2027 Expert Speakers & Panelist

Kenneth WilliamsExecutive, Supply Chain & Business Development Lead Makoya Supply Chain Holdings

Kenneth Williams is a seasoned executive with over 20 years of experience in rail logistics, specializing in supply chain optimization and operational excellence. With a career spanning two decades, Kenneth has honed his expertise in the intricate dynamics of rail operations, including 15 years at Transnet SOC, where he held diverse and impactful operational roles.

Kenneth takes pride in having built his career by having “on the job experience “whilst  he has augmented this experience with an International Executive Degree in Railway Operations Management from Glasgow Caledonian University, which has further strengthened his leadership capabilities and strategic understanding of global rail logistics systems.

As the Supply Chain & Business Development Lead at Makoya Supply Chain Holdings, Kenneth has been a driving force in developing innovative Pit-to-Vessel logistics solutions for the mining industry. Through his leadership, deep industry knowledge and collaboration, Makoya has successfully secured new reliable routes to market for the Big 5 Chrome Producers. This has included taking into consideration the key risks that impact the chrome logistics handling, whilst optimizing rail terminal operations and ensuring a seamless and cost-effective supply chain solution.

Kenneth’s ability to deliver strategic solutions, combined with his industry and product knowledge, has ensured he brings new innovative solutions that serve and build the   rail logistics market. His passion for rail logistics has been evidenced by his peers recognising his contribution to the industry that where he continues to drive thought leadership and value creation across the logistics supply chain sector.

Hon. Polite KambamuraMinister of Mines and Mining Development, Zimbabwe

Tokologo PhetlaChief Executive Officer, Sharp Results Logistics

Tokologo Phetla believes in Africa. His vision is to contribute to the creation of an economically and politically independent African continent. He aims to do this through entrepreneurial leadership and industrial development.

Having started several successful businesses in media in his 20s, his latest venture was being the founder and Chairman
of Clarence AI (Pty) Ltd – the first and only fully locally-owned Social Listening and Response Artificial Intelligence
software in Africa, which is slowly leading in the 4th Industrial Revolution, through the commercialization of a unique
artificial intelligence software called ‘Clarence.’

Tokologo is now one of the youngest Independent Power Producers (IPPs) on the continent. His company, Commodore
Industries (Pty) Ltd, is developing energy assets of over 1 500MW at various stages of commissioning and construction,
supported by bulk energy users such as mines and smelters. Tokologo’s vision is to meaningfully participate in Africa’s
transition to clean, renewable energy for the purpose of stimulating the African industrial revolution.

Commodore Industries also hold significant interests in rail logistics and rail infrastructure, supporting inter-country
trade between African nations and boosting economic growth. To this end, he was recently awarded a Transnet rail
concession also positioning him as the youngest train operating company on the African continent.

Xiongei YangDeputy Manager, Pangang Group Chengdu Vanadium-Titanium Resource Development Co., Ltd.

Mr Xiongfei Yang graduated from the University of Science and Technology Beijing, where he earned a Ph.D. in Materials Processing Engineering. With 15 years of experience in the research, development and promotion of niobium and vanadium microalloying technologies, he has published more than 10 academic papers. Since 2016, he has been working with Pangang Group Chengdu Vanadium-Titanium Resource Development Co., Ltd., a subsidiary of Pangang Group—the world’s largest vanadium producer. Mr. Yang primarily focuses on vanadium market research, covering the collection, analysis, and trend forecasting of global and Chinese vanadium supply and demand.

Sisanda MtwaziSenior Manager: Primary Minerals Processing and Construction, Department of Trade, Industry & Competition (DTIC)

Mr Sisanda Mtwazi is Senior Manager: Primary Minerals Processing and Construction at the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic), where he leads policy development and strategic initiatives aimed at strengthening South Africa’s industrialisation and mineral beneficiation agenda.
With over 15 years of experience in industrial policy and sector development, he has worked extensively across metals, automotives, primary minerals processing and construction industries. This work includes industrial strategy, value chain development, localisation, mineral beneficiation, investment facilitiation and policy formulation to enhance the competitiveness of South Africa’s manufacturing sectors.
He holds a Master of Science in Finance (Economic Policy) from the University of London, complemented by qualifications in Industrial Sociology and Economics from the University of Cape Town.
His work is driven by a commitment to advancing inclusive industrialisation and promoting value added manufacturing as a catalyst for economic transformation and job creation in South Africa and across the African continent.

