POWER Suit: Jonas Tshikundamalema

Jonas Chikundamalema's journey from a small village in Venda to becoming the chairman of Mundangle Mining Limited showcases the power of determination and passion. Despite his family's hopes for him to become a teacher, Jonas followed his interest in engineering, which has deeply connected him with local communities. His upbringing, particularly the influence of his mother, instilled values of responsibility and leadership in him. These experiences shaped his character and approach to business, where he aims to make a positive impact by listening and engaging with communities. His story highlights the importance of pursuing one's passion and the significant role of mentorship in shaping future leaders. As a respected figure in civil engineering and project management, Jonas exemplifies how one's roots can guide their professional path and community commitment.

Jonas’s journey in the mining industry highlights the importance of community involvement in mining operations. He points out that historically, communities were often ignored until projects were ready to implement, leading to conflicts. As chairman of Mandengu Mining, he aims to change this by ensuring that local communities are engaged and benefit from mining activities from the start. His leadership will focus on transparency and oversight to safeguard investor interests while also making sure that the hopes and needs of the rural communities he comes from are taken into account. This approach is vital for fostering trust and collaboration with community members, which is essential for sustainable mining practices.

Engaging communities from the beginning is essential for successful mining projects. It's important to involve local residents in decision-making to ensure that their needs and perspectives are addressed. By prioritizing community input and providing timely financial benefits, companies can help foster genuine empowerment. Additionally, companies must commit to environmentally responsible practices by minimizing the ecological impact of operations. This includes hiring industry experts and adhering to strict regulatory standards. Ultimately, a balance between profitability and sustainability will lead to better relationships with communities and a more conscious approach to mining.

Jonas is leading Mandeng with confidence as they prepare to launch several new projects aimed at driving growth and enhancing shareholder value. With a strong executive team in place, they focus on making informed decisions through open criticism and collaboration. Positive feedback from industry peers highlights Jonas's inspiring leadership, technical background, and mentorship, showing that he is well-respected among his colleagues. As he balances the technical aspects of mining with strategic leadership, Jonas emphasizes the importance of integrity and wisdom in guiding the company. The future looks promising as they strive to deliver value for their investors.

Transitioning from civil engineering to mining engineering presents unique challenges, especially when leading a team in a tough economic environment like post-COVID South Africa. Listening to team members and understanding community needs is essential for success. Prioritizing community investment can ease operations and create valuable opportunities, while financing remains a significant hurdle for many mining companies. Fortunately, with solid overseas funding backing, the speaker's company, Mandengu, can enter new territories and proactively expand their business. It's crucial for mining operations to adapt their approach for each community they work in, ultimately shaping a sustainable and profitable future.