As part of who we believe we are, we pride ourselves on giving back to the community and helping others to achieve success. We recognise the critical role of retaining and developing top talent in the mining industry. By protecting our way and nurturing exceptional individuals, we not only strengthen our own organisation but also contribute to the overall growth of the industry. We aim to set new standards and foster a thriving talent pipeline for years to come.

The same principle applies when it comes to unearthing the potential of our nation's young individuals. At the beginning of 2024, VBKOM awarded a total of seven scholarships to enthusiastic students pursuing degrees applicable to the mining sector. On 27 September 2024, these seven students joined VBKOM for a Heritage Day and VBKOM Culture Drive celebration.

Meet our 2024 Bursary Holders

Images: VBKOM Group CEO, Manie Kriel, with Chauke Mpfuxeto, Keakantswe Letsoalo, Melusi Ndlovu, Fezeka Gugulethu Dliwako, Jack Marema Khuduwe and Olorato Moroe

Six of the seven bursary holders visited VBKOM for an activity-filled day:

• Jack Marema Khuduwe, studying towards an MSc in Metallurgy and Materials degree at the University of the Witwatersrand. We have been part of his student career since 2022.
• Melusi Tendai Ndlovu, studying towards a BEng Tech Physical Metallurgy degree at the University of Johannesburg. Melusi held a bursary from VBKOM in 2023.
• Mpfuxeto Chauke, studying towards a BSc Industrial Engineering degree at the University of the Witwatersrand; he also held a VBKOM bursary in 2023.
• Kaekantswe Letsoalo is currently enrolled for a BEng Tech Mining Engineering degree at the University of Johannesburg.
• Olorato Moroe, studying towards a BEng Tech Mining Engineering degree, also from the University of Johannesburg.
• Fezeka Gugulethu Dliwako, studying towards an MSc in Geology at the University of the Witwatersrand.
• Bonolo Kodisang is enrolled for a BEng Tech in Industrial Engineering at the University of Johannesburg. He was absent on the day.

External Bursary Application Process

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 in 2021.

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

The criteria for an external bursary award 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 and accommodation
• Current bursary holders can reapply for the following year’s tuition bursary

Looking at the year 2024

For a third year in a row, VBKOM invited applications from potential bursary holders during the last quarter of 2023. A staggering number of applications were received but, after a careful selection process, seven bursars were awarded a tuition bursary for 2024.

The Corporate Services team, and in particular Langanani Ilefo (Human Capital Officer), arranged the visit by the bursary holders. The Heritage Day celebration was arranged for the VBKOM team and the VBKOM bursary holders. Each bursary holder received a VBKOM Bursary branded item that they can wear proudly at varsity.

The Impact on the Young Talent

A tuition bursary can have a significant impact on a student’s life and education in several ways, ranging from financial relief to increased access to education and improved academic performance. At VBKOM, we pride ourselves on including our bursary holders in our VBKOMmunity through the way we continuously communicate and check in, as well as by hosting these bursary holder’s days at our office where the students get the chance to share their stories and journeys.

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

Eventful Heritage Day at VBKOM

VBKOM embraces diversity, and the day was filled with many activities.

Corporate Services Executive, Lalieu Marais, welcomed the bursary holders to VBKOM. Previous bursary holder, Brian Nhlapo, currently a Geology Intern at VBKOM, shared some of his experiences at VBKOM before handing the mic over to the 2024 bursary holders.

Each bursar had the opportunity to share a bit about who they are, where they come from, and why they want to work in the mining industry.

Some VBKOM employees shared information regarding their respective disciplines and how they find the VBKOM way of life:

• Andy Masenya, Industrial Engineer
• Elaine Ringdahl, Mining Engineer
• Tshepiso Napo, Metallurgy
• Ruan de Wet, Geology
• Strauss Oosthuizen, Project Management

After the formalities, the bursary holders and VBKOM employees moved outside to a warm September day to have some fun – seriously! Andries Mahlangu, Maintenance, and Sipho Sifundza, ITC Officer, kept the fires going for a traditional South African braai with boerewors, sosaties, pap, and sheba.

While the meals were being prepared, Manie Kriel, CEO, divided everyone into five groups for a healthy paper plane competition. The aim was to Think Unique and Explore a Better Way while also having fun seriously – literally living two of VBKOM’s core values.

The day was concluded with a September-babies birthday celebration, where everyone was treated to very traditional South African treats, including peppermint crisp tarts, milk tart, malva pudding, koeksisters, and more.

Looking to the Future

VBKOM is excited about 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.

VBKOM’s tuition bursary initiative has proved to be very successful and the 2025 application process will run from December 2024.