Richard ThongoanaHead Marketing: Chrome, Siyanda Resources

I have been in the industry for over 30 years, starting as a trainee engineer in Eskom and later joining large corporates such as Telkom, holding various supervisory positions. I later joined the mining sector starting in Anglo Platinum, now Valterra, and later Siyanda Resources and have been with the sector for the past 20 years. I currently hold the position of Marketing Executive at Siyanda, responsible for the marketing and logistics for the group.

Ontiretse Matthews Senosi Group Chief Executive Officer, Overlooked Group

Group Chief Executive Officer
With over 25 years of experience, Ontiretse Senosi leads the Overlooked Group as Chief Executive Officer. He has been at the company’s helm, taking it from strength to strength over the last few challenging years in the industry.
Those who meet Mr Senosi are often struck by his humility, intelligence, innovative ways of thinking and determination. He developed the foundation of his career while studying for his Mining Engineering degree at the University of the Witwatersrand in South Africa. He later obtained his Graduate Diploma in Engineering (GDE) from the same institution.
An expert in his field, Mr Senosi gained valuable experience at Anglo Coal before pursuing his business interests. His business ventures have included mining engineering consulting, feasibility studies, mine optimisation projects, and various civil, building and construction contracts spanning more than two decades. During this time, he served as Director of several companies within the Amalgamated Colliery Contractors Group. One of his notable achievements was leading five companies that supplied underground contracting mining services to the coal mining industry, generating turnover of more than one billion rand.
Mr Senosi is passionate about unlocking the potential of people and developing future African leaders. He believes strongly in teamwork and in creating opportunities for individuals to grow into world-class professionals and leaders.
He shares:
“I aim to make this business very successful and a major competitor in the market, which is why I am passionate about unleashing the potential and treasures hidden in everyone I work with. I believe in teamwork and developing future African leaders so that they too can lead world-class organisations. For this reason, I take great pride in my position as CEO of Overlooked Group, a privilege that allows me to lead the charge in crafting black excellence.”
Ontiretse is a seasoned and bold thought leader who contributes to conversations that are pertinent to the mining industry by generating convention-breaking ideas. He provides unique strategic insights and shares valuable knowledge that influences and shapes the socioeconomic narrative of our country. Senosi, a top-tier leader who is self-aware is intentional about building and empowering young leaders and productive teams.
Mr Senosi is also a shareholder and non-executive director through Senosi Group of JA Engineering (Pty) Ltd, a South African-based mining equipment and sub-assemblies manufacturer and supplier. With his extensive experience, entrepreneurial spirit and industry expertise, he continues to steer Overlooked Group toward a successful future.

Danie OosthuizenFounder and Chief Executive Officer, Huizen Africa Group

Danie Oosthuizen is the Founder and CEO of Huizen Africa Group of Companies, with over 10 years’ experience in South Africa’s road freight and bulk commodity supply chains. The group provides pit-to-port logistics, bulk commodity transport, material processing and handling, and supply chain management, alongside on-road refuelling and bulk fuel supply to mines, transporters and other businesses. His expertise is grounded in practical experience managing the operational and commercial challenges of moving commodities from production sites to export markets.
Under his leadership, the company handles and transports more than 80,000 tonnes of commodities per month to Maputo, Richards Bay, and Durban. Within two years, the group’s fuel business expanded from 100,000 litres per month to just under six million litres, supplying customers, mines and its depots across South Africa. Danie brings an operator’s perspective to discussions on freight costs, corridor efficiency and the complementary roles of road and rail in building a competitive and sustainable mining logistics sector.

Amanuel GebremeskelChief Executive Officer, Southern African Institute of Steel Construction (SAISC)

Amanuel Gebremeskel is the CEO of the Southern African Institute of Steel Construction (SAISC), a leading regional institute and industry body based in Johannesburg, South Africa. He has served in this position since 2022.

As the head of SAISC, Amanuel is leading initiatives that support the industry to navigate structural changes in the steel industry. These involve planning and advocacy to mitigate the risk to the downstream industry of significant changes in global trade and regional steel production.

Amanuel Gebremeskel was trained in the United States and started his career there as a structural engineer. He has been serving the South African Steel Industry for the past 15 years in several technical and management roles.

