Minerals Council Executives

Chief Executive Officer: Mzila Mthenjane

BSc

Mzila joined the Minerals Council in August 2023. He has over 30 years’ experience in business, which has been attained in the mining and financial services sectors. He has held various board positions as non-executive director in various entities including Pamodzi Gold Limited, Fraser Alexander, and Merafe Resources.

Senior Executive: Environment, Health, Legacies and Employee Relations

BSc (Hons); MSc

Nikisi Lesufi joined the Minerals Council (formerly Chamber) in 2002 as an environmental adviser. He was promoted to his current position in 2008.

He previously lectured at University of the North (now University of Limpopo) and also served the Department of Water Affairs and Forestry (DWAF) in various capacities such as Deputy Director: Water Quality, Director: Water Resources Management and head of the regional office of DWAF in the Free State.

Senior Executive: Finance and Administration: Harry Groenewald

BCom; MBL

Harry Groenewald’s career in the mining industry started in 1985 when he joined Rand Mines. Prior to joining the Minerals Council (formerly Chamber), Harry was involved with copper and cobalt projects in the Democratic Republic of the Congo with ENRC, a Kazakhstan-based mineral resources company.

Senior Executive: Modernisation and Safety: Sietse Van Der Woude

MSc; MBL

Sietse Van Der Woude joined the Minerals Council (formerly Chamber) in 2004 as safety, health, environment and quality manager following his departure from Xstrata. Prior to this, he led the implementation of a regulatory framework for radiation safety in the mining industry at the National Nuclear Regulator.

Senior Executive: Public Affairs and Transformation: Tebello Chabana

BA (Law), LLB

Tebello Chabana joined the Minerals Council (formerly Chamber) in July 2016 following his departure from Anglo American SA. He began his legal career at Deneys Reitz Attorneys, then joined Anglo American SA as a Legal Advisor and served in a range of positions, ending as Head of Public Affairs SA. Tebello also spent time at Kumba Iron Ore as Executive Head of Public Affairs.