Tatolo Lesedi

Full Name: Tatolo Lesedi Tatolo

Position: GRADUATE TRAINEE - MINING

What contribution do you see yourself making to the Young Professionals Council and the SAIMM?:

Helping others is as important part of my life and I believe young professional need it to have a proper footing in the industry so that they may develop confidence and cultivate their potential. It may be possible to tackle such an endeavour alone but having peers who have actual done and are living it jump-starts the journey. I would like to play that part in the YPC.

Interaction/activities that you currently participate in within the SAIMM (if applicable):

SAIMM Mentorship Program 2022

Qualifications:

Bachelor of Engineering in Mining Engineering (BEng)

Diploma in Mining Engineering

Brief career history:

I am currently a graduate mining engineer on a 2-year development program at Morupule Coal Mine Ltd (MCM). I currently holds a Bachelor's of Engineering in Mining Engineering from the University of Botswana which I attained in 2019. During my studies at university successfully completed 5 months’ vacation work at BCL Limited (UG Base metal) and Debswana Jwaneng Mine (Open pit Precious stones) each. I believed myself to being well-grounded undergrad student participating in many activities including sports and volunteering. After graduation I was engaged by MCM in 2020 as Production Intern for operational experience grooming to get well acquainted with Mechanized Underground coal mining. I have a strong passion about mining, particularly for Drilling & Blasting and Mine planning disciplines. I aspires to achieve a Charted Professional(CP) and Competent Person (QP) status so as to Mentor new professionals and provide professional insight to all range tier mining companies.

Date and place of birth:\

26^th of December 1996, Orapa (Central District)

Other industry body affiliations?

Australian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy (AusIMM)

What are your views on the 4th industrial revolution?

It has given us a quantum leap from our predecessor to express our ideas beyond limits in a spill second, re-making our world as we would like it to be. I believe we can achieve more in this chapter of human beings at the same time leaving our world in a state that is sustainable. I believe the hydrogen powered dump truck is just one of the many we are yet to see. With such tools at our disposal “Impossible” is fast becoming a thing of the past.

If you were a precious metal what would you be and why?

I would be Gold because and would then be a shining beacon of hope to young professionals still traversing challenges of unemployment or finding their way. To never give up, the reward for patience and perseverance is always within reach as is how thorough separation of gangue carried out to get to that naturally occurring lustrous metal and forever economic booster we boldly call “Gold.”

How do you think industry bodies such as the SAIMM can better equip young professionals such as yourself?

Professional Institutions such SAIMM give young professionals a sense of belongingness to the mining industry. This is important to ensure that they maximise their full potential with the guidance of seasoned professionals in field. This contributes to a continual passing-on of information from one generations to another, with strong regard of breaking down barriers that constrict growth through well written and peer review text on each undertaking.

How do you see young professionals making a significant change in the industry?

Young professionals come with new Ideas and new energy to the industry. This translates to experimentation of new solution that could revolutionise the way we do things to perhaps even much faster than expected. This helps accelerate projects and get more resources from industry to the market we there need is great.

What gets you up in the morning?

Passion of going to working doing what is love most, which is mining. All the people meet and interact with, the things I learn and a sense of duties to help things move along swiftly. Best part of my day is helping new employees get up to speed with the running things because I see that spark in their eyes that I had on my first day.

Social media links or information:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/tatolo-lesedi-tatolo-9b2a2493

Simone Naicker

Full Name: Simone Jade Naicker

Position: Relieving Senior Engineer, Metallurgy

What contribution do you see yourself making to the Young Professionals Council and the SAIMM?:

I aim to share practical operational insight and support in the development of upcoming professionals. Mentorship is close to my heart, and I hope to use the platform to form meaningful connections to both learn and share.