Adam WardManaging Editor, Oxford Analytica, Dow Jones

Adam Ward became Managing Editor of Oxford Analytica in June 2025. Oxford Analytica, part of Dow Jones, serves a global client base of companies, investors and governments with analysis on geopolitical, political and economic analysis through its Daily Brief service.
Adam was previously the Deputy Director of the UK think tank Chatham House (the Royal Institute of International Affairs) as well as its Director of Research — leading a portfolio of research covering topics as diverse as global economics, international security, climate change, and global health security. Earlier, he held a succession of posts at the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS). He was for eight years Director of Studies, heading IISS global research on geopolitics, conflict risk, and defence and military trends. Prior to this, Adam developed the Washington DC office of the IISS as its Executive Director, building the institute’s contacts across the US government, policy analysis sector and business community.
Adam holds a BA in German and Politics and an MA in International Studies, both from the University of Warwick. He also studied at the University of Salzburg for one academic year.

Johan MeyerExecutive Head – Metals, Exxaro

Executive Head – Metals
Qualifications: BEng (Metallurgy), MBA, Advanced Management Programme at INSEAD and Certified Director (Institute of Directors South Africa)
Experience:
Johan started as metallurgical engineer at Iscor Pretoria Works in 1987 for the first decade of his career. He then joined the Iscor Heavy Minerals team as lead process technology manager and later as the operations manager of the KZN Sands operations for the next decade. Soon thereafter he was asked to lead the R&D facility at Kumba Resources whereafter he again joined the leadership team at the Exxaro heavy minerals division later known as Tronox. He then was appointed as general manager of Zincor however had to lead the closure of the only zinc refinery in South Africa.
Gaining valuable leadership experience, he was then appointed as part of the executive team of Exxaro Resources. He has since filled various executive roles for more than 10 years to support the development and execution of the company strategy. Leading people and stakeholders in achieving company objectives is his passion including the delivery of Exxaro growth projects of approximately R20bn.
Johan has recently been appointed as Executive Head Metals focusing on the new manganese commodity business and integration into Exxaro but also having oversight of the iron ore and zinc joint venture businesses. He is currently appointed as non-executive director on various boards which is supporting gaining experience as a certified director at the Institute of Directors South Africa. He soon will celebrate 40 years of services since joining the company.
He is passionate about leading people and stakeholders supporting the role of Exxaro being the diversified natural resources champion in Africa and beyond.
Johan is a proud father of 3 children and enjoys family life to the fullest each day. He enjoys playing golf and is a passionate birder.
“Live Life Today” remains Johan’s mantra in life.

Tiisetso NkosiResearch & Analysis Director: Coal, Metals & Mining, OPIS by McCloskey, a Dow Jones Company

Tiisetso Nkosi leads iron ore and manganese research at McCloskey. She is a mining professional with over 18 years’ experience. She has held roles in strategy, business development, finance, sales and marketing in some of the world’s leading mining companies, including AngloAmerican, Tshipi e Ntle Manganese Mining and Assore. Ms. Nkosi has worked closely with producers and consumers of steel raw materials such as manganese ore and alloy, as well as iron ore.

Tiisetso holds a Bachelor of Business Science in Economics from the University of Cape Town, an MPhil (Futures Studies) from the University of Stellenbosch, and an MSc (International Business Administration), from the University of London.

She is passionate about the representation of all South African miners in significant global platforms that will enhance the value that is inherent in South Africa’s mineral wealth.

Sareena PatelThermal Coal Research Lead, McCloskey by OPIS

Sareena Patel

Thermal Coal Research Lead – McCloskey by OPIS, A Dow Jones Company

Sareena leads McCloskey’s Energy Research division—a service focusing on the global thermal coal markets, in the context of the wider energy space.

Sareena joined McCloskey more than 12 years ago and is a leading expert in the global thermal coal markets. She is a regular speaker across key commodity conferences, such as Coaltrans, VDKI’s Coal Market Gathering, Fenalcarbon’s Met coke Summit and many more, including McCloskey’s own coal conferences.

Sareena and her team are responsible for producing supply, demand and price outlooks, and data-backed research on the global thermal coal market. Her work extends to cover geopolitics, cross-commodity/ fuel competition analysis, energy transition, power demand, LNG trade and much more. The content produced by the team is prized for being grounded in the reality of the market thanks to the first-hand knowledge gathered by its globally situated price and market reporters.

