George Olivier

Executive - Business Development

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Growing up in Thabazimbi, George wanted to become a fighter pilot, but after meeting Oom Koos Cronje, a previous General Manager of Thabazimbi Iron Ore Mine, decided to venture into mining engineering.

After graduating from the University of Pretoria in 1999, George began his career in the mining industry as an underground coal miner at Tshikondeni Colliery in South Africa’s Limpopo Province.

In 2008, George was part of the team that founded VBKOM.  He says that some of the most satisfying moments of his career is “Experiencing so many different projects and project teams, being able to see many mines in many different parts of South Africa and the African continent.  It is also very satisfying to mentor young colleagues that join VBKOM.”

George would love to meet Patrice Motsepe, and George says “He (Motsepe) has the skill to identify value.”

George is also a family man and has three “incredibly smart and cute children” with his wife, Christel.  Christel has been one of George’s biggest anchors, and one of his greatest influencers in achieving greatness.

George enjoys spending time with his family, traveling to foreign countries, and playing squash.  George is looking forward to supporting the mining industry in identifying value across the African continent to improve lives.

Jani van Rensburg

Manager

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Namibian-born Jani grew up all over Namibia, and by the age of 11, her family moved to Potchefstroom, and finally to Pretoria.  When Jani was younger, she dreamed of becoming a Rally Driver, and shares “I might still become one!”

Jani started at VBKOM in the Project Management department in 2011 and shares, “Providing project management services within the mining industry, has taught me that a can-do attitude, excellence, and innovative solutions make all the difference in our delivery to our clients.”

With the organizational redesign that VBKOM went through and Jani’s great passion for seeing the VBKOM clients’ successes being realised, she made the big decision to pursue the challenges of a Business Development role.  She will harness her project management knowledge and skills to identify the possibilities and craft solutions to the benefit of not only the VBKOM clients’ but of the whole of VBKOM.

Outside of the work environment, Jani’s hobbies include crafts, do-it-yourself projects, being outside and extensive gardening, she shares that she has about 200 plants in her greenhouse, of which her orchids are her favourite.

Tiaan Ackermann

Manager

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Tiaan visited the University of Pretoria during an open day, knowing he wanted to venture into engineering, but not yet sure in which field.  A presentation on Statistics and Business by Professor Paul Kruger was the final tip of the scale for Tiaan to pursue a career in Industrial Engineering.

He joined the VBKOM-family in 2014, and shares, “I am utterly euphoric about the work I do as an Industrial Engineer because it allows me to support and improve businesses.”  One of the most satisfying aspects of Tiaan’s career is being able to work with inspirational people using simplistic tools, like Excel, to solve complex problems.

Apart from being a solution finder, Tiaan loves the challenge of meeting new people and winning them over.  He has the ability to rally excitement and enthusiasm in others with the ideas he has for a better future.

At home, Tiaan is husband to his lovely wife, Andrea, and father to his precious little girl, Adeleine, and carbon-copy son, Edrich.

Tiaan is a self-confessed ‘Foodie’ who enjoys tasting the cuisines from places he travels to and appreciates events where food and wine are paired that enhance the dining experience.

Chantelle van der Walt

Senior Marketing Officer

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For as long as the Pretoria-born Chantelle can remember, she has always found joy in being creative in any way possible.  She comes from a family that has found a very fine balance between technical and creative ability, and from a young age, she has always been encouraged to find creative solutions to anything that she might face.

Chantelle has an excellent memory, and she likes making associations with every piece of new information. Growing up, she wanted to become a software developer, but the coding languages felt too restricted to her, she then wanted to venture into graphic designing but did not like the fact that she had to stay ‘within’ the lines.  Chantelle opted to study Communication at the North West University, where the diversity within the discipline left the door wide open to channel her creativity going forward in her career.

After completing her studies, Chantelle worked as a technical sales representative for a renewable energy firm but needed to find a greater creative release in her work life.  When reflecting on the progression of her career path, Chantelle shares, “I just know that I always wanted to be able to create.  I always wanted to be in the background where I can help someone else shine.  At VBKOM I have the opportunity to do just exactly that within marketing.” 

After hours, she likes to relax at home with her husband, Jaco, and their two Yorkies.  They enjoy cooking together and spending time with a few great friends.

Koketso Nakana

Contract Administrator

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Groblersdal-born Koketso Nakana dreamt of becoming a sound engineer or a doctor, but her knack for statistics and numbers saw her pursuing a diploma in Statistics from the University of Dar es Salaam. She held a bursary from Statistics SA. Koketso is currently studying towards obtaining a BCom Economic degree from UNISA.

Straight after matriculating, Koketso Au Paired. She loves to travel and has set a goal to travel to five African counties within 3 years. She enjoys reading and spending time with her family. Koketso and her husband have a daughter, and she shares, "I spend a lot of time with my daughter and siblings. They are my life.”

Koketso brings unparalleled energy to the work environment. Outside of work, Koketso’s creativity is expressed through make-up artistry, playing the bass guitar, singing, and photography. Her keen eye and passion for capturing images have seen her being nicknamed “Paparazzi” in the office.

Koketso believes in walking with honour, keeping promises, and being straightforward. She looks forward to exploring and learning about her inner strength to grow in her role as Contract Administrator.

Dr Tsietsi Moremi

Senior Industrial Engineer

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Growing up in Mamelodi and Soshanguve, Tsietsi dreamt of becoming a medical doctor, but hearing the late Mr. Roberts, Operations Management Lecturer, speak so passionately about Industrial Engineering, Tsietsi knew he wanted to follow in his footsteps.

Tsietsi has earned the nickname “Superman” from his peers and co-workers because he always gets things done. Tsietsi enrolled for an Industrial Engineering degree at Wits University, went on to complete an Engineering degree in Technology Management at the University of Pretoria, and obtained his Master's degree in Industrial Engineering from the University of Stellenbosch. He received his Ph.D. in Industrial Engineerin from the University of Stellenbosch.

He is passionate about new technology and coaching others, and has turned around a non-performing team at a previous employer by channeling his knowledge through mentoring. He shares that the best compliment he’s received from a team member is that he is a great leader, he is an inspiration, and he has the ability to change a person’s perspective.

Tsietsi’s hidden talent is cooking and trying out new recipes on his wife and daughter. He admits, “I always try a new recipe, even if most of the time it ends in a disaster.” Tsietsi’s favourite foods include Mala Mogodu (tripe), Chicken Licken’s hot wings, pork ribs, and potjiekos.

Sph'Eshile Madondo

Junior Marketing Officer

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Passionate B.Com Marketing graduate from the University of the Free State (Cum Laude). Recently completed a Digital Marketing short course at the University of Cape Town, enhancing both understanding and creative skills. Eager for continuous personal and professional development. Results-driven and open-minded, I embrace challenges, seek opportunities to learn, and thrive in collaborative environments.