Interaction/activities that you currently participate in within the SAIMM (if applicable):

• SAIMM YPC WEBINAR PRESENTER
• SAIMM YPC STRATEGY

Qualifications:

• BENG CHEMICAL ENGINEERING
• UNIVERSITY OF PRETORIA

Brief career history:

• ENGINEER IN TRAINING
• VALUE CHAIN INTEGRATOR (ACTING)
• SENIOR METALLURGICAL ENGINEER (ACTING)
• METALLURGICAL ENGINEER
• SENIOR METALLURGICAL ENGINEER (CURRENTLY ACTING)

Date and place of birth:

13/07/1993, SOUTH AFRICA

Other industry body affiliations?

SACPS MEMBER

What are your views on the 4th industrial revolution?

I believe that young professionals will play a critical role in the execution of projects and development of strategies to utilise technology for improved practices. The adoption of AI within our daily work will become common practice.

If you were a precious metal what would you be and why?

Palladium – given the major application in catalytic convertors, I resonate with this metal as I consider myself a catalyst for positive energy and productivity.

How do you think industry bodies such as the SAIMM can better equip young professionals such as yourself?

Allow a platform for integration and knowledge sharing – YPC talk Tuesdays was a great idea. 
Soft skill training regarding common issues facing young professionals

How do you see young professionals making a significant change in the industry?

A fresh perspective allows for incremental change and maintenance of systems whilst upgrading and automating. Young professionals today will carry on their shoulders the responsibility to initiate and implement digital strategies and lead the 4IR transformation.

What gets you up in the morning?

A desire to add value and contribute.

Social media links or information:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/simonenaicker/

Neo Tsajoa

Full Name: Neo Tsajoa

Position: Siyanda Bakgatla Platinum Mine- Mining Graduate Trainee

What contribution do you see yourself making to the Young Professionals Council and the SAIMM?:

• Participating in the success of events planning.
• Creating more awareness of YPC to my peers.
• Help reach the organization’s annual objectives.
• Assist in optimizing available systems of member participation.

Interaction/activities that you currently participate in within the SAIMM (if applicable):

N/A

Qualifications:

Bsc. In Mining Engineering

Brief career history:

Completed my studies in Mining Engineering from Wits in 2021. Started an internship in January 2022 at Moab Khutsong Harmony Mine. In September 2022- started a Graduate programme at Siyanda Bakgatla Platinum Mine (current).

Date and place of birth:

11 September 1998 – Brits North West province.

Social media links or information:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/neo-tsajoa-72469b138/

Makete Thema

Full Name: Sephela Makete Thema

Position: Sibanye Stillwater - Mine Manager

What contribution do you see yourself making to the Young Professionals Council and the SAIMM?:

1. Creation of a platform for mining graduates to champion the 4^th industrial revolution and other new technologies in mining through practical projects and adaptation of new technologies.
2. Bring to light challenges faced by young professionals at operational level and how they can be overcome.
3. Explore ways of promoting young professionals’ involvement in the total mining value chain.

Interaction/activities that you currently participate in within the SAIMM (if applicable):

1. Attend technical presentations and conferences.
2. Read journals and research papers

Qualifications:

1. BSc. Engineering (Mining Engineering) – University of the Witwatersrand - 2011
2. Postgraduate Diploma in Business Administration – University of Pretoria – 2015
3. Postgraduate Certificate in Mining Law – University of the Witwatersrand - 2018
4. Mine Manager’s and Mine Overseer’s Certificate of Competency – 2018 & 2019 respectively

Brief career history:

I started my career as a mining engineering bursar in 2008 for Anglo Operations limited, and after graduation went on to assume various roles such as crew captain, shift supervisor, senior shift supervisor. I then proceeded to work for Sibanye Stillwater as Mine Overseer, Unit Manager Mining and I am currently employed as Mine Manager for Bathopele mine in Rustenburg.

Date and place of birth:

I was born on the 1^st of July 1990 in Polokwane

Social media links or information:

https://za.linkedin.com/in/sephela-makete-thema-81108a43