Prior to joining McCloskey, Sareena was a gas and power market expert at IHS Markit (now S&P Commodity Insights) and previously worked in Automotive research.

Sareena holds a BA with honours in Economics with French from the University of Durham, UK and a degree in Economics and Management from the University of Aix-Marseilles, France

Japie FullardChief Executive Officer, Glencore Ferroalloys

Japie Fullard is the Chief Executive Officer of Glencore Ferroalloys

since 2019. Japie started his career in 1988 in the Coal Mining Industry as an Apprentice Electrician at Duiker Mining. He qualified
in 1990 and started studying for an Engineer.

Japie moved around in various disciplines and occupations whilst studying and obtained his Government Certificate of Competency in 1995. He practised as Chief Engineer at
various Operations and furthered his studies in Mining Engineering. In 2001 he obtained his Mine Manager’s Certificate of Competency and managed various mines as Mine
Manager. He spent more than 17 years in the Coal Mining Industry where he served on both SACEA and SACMA before joining the Ferroalloys Mining Division as General
Manager. In 2008 he took over the role of Head of Mining. Japie is a board member on the South African Minerals Council and has been elected as the Chairman of the CEO Zero
Harm Forum since 2022. Japie was appointed as CEO of Glencore Ferroalloys on 1 January 2019 and still holds the position.

Industry bodies and capacity served / serves on:
South African Coal Engineering Association – Past President (not active)
South African Coal Managers Association – Member (not active)
Mine Managers Association – Member (active)
South Africa Minerals Council – Board Member
Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA) – Member – PrEng. (active)

Dr Nomsa MoyoGeneral Manager, Minerals Marketing Corporation of Zimbabwe (MMCZ)

DR NOMSA JANE MOYO

Dr Nomsa Moyo is the current General Manager for the Minerals Marketing Corporation of Zimbabwe (MMCZ) and is a lawyer by profession. She holds a Doctorate degree in Laws (specialising in corporate governance), Masters in Laws, Bachelor of Laws, Full CIS, Bsc Honours in Economics. She worked in various senior roles in the public sector which include Department of Taxes, Zimbabwe Revenue Authority, Grain Marketing Board and MMCZ (2010-to date). She has also worked as a board member in a number of private and public institutions. Dr Moyo is a member of the Law society of Zimbabwe and Chartered Governance and Accountancy Institute of Zimbabwe.

Hlengiwe MotaungSenior Africa Reporter, McCloskey by OPIS, a Dow Jones Company

Hlengiwe Motaung is McCloskey’s metals reporter based in Johannesburg, where she covers key news on manganese and other green metals, as well as rail and port activities in Southern Africa, producing monthly reports on trucking and rail pricing.

With nearly a decade of experience in journalism, Hlengiwe began her career in 2017 at the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) as a producer for a current affairs radio station. She developed her skills in delivering impactful content to audiences.

Her noteworthy contributions in television journalism were recognized while she worked as a reporter for Africa News Network. Driven by her passion for broadcasting, Hlengiwe served as the English correspondent and associate producer for Japan’s National Broadcaster in Johannesburg, covering humanitarian stories across Africa.

In 2021, she made valuable contributions as a freelance writer for the Washington Post, reporting on political tensions in Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal. Her experience as a multimedia journalist for Mining Review Africa has further deepened her understanding of the African mining sector.

Hlengiwe holds a Financial Journalism qualification from The University of Witwatersrand and a National Diploma in Journalism from Tshwane University of Technology.

Nellis Bester,Geographical Leader, Ferroglobe PLC & Chairperson, Ferro Alloy Producers Association

Nellis Bester, a qualified Metallurgical Engineer, has been active in the industrial space for more than 30-years and has worked in the Steel industry for more than 10-years and the remainder within the ferroalloys, mining and renewable industries, ranging from Silicon Metal, Ferrosilicon, Foundry products, and Manganese alloys.

Working career both in South Africa and EU within the Ferroalloy industry and Product Management activities. Currently, Geographical Leader of Ferroglobe PLC in SA and the Chairperson for FAPA several terms.

Passionate about the industry in SA and its resurrection from extinction, to become a leading global beneficiation role player again for SA’s local raw materials.

