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. I plan to do this by connecting YPC with other professional associations within the mining and energy space.
Interactions/activities that you currently participate in within the SAIMM (if applicable):
N/A
Qualifications:
Bachelor of Laws (LLB) – University of Pretoria
Master of Laws (LLM) in Environmental Law – University of Pretoria
Master of Business Administration (MBA) – IU International University of Applied Sciences (based in Germany)
Brief career history:
Managing Partner – Tokyo Ndlela Attorneys Inc (2021 – Present)
A commercial law firm operating in the mining and energy sectors.
Acting COO – Mahlopi Metals Group (Pty) Ltd (Feb 2024 – May 2024)
Director – Mahlopi Metals Group (Pty) Ltd (2023 – Present)
A mining company with four mining operations in North West and Limpopo provinces.
Non-Executive Director – Batlhako Platinum Mine (Pty) Ltd (2023)
A junior mining company operating in the North West province, dealing with the mining of platinum. I serve as legal advisor to the board.
Non-Executive Director – Royal Bopedi TV (Pty) Ltd (2023 – Present)
A teleproduction company that is in partnership with various large royal houses in South Africa. I serve as legal advisor to the board.
Chief Executive Officer – Finance Hut (Pty) Ltd (2020 – 2023)
A consulting firm with cross-border reach providing business and legal services to local and foreign entities at varying levels.
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
African Energy Chamber
Southern African Institute of Mining and Metallurgy
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
Linkedin – https://za.linkedin.com/in/tokyo-ndlela
