Tiaan Ackermann

Portfolio Manager

Tiaan Ackermann, known as "Ice Man” at work, lives in Centurion with his wife, two kids, two dogs, three cats, and one bird. He started his career in Industrial and Systems Engineering after having studied at the University of Pretoria where the late Professor Paul Kruger had introduced him to this exciting field of problem solving. Tiaan finds satisfaction in the diverse problem-solving and exciting projects he encounters, with his greatest achievement being representing VBKOM at global events. 

Outside of work, Tiaan enjoys staying active with Parkrun and playing squash, hosting family braai’s, and going to church. He is also passionate about playing the guitar and listening to 80’s rock bands like Def Leppard, ACDC, and Queen. His favourite food is avocado, which he’s loved since childhood, and he lives by the VBKOM value: "Think unique and explore a better way." 

The Ice Man is being friendlier than he looks! Tiaan values his family time and strives to bring creative, innovative solutions to both his professional and personal life.

Pieter Olivier

Principal Study Manager

I am led by my future view of having a meaningful impact on businesses' viability and sustainability and finding new opportunity and business potential. My focus and involvement take place on multiple levels of the functional layered model, from the development and alignment of strategy within the environment being operated in, down to the functional level where productivity, optimisation, innovation, quality and human capital sits at the core of product delivery.

My passion and areas of motivation cover innovation, process management and optimisation, human capital productivity and development. This is expanded into business improvement, business rescue, capital excellence, conceptualisation and business case development. I have a profound enthusiasm for project and functional team relationships and team symbiosis, business fundamentals, risk/value design and decision making, concept, pre-feasibility, feasibility studies (FEL1,2,3), and facility planning.
I build understanding of real and sustainable value creation vs short term advancement destroying long term value. This I look for in evaluating a total system in contrast to the improvement of individual parts.

My industry operating space is diverse through business and technical acumen, industrial engineering intuition, managerial insight, project thinking, applying fundamental system approaches to problems and solutions. I am comfortable operating in areas such as mining, mineral to market value chain, iron making, manufacturing, logistics, transport, technology, facility layout, aerospace, engineering, asset management, management consulting, small business and information technology.
I am a confident communicator with strong interpersonal and analytical skills who thrives on team interaction and shared purpose. I am an adaptable, relentless and articulate project manager with a broad knowledge base, comfortable in interacting with all professional disciplines, across different industries.

Lynsey Houston

Project Management and -Support

Lynsey graduated from the University of KwaZulu-Natal in 2013 with a BSc Geology Honours degree. She spent 5 years as a Production Geologist on the ultra-deep level gold mines of the West Wits Goldfields before joining the Project Management and Support team at VBKOM as a Senior Consultant in 2019.

Since joining VBKOM, she has worked with multi-disciplinary teams on numerous study and execution projects for iron ore, coal, and various other commodities, fulfilling operational support, project management, project controls, and risk management functions.

She is registered as a Professional Natural Scientist with SACNASP, and is currently working towards achieving the Risk Management Professional certification.

Shajal Drake

Project Management and -Support

Shajal is an accomplished Engineer with 8 years of technical experience in the Power Industry. She enjoys using her project management skills to contribute to effective planning and scheduling of a project to ensure that it is well-planned and scheduled for timely completion. She graduated from the University of Kwa-Zulu Natal in 2014 with a Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering. In 2017 she graduated with an Honors degree in Environmental Engineering from the University of Pretoria with a distinction pass. She recently completed a Masters in Engineering Project Management with a distinction from the University of Pretoria. Whilst studying for her Masters, she earned membership into the Golden Key International Society for my exemplary academic performance.

She possesses excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to relate well at all levels within an organization. Furthermore,she manages time effectively and prioritises tasks simultaneously whilst remaining flexible to meet changing needs or demands under adverse conditions. Her strengths lie in her ability to solve complex problems whilst maintaining focus on safety and environmental factors .

Karen Henshaw

Project Management and -Support

Karen Henshaw's journey into the Mining industry began in 2007 in Pretoria.   A family friend introduced her to the sector, and as she puts it, "I have loved this industry ever since." This passion led her to join the VBKOM family in January 2022, where she became a key member of the Project Management and Support technical delivery team as a Senior Document Controller.

