk Committee and the Social, Ethics and Transformation Committee. Additionally, she is a member of the Audit and Risk Committee and the Social and Ethics Committee for Daimler Chrysler (Trucks). Medupe has chaired the Audit and Risk Committees of listed companies Alviva Holdings Limited and Etion Limited, and served as Chief Operations Officer, Internal Audit, at Nedbank Group Limited.
NOSIPHO MOLOPE
INDEPENDENT NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR (MEMBER OF THE AUDIT COMMITTEE AND MEMBER OF THE SOCIAL, ETHICS AND RESPONSIBILITY COMMITTEE)
BSc (Medical Sciences) (University of Witwatersrand), BCompt Honours (UNISA), CA(SA) (SAICA)
Nosipho Molope was appointed as Independent Non-Executive Director of the Exxaro Board, serving on the Audit Committee and the Social, Ethics and Responsibility Committee from 3 January 2024. Molope is an experienced board member with leadership roles in both listed and unlisted companies in the financial, energy, telecoms, and mining sectors. She has served on various boards and committees, including Audit and Risk, Remuneration, Social and Ethics, Finance, and Investment Committees.
MICHELLE NANA
GROUP COMPANY SECRETARY
LLB, Certified Director of the Institute of Directors South Africa, Fellow of the South African Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators
Michelle Nana is a statutory and governance specialist with nearly a decade of experience in a JSE-listed environment. She started her career at AO Tayob Law Firm before becoming Company Secretary at Murray & Roberts. She then moved to Cell C as Group Company Secretary. In 2012, she joined Aveng Group as Group Company Secretary and Director of the Aveng Africa Board. Most recently, Nana was Group Company Secretary at Omnia Holdings, providing legal and administrative support to the board. At Omnia, she also served as Director of Omnia Group Investments Limited.
The Executive Committee drives the strategy, sets performance and culture expectations, and the governance framework for Exxaro, including its subsidiary companies, trusts, and joint ventures.
DR NOMBASA TSENGWA
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER (MEMBER OF THE SOCIAL, ETHICS AND RESPONSIBILITY COMMITTEE)
PhD in Agronomy (University of Maryland, College Park, US), Executive Development Programme (INSEAD, France)
Dr Nombasa Tsengwa started her career in the mining industry in 2003, joining the then Kumba Resources as General Manager: Safety, Health and Environment. With the unbundling of Kumba and the formation of Exxaro Resources, she was appointed Executive General Manager: Safety and Sustainable Development. In 2010, she became Regional General Manager: Coal Tied Collieries, overseeing three underground and four opencast operations. In 2015, she served as Acting Executive Head: Coal Operations before formally assuming the role in May 2016, where she oversaw the operations and performance of the Coal Business and ventures managed by Exxaro Coal. In July 2020, Dr Tsengwa was appointed Managing Director: Minerals, a new division that expanded her Coal and Ferroalloys portfolio to include new low-carbon minerals. In March 2021, she was appointed CEO Designate, taking over as CEO on 1 August 2022, following Mxolisi Mgojo’s retirement. Dr Tsengwa is a member of the Exxaro Board and the Board of the Minerals Council South Africa. She previously served as a Non-Executive Director on the Board of Astral Foods for nine years (2008–2017), chairing the Remuneration Committee and serving on the Nominations Committee. In 2017, Dr Tsengwa received the Standard Bank Businesswoman of the Year Award. In 2018, she won the ‘Africa’s Most Influential Woman in Business and Government – Mining Industry Category’ at the Pan African Awards.
RIAAN KOPPESCHAAR
FINANCE DIRECTOR (MEMBER OF THE SOCIAL, ETHICS AND RESPONSIBILITY COMMITTEE)
BCom (Hons), CA (SA), Advanced Management Programme (INSEAD), Advanced Certificate in Taxation, Advanced Certificate in Treasury Management
Riaan Koppeschaar completed his articles at Coopers & Lybrand in 1995, beginning a successful career in treasury and corporate finance. He held various managerial roles at Iscor Limited, Kumba Resources Limited, and Exxaro Resources Limited, serving as General Manager: Corporate Finance and Treasury for ten years. During this time, he managed financial strategies and key operations. In July 2016, Koppeschaar was appointed Finance Director, significantly impacting the organisation’s financial performance and strategic direction.
KGABI MASIA
CHIEF COAL OPERATIONS OFFICER
Bachelor’s degree in Extractive Metallurgy (University of Johannesburg) and several Advanced Management Programmes (INSEAD, France)
Kgabi Masia has dedicated his career primarily to the energy coal business at BHP Billiton and South32, both within South Africa and across the continent, gaining additional exposure to other minerals such as aluminium and manganese. He began his early career at BHP Energy Coal in several highly technical roles, including Metallurgist, Project Engineer, and Business Improvement Lead, with a focus on transformational projects. In 2004, Masia was appointed Process and Metallurgical Manager, later progressing to General Manager of Processing and subsequently to Head of Integrated Operations at BHP Energy Coal. Following the spin-off of South32 in 2015, Masia became Vice President of Operations and later transitioned to Vice President of Commercial for Coal, Manganese, and Aluminium in the South32 Africa Region, where he was responsible for energy, logistics strategy, and supply chain management. From 2018 to 2021, Masia served as President of South Africa Energy Coal, overseeing operations and P&L, leading 4,100 full-time employees and over 4,000 contractors, while driving the overall strategy that led to its successful acquisition by Seriti Resources. Masia has served on numerous boards, including Richards Bay Coal Terminal, and has held positions as Chair of the Glencore Joint Venture with South32 Coal and Chair of their London Marketing Company. Additionally, he previously served with the Minerals Council of South Africa as Chair of its Coal Leadership Forum, where he led several initiatives contributing to the establishment of its learning hub.
