VBKOM recognizes the need to grow and support talent in the mining industry as one of the greatest opportunities to grow our brand. Our skills are sought after globally. We are investing in a strong talent pipeline to serve our needs but not be selfish and share this investment into extraordinary talent with our industry. We are relentless in setting the bar very high.

VBKOM also prides itself on giving back to the community and to helping others achieve success.

It is no different when it comes to unearthing the potential in our country’s youth. VBKOM granted a total of seven bursaries at the start of 2022 to aspiring students studying towards a degree that can be applied in the mining industry.

Image: VBKOM Bursary Holders 2022 at the VBKOM Head Office in Centurion, Gauteng.

Front from left: Jack Marema Khuduwe, Millicent Makgatle Ramoshu, Kiyuren Naidoo, and Brian Nhlapho

Back from left: Manie Kriel (VBKOM CEO), Olebogeng Makgaka, Yamkela Mapetshana, Clementine Mashiane and Langanani Ilefo (VBKOM Human Capital Officer)

These bursary holders are:

• Olebogeng Makgaka, studying towards a BEng Tech Hons degree in Industrial Engineering at the University of Johannesburg
• Marema Khuduwe, studying towards an MSc in Metallurgy and Materials at the University of Witwatersrand
• Clementine Mashiane, studying towards a BEng Tech Hons degree in Mining Engineering at the University of Johannesburg
• Makgatle Millicent Ramoshu, studying towards a BEng Hons degree in Mining Engineering at the University of Johannesburg
• Kiyuren Naidoo, studying towards a BSc Hons in Geology at the University of Witwatersrand
• Yamkela Mapetshana, studying towards a BSc Hons in Earth Sciences (environmental geochemistry) at Stellenbosch University
• Brian Nhlapho, studying towards a Geology Honours degree at the University of Witwatersrand

As part of VBKOM’s drive towards skills development, which is aligned with the overall business strategy, VBKOM’s Executive Team implemented a university bursary fund.

From this fund, and through an application process that involved interviews and a review of academic performance, only the most brilliant candidates from the South African Universities were selected for further approvals.

The criteria for bursary awards include, but are not limited to:

• The applicant must be a South African citizen
• The applicant needs to be in their second year or above
• The field of study for which the applicant can apply must be within the mining industry (Geology, Mining Engineering, Metallurgy, Industrial Engineering)
• Bursaries are awarded for a single year’s tuition
• Current bursary holders can reapply for the following year’s tuition bursary

In the last quarter of 2021, VBKOM invited applications from potential bursary holders. A staggering number of applications were received, but after a careful selection process, seven bursars were awarded a tuition bursary for 2022.

These bursary holders visited the VBKOM Head Office on 29 September 2022. The bursary holders were addressed by VBKOM’s CEO, Manie Kriel, who introduced them to VBKOM, how VBKOM started, and where VBKOM is heading. They were introduced to many of the VBKOM team during this visit. The bursary holders had the chance to showcase themselves and what they have learned so far to the VBKOM Technical Delivery Principals. The Technical Delivery team then in turn presented the services offerings to the bursary holders.

The Corporate Services team, and in particular Langanani Ilefo (Human Capital Officer), arranged for the visit by the bursary holders. A breakfast and finger lunch were arranged for them at the office and each bursary holder received a VBKOM Bursary branded item that they can wear proudly at ‘varsity.

After meeting these aspiring young individuals, the VBKOM team is excited to see their bright futures unfold.

VBKOM is excited for the future and being a part of the growth of young talent in this country. The VBKOM bursary initiative is one that the company is very proud of, and we look forward to meeting and developing more aspiring individuals through this programme.