With a strong foundation in project management, Karen excels in delivering quality services in high-pressure environments. Her exceptional ability to manage deadlines, adapt to changing circumstances, and communicate effectively ensures that she consistently meets and exceeds client and employer expectations.

Karen is deeply committed to delivering results that go beyond the norm, always striving to create memorable experiences and meaningful connections with those she works with. Although being deadline- and results-orientated, Karen shows adaptability by collaborating with various stakeholders and ensuring open communication channels through out.

Karen’s personal and professional life both reflect her core values of care, dedication, and the importance of creating lasting connections, whether in the workplace or in her personal endeavours.

Dr Kerryn Taylor

Technical Editor

Durbanite Kerryn Taylor joined VBKOM in 2023 as a technical editor. Growing up, Kerryn wanted to pursue a career as a pharmacist and says, “I have always had a passion for science, research, and writing, which led me into the fields of cellular and molecular biology. During my postgraduate degrees, I was actively involved in reviewing and editing research projects for undergraduate, Honours, and Masters students - this is where my passion for editing developed.”

Kerryn holds a PhD in Molecular Biology, which she obtained in 2017 from the University of KwaZulu-Natal; which she also proudly shares as being one of her greatest personal and professional achievements to date. She prides herself on unlocking and adding value in everything she takes on.

To unwind, she loves reading, watching documentaries, and running her fingers over a piano's black and white keys. She also loves travelling around South Africa and takes every opportunity to explore new places. Kerryn claims to be obsessed with cats, and jokingly shares that she and her two cats share their home with her husband.

Estelle Classen

Project Management and -Support

Estelle Classen is a dynamic professional with a passion for building strong relationships and thrives on teamwork and collaboration.

Hailing from Thabazimbi, she cherishes the region’s breathtaking mountains and wildlife. With a National Diploma in Public Relations, Estelle leverages her deep understanding of human connection by inspiring and motivating teams to achieve project goals.

Throughout the years of project management, Estelle brings a unique blend of warmth and strategic thinking to every project.

While her early fascination with geology sparked a curiosity in understanding the planet and how human activities impact it, her true calling lies in connecting people through effective communication.

Known as “Stella” to those close to her, she has a deep compassion for people—a quality that defines her leadership style.

Beyond the office, Estelle finds joy in family, faith, and the simple pleasure of baking and sharing meals. She is a lover of musicals, arts & crafts, and is a skilled braai enthusiast. Estelle epitomises VBKOM’s value of blending different qualities to thrive as a team, always bringing warmth and enthusiasm to everything she does. 

Duduzile Chinyamakobvu

Project Management and -Support

Duduzile, more fondly known as Dudu, hails from Harare in Zimbabwe. Growing up, she did not have a chosen career path, but she was adamant about focusing on doing what brought her the most joy. Dudu has had a love for mathematics and science since a young age, and this love was fostered by her father, who is an engineer.

Dudu enrolled for a Bachelor of Engineering degree at the University of Pretoria and graduated with an Industrial Engineering degree in 2017. She furthered her studies and graduated with a Bachelor of Engineering Honours degree in Engineering and Technology Management in 2019 from the University of Pretoria. She is currently enrolled for a Master’s degree in Project Management at the University of Pretoria.

Reflecting on her academic journey, she shares: “Earning my undergraduate degree must be one of my greatest achievements thus far. I struggled a lot when I started, but I pushed through, fought past a lot of my fears and refused to quit. The degree was for my career, yes, but the great achievement for me was the personal growth and accomplishment that came with it.”

Outside of her professional and academic pursuits, Dudu enjoys singing and playing the guitar. She’s always eager to learn and is determined to master other instruments as well.

Jani van Rensburg

Project Management and -Support

Jani van Rensburg, originally from Swakopmund, Namibia, moved to Pretoria at the age of 10 and has called the city home ever since. She holds a BCom in Financial Management from UNISA and a PMP (Project Management Professional) certification from PMI. Jani views mining as a "family business," being the third generation to work in the industry. She is particularly inspired by the practical, solution-oriented mindset and strong work ethic of those she encounters. Jani envisions herself continuing to collaborate with like-minded professionals in the mining sector. 

Jani thrives on challenges and loves connecting with people, especially when tackling big problems. Her favourite quote is, "Courageous convictions will drag the dream into existence," which reflects her approach to