The SAIMM is a professional institute with local and international links aimed at assisting members source information about technological developments in the mining, metallurgical and related sectors.
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Full name(s) and surname:
Tokyo Sulethu Ndlela

Position:
Attorney

What contribution do you see yourself making to the Young Professionals Council and the SAIMM?
I have noticed that the YPC and SAIMM primarily consists of engineers. Thus, my contribution will derive from my different perspective and legal expertise. The aim will be to assist SAIMM with appealing to other professionals operating within the mining space.

Interactions/activities that you currently participate in within the SAIMM (if applicable):
N/A

Qualifications:

  • Bachelor of Laws (LLB)
  • Master of Laws (LLM) in Environmental Law
  • Master of Business Administration (MBA – Germany), in progress

Brief career history:

  • Managing Partner – Tokyo Ndlela Attorneys Inc (2021 – Present)
    A boutique law firm primarily dealing with commercial, energy and mining matters.
  • Chief Executive Officer – Finance Hut (Pty) Ltd (2020 – Present)
    A consulting firm with cross-border reach providing business and legal services to local and foreign entities at varying levels.
  • Chief Legal Officer – Thousand1000 Capital (Pty) Ltd (2021 – Present)
    An investment company dealing in impact investing aimed at the township.
  • Advisory Board Member – Athlima Tech (Pty) Ltd (2021 – Present)
    A tech solutions company aimed at digitising companies by establishing an online presence and e-commerce functionalities.
  • Advisory Board Member – Khaza Consultants (Pty) Ltd (2020 – 2021)
    An accounting firm consisting of multiple chartered accountants.
  • Compliance Researcher – Hogan Lovells International LLP (2019 – 2021)
    A top international law firm with a global footprint primarily providing legal services to Fortune 500 companies.
  • Candidate Attorney – A. Kock & Associates Inc (2017 – 2019)
    A law firm primarily operating within the energy sector and specialising in petroleum law.

Date and place of birth:
14 July 1994
Empangeni

Other industry body affiliations?

  • Legal Practice Council
  • Environmental Law Association of South Africa
  • Chartered Institute of Securities and Investment (based in London)

What are your views on the 4th industrial revolution?
The 4th Industrial Revolution has brought a great change to companies, as it has enhanced the functionality and operations within a company. This change has led to various retrenchments taking place. This highlights the importance of learning to work with the 4th Industrial Revolution (by learning and incorporating technology into the work that you do), so that you do not get consumed by the waves of change but rather ride on top of it.

If you were a precious metal what would you be and why?
Cobalt, as it is a mineral used in batteries and other parts used in the functioning of sustainable (green) energy. The future of mining is heading towards a greener source and cobalt is considered to be one of the future minerals. Since I consider myself to be future-looking, cobalt aligns with the visions I have.

How do you think industry bodies such as the SAIMM can better equip young professionals such as yourself?
By providing us with high-level exposure into the mining industry, so that we can grow further and thus be able to make better informed decisions to assist mining companies and ourselves in developing within this industry.

How do you see young professionals making a significant change in the industry?
Since young professionals have been exposed to technology for a much longer period of time, we may be better adept at fully actualising the potential of technology within the mining sector.

What gets you up in the morning?
Impact. Wherever I go, I have a desire to bring about a positive impact. I wake up early to read, and train in MMA (Mixed Martial Arts) to keep my brain and body active, so as to ensure that I am in the most conducive state to bring about a positive impact.

Social media links or information:
Tokyo Ndlela Attorneys Inc – www.tnalegal.co.za
Finance Hut (Pty) Ltd – www.financehut.co.za
Thousand1000 Capital (Pty) Ltd – www.t1capital.co.za

 

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