LEON GROENEWALD
MANAGING DIRECTOR: ENERGY
CA (SA), Associate member of CIMA
Leon Groenewald joined Exxaro (formerly Iscor) in 1997. During his tenure, he has held the following roles: Manager of Finance and Administration from 1997 to 1999, Head of Finance and Coal from 1999 to 2011, Performance Manager of Growth from 2012 to 2014, Group Manager of Strategic Investments from 2015 to 2016, and General Manager of Corporate Finance from 2016 to 2019. Since 2019, he has been seconded to Exxaro’s new renewable energy business. His skills encompass leadership across diverse teams, strategic planning and execution, as well as finance and deal-making. Groenewald is passionate about crafting plans that translate into tangible deliverables through collaboration with multifaceted teams and talent, resulting in effective business solutions.
MONGEZI VETI
CHIEF SUSTAINABLE IMPACT OFFICER
National Higher Diplomas in Metalliferous Mining and Coal Mining (Technicon Witwatersrand), Mining Engineering Diploma (University of Johannesburg), MBL (UNISA), Advanced Management Programme (Wharton Business School), Mine Overseer’s Certificate, and Mine Manager’s Certificate of Competency for Fiery Mines
Mongezi Veti worked for Anglo Gold Western Deep Levels before joining Sasol Mining in 1994. In 2002, he became Mine Manager at Arnot and was subsequently appointed General Manager of Area 2 at Exxaro following the merger. In 2010, Veti was appointed General Manager of Safety, Health, Environment, and Community. In 2012, he was elected President of the South African Colliery Managers' Association (SACMA). In 2015, he became Executive Head of Sustainability, a role he continues to hold.
JOHAN GERHARD MEYER
CHIEF TECHNOLOGY OFFICER
BEng (Metallurgy), MBA, Advanced Management Programme (INSEAD).
With over three decades of experience in the mining and technology sectors, Johan Gerhard Meyer began his career at Iscor, where he developed a strong foundation in metallurgy and operations. He progressed through various leadership roles, including Operations Manager at Ticor South Africa and Manager of Research and Development at Kumba Resources, leading greenfield projects and driving technological advancements. Since joining Exxaro in 2007, Meyer has played a pivotal role in shaping the company’s technology and innovation strategies, focusing on digitization, technical excellence, and supply chain optimization. As CTO, he is responsible for mineral asset management, investment reviews, and overseeing large-scale projects aligned with Exxaro’s long-term strategic goals, all while fostering a culture of collaboration and innovation. Johan Gerhard Meyer is responsible for managing coal growth projects aimed at creating future value beyond 2025 and optimising Exxaro’s ‘Resources to Market’ journey. In addition to these responsibilities, the most important facet of Meyer’s work is being an authentic leader, fostering hope for Exxaro employees and the citizens of South Africa.
RICHARD LILLEIKE
CHIEF GROWTH OFFICER
BSc (Electromechanical Engineering) (University of Cape Town), MBA (Wits Business School)
Richard Lilleike began his career as an engineer with Eskom before transitioning to management consulting with the Marsh McLennan Group, where he primarily advised the mining industry on a global scale. In 2008, Lilleike joined the metals and mining corporate advisory and mergers and acquisitions (M&A) team at Standard Chartered Bank in Johannesburg. He spent 15 years at SCB, leading the M&A team for Southern and Eastern Africa, focusing on cross-border transactions in metals and mining, oil and gas, renewable energy, and general industrial sectors across the African continent. Through this role, he gained substantial buy-side, sell-side, and capital-raising transactional experience, building a vast network of corporate relationships that he now leverages as Chief Growth Officer for Exxaro. In this position, Lilleike is responsible for executing Exxaro’s growth strategy, focusing on value-accretive acquisitions sanctioned by the board and overseeing sustainable divestitures as needed.