Charles DednamSecretary General, South African Iron & Steel Institute (SAISI)

Independent Strategist | Steel Industry Expert | Business Consultant
Charles Dednam is a seasoned strategist with over 40 years of experience in the steel industry. He is the founder and director of CD Research and Business Strategy Consulting, where he provides independent advisory services in steel marketing, business planning, and trade policy. Formerly Group Manager of Steel Marketing at ArcelorMittal South Africa, he has led numerous high-impact projects across Southern Africa, including feasibility studies, tariff assessments, and strategic development plans. He also serve as Managing Executive/Secretary General of the South African Iron and Steel Institute and contributed to the national Steel Masterplan.

Neusa Monjane SarangaCommercial Director, Maputo Port

Neusa Monjane Saranga is a dynamic legal and commercial executive with over two decades of experience spanning the maritime, transport, and logistics sectors. She holds a Master’s in Shipping Law from the University of Cape Town and is a recent graduate of the Senior Executive Programme at the London Business School.

Neusa launched her career in 2004 with a marine crewing company in Cape Town, before moving to a leading Maputo law firm and later broadening her expertise in logistics at a prominent Mozambican logistics company. She then advanced her international experience in London, joining a specialist shipping law firm.

On returning to Mozambique, Neusa joined the Maputo Port Development Company (MPDC), where she now serves as Commercial Director. In this role, she drives cargo growth, customer acquisition, and strategic partnerships to enhance the port’s competitiveness across Southern Africa.

Passionate about gender equality and transformative governance, Neusa is actively preparing for board appointments, where she aims to leverage her legal acumen, commercial insight, and global perspective to champion change and open doors for women in traditionally male-dominated industries.

Bonginkosi MabasoGeneral Manager: Group Commercial, Transnet S.O.C. Ltd

Mr Bonginkosi Mabaso is an accomplished executive with global executive experience in new business development, commercial, risk and strategy and capacity creation in the freight, rail, finance, manufacturing, mining, and metals sectors. He is a strong implementor, who collaborates, negotiates, and solves complex commercial business matters.

Formerly Chief Commercial Officer for the rail division in Transnet, Bonginkosi has recently taken up the Group General Manager: Commercial role for Transnet SOC Ltd. In this role, he is responsible for developing and leading the execution of the Group’s commercial and capacity creating strategies. This entails maximising profitability and growth through integrated business development.

nsible for defining and selecting appropriate business/product opportunities. He is the custodian of customer relationships, and provides market insights which guide business modelling, strategic alliances, partnerships and long term planning for new client acquisitions. Bonginkosi serves as lead negotiator for the organisation’s revenue contracts.

Randy FabiEMEA Editor, McCloskey by OPIS

Randy is EMEA Editor for McCloskey, leading a team of reporters focused on the growing trade flows between Africa and Asia. A veteran reporter/editor with more than two decades of experience. His previous postings include Washington, London, Abuja, Singapore and Jakarta with stints in scores of other cities. Randy is currently based in the UK.

Bongani G. MotsaChief Economist, Minerals Council

Bongani has over 25 years’ experience as an economist and is currently the Chief Economist at the Minerals Council South Africa. His passion is real sector economics, including mining and energy. His work involves working with the industry to unlock the mining sector’s potential. It is his belief that an attractive mining policy environment will catalyse growth in the South African economy. Bongani holds a master’s degree in economics.

Dr James StevensonVice President and Research Lead, Coal, Metals and Mining, McCloskey by OPIS

James Stevenson leads the research and forecasting team for Coal, Metals & Mining within McCloskey. Previously he led Global Coal research, and before that he headed up analysis of North American coal. Dr. Stevenson’s primary expertise includes supply-demand dynamics of coal and iron ore markets, price forecasting, mining and transportation costs, and export logistics and infrastructure. He also has extensive experience in trading of coal, natural gas, and power, as well as being experienced in M&A, having been a part of a number of asset and offtake deals in the coal supply space.

Prior to joining McCloskey’s predecessor IHS Markit, Dr. Stevenson spent six years in coal and power trading, most recently as Vice President, Coal Analysis at Mercuria Energy Trading, and before that as Coal Strategist at Louis Dreyfus Highbridge Energy. He also worked in the energy trading team at Eraring Energy in the Australian utility industry, working primarily in risk management as well as strategy around coal procurement, power sales, and carbon strategy.

Dr. Stevenson holds undergraduate and master’s degrees from the University of Sydney in Australia, and a PhD from Yale University.