2025 Bursaries

YOLENDA MOKGATA

Accounts Payable

What made you interested in the field of accounts?

I loved calculus in school! When I was introduced to Accounting in high school, I just fell in love there! I believe that accounting is one of those subjects that you either get immediately… or not.

There is just something about going through the accounting cycle all the way to the income statement and balance sheet, and actually seeing your numbers balance that gets me excited…Am I crazy? It is fine, I still like it!

What are the basic skills one has to equip themselves with to perform successfully in your line of work?

Customer Service Skills:

• Excellent listening & telephone skills
• Verbal and written communication skills

Financial Management Skills:

• Working knowledge of basic accounting principles

General Skills/Qualities:

• Judgment & decision –making
• Problem- solving & analytical ability
• Multi –tasking
• Time management skills
• Accuracy & attention to detail
• Ethical standards

What is a typical work day/scenario for Yolenda at Mbuyelo?

• Three-way match and validation of invoices
• Processing of authorised invoices to SAP
• Reconciliation of accounts to supplier statements, and
• Preparing Payments requisitions

Do you ever go on site?

Of course! I go through to the mine to collect authorised invoices and signed delivery notes. In the process I get to view an open-cast coal mine. This is my first, and at some point, it was the highlight of my whole trip!

KURHULA GREEN

Chief Operation Officer

When did you join Mbuyelo Group?

I joined Mbuyelo Group in January 2009.

What made you interested in your specific field?

In school, I loved mathematics and physical science and I would see the difference that Engineers are making in our economy. Unlike other professions, engineers and operations managers think differently. Engineers have a unique mind set in solving problems. They have different ways of doing things. I wouldn’t be too far off by saying, that we live in a different world.

What are the basic skills one has to equip themselves with to perform successfully in your line of work?

• Develop problem solving techniques and analytical abilities – One should able to analyse a problem within the mining operations, and come up with solutions to all of the problems that are encountered.
• Organisational skills – these include meeting deadlines, scheduling resources and delegating tasks to subordinates or contractors.
• Planning – One should able to accurately estimate the time and effort required to complete a task. Next is to be able to identify and organise systems- as well as the required resources.
• People management skills – The ability to manage people within the organisation has a profound and direct effect upon productivity because it can affect the performance within the working environment. One should able to have the ability to relate to others and have strong communication skills. I believe that a leader should have good listening skills and be patience with others.

What is a typical work day for you at Mbuyelo?

My typical work day has to do with the leadership: setting of strategies and ensuring that the mine’s operational goals that are set, are implemented.

My role includes people management; financial management; technical advice and productivity. It therefore involves responsibility and accountability of the mining operations.

Currently Mbuyelo Group consists of one operational coal mine with a possibility of starting another mine towards the end of 3rd quarter.

Which office are you based?

I am based between the head office in Meyersdal and as well as the Rirhandzu Colliery.

Do you ever go on site?

Yes – I am mostly at the mine called Rirhandzu, as my position entails…..most of my work is based at the operations. I also conduct site visits on other explorational projects. I attend monthly OPS meetings to represent Mbuyelo Group at other mining operations which the company has JVs with.

What makes you get up in the morning without fail?

What makes you get up in the morning without fail?
Having a clear view of what I want to achieve- having a goals!

BENSON NGXIZELA

Human Resources Practitioner

When did you join Mbuyelo Group/Coal/Mining Contractors?

I joined Mbuyelo group in July 2015.

What made you interested in the specific field/line of work?

The advantage of HR is that you get an all rounded knowledge and education, because at University you get exposure in different courses.

Passionate about people! Passionate diversity!

What are the basic skills one has to equip themselves with to perform successfully in your line of work?

• Leadership skills – to lead, plan, organise and direct.
• Problem and Decision Making Skills.
• People Skills.
• Results Orientated.
• Goals driven.

What is a typical work day/scenario for you at Mbuyelo?

I deal with HR dynamics, I interact with different stakeholders. My role also requires me to manage all HR Functions on the mine.

Which office are you based?

I am running two operations (Belfast and Kendal)

Do you ever go on site?

Yes – I am based on the sites (Rirhandzu and Maboko Collieries).

Which motto do you live by? What makes you get up in the morning without fail?

Have a vision and goal. Knowing what I want to achieve in life……….Do you best in achieving them.

Try to maintain a good attitude.