JOSEPH ROCK
CHIEF PEOPLE & PERFORMANCE OFFICER
MSc Econ (University of Essex), Senior Management Development Programme (GIBS), Advanced Management Programme (INSEAD)
Joseph Rock is a seasoned executive who brings a wealth of experience and expertise to his role as Chief People and Performance Officer, a position he assumed on 16 October 2023. With a successful track record in operations and human resources, Rock is recognised for his contributions to business performance improvement, transformative change management projects, and innovative strategies. Throughout his career, he has demonstrated a deep understanding of various sectors, having worked across both public and private domains. His extensive experience covers key areas such as finance, human resources, information management, procurement, and communications. Rock's professional journey includes his tenure as General Manager of Exxaro Resources Services, where he led the shared services division from 2011 to 2017. During this period, he played a pivotal role in driving operational efficiency and fostering a culture of excellence within the organisation. In his most recent role as Group Head of People Experience and Chief Operating Officer, HR at Absa Group Limited, Rock exhibited outstanding leadership, holding overall accountability for the Absa Group Pan-African People Function's professional shared services unit. He demonstrated his ability to manage and optimise HR operations on a large scale. Rock is now poised to leverage his extensive background to drive the company's human capital strategies, ensuring the organisation remains at the forefront of innovation and excellence in the dynamic business landscape.
TSHEKO RATSHEKO
ACTING CHIEF STRATEGIC RESILIENCE AND GOVERNANCE OFFICER
Three Master of Laws (LLM) degrees, including Master of Laws (LLM) in Extractive Industries Law in Africa (University of Pretoria, 2019), Certificate in Advance Corporate Law and Securities Law (2009).
Tsheko Ratsheko is a lawyer by profession. He was a member of the Johannesburg Bar between 2009 and 2012. Before joining Exxaro, he held senior positions in the public sector, including being a law lecturer at the Justice College (Department of Justice), and Deputy Registrar of Intellectual Property (DTI). He left public service in 2006 in the position of the Chief Director and Head of the Environment Inspectorate (“the Green Scorpions”) at the Gauteng Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Environment (GDACE) to join Kumba Resources Limited (later Exxaro Resources Limited).
Office of the CEO
RIVONINGO MNISI
CHIEF STRATEGY OFFICER
Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering (University of Johannesburg), BSc (Hons) in Applied Science (University of Pretoria), Master’s in Business Administration (GIBS)
Rivoningo Mnisi assumed the role of Chief Strategy Officer on 1 August 2023, bringing over two decades of invaluable experience, with a significant focus on the mining industry. During his 15-year tenure in the sector, Mnisi has played a crucial role in shaping strategic initiatives and driving operational excellence. His journey at Exxaro began as Manager of Business Optimisation, where he led the formulation and implementation of the coal business strategy. In this role, Mnisi also drove efforts in digitalisation, innovation, and operational excellence, making significant contributions to Exxaro's industry success. Before joining Exxaro, he served as Manager of Management Operating Systems at Anglo American, where he optimised management processes within a large-scale mining corporation. In 2020, Mnisi became Manager of Mining at Leeuwpan Mine, taking responsibility for overseeing mining operations. His leadership and strategic acumen were pivotal in enhancing efficiency and productivity in the mining sector. As Chief Strategy Officer, Mnisi is set to leverage his extensive experience and diverse skill set to drive innovative strategies and support the continued growth and success of the organisation in a rapidly evolving business landscape.
SONWABISE MZINYATHI
ACTING CHIEF INVESTOR RELATIONS AND LIAISON OFFICER
BA in International Relations and Political Science (University of the Witwatersrand), Postgraduate in International Affairs and Diplomacy (UNISA), Financial Accounting and Marketing (Wharton Business School), Executive Leadership for Women (United Nations Institute for Research and Training), French (Alliance Française)
Sonwabise Mzinyathi’s 18-year career has shaped her leadership in STEM industries, including financial services, technology, and biotech. She began her career as a diplomat, covering Africa, the Middle East, and Asia, and spent several years in New Delhi, India. She later transitioned to the private sector, holding senior management roles in external and corporate affairs at organisations such as Magna Carta, Cisco, Global Citizen, the London Stock Exchange Group (Refinitiv and Thomson Reuters), and AbbVie. Her dedication to promoting inclusion in STEM fields and her deep expertise have led to various board appointments. She has served as a former Board Director for Cisco Technology Systems South Africa, former Board Chair of the South African Women in ICT Forum, former Deputy Chair and Councillor of the B-BBEE ICT Sector Council, and a former member of the Thomson Reuters Africa Advisory Board. Mzinyathi is currently a Board Member of enke: Make Your Mark, a non-profit organisation focused on youth development and education, and a trustee of the Cisco Foundation. In 2023, Mzinyathi was recognised as one of the top thirty women advancing STEM in Africa.
TELLIE PHASWANE
ACTING CHIEF AUDIT OFFICER
BCom degree, BCom Honours, Master of Philosophy in Internal Auditing, Certified Internal Auditor (CIA), Professional Internal Auditor (PIA), and Principal Certified Internal Auditor (PCIA).
Tellie Phaswane has over 15 years of experience in the Internal Audit profession, she has built a robust career in IT Audit, Combined Assurance, and Internal Auditing. Tellie began her professional journey at a Big 4 audit firm, where she advanced to the role of Senior Manager in their Governance, Risk, and Internal Audit Practice. Prior to joining Exxaro, she served as Internal Audit Manager at Remgro Management Services, overseeing the Media Group Portfolio. Her career also includes roles at Sasol and the University of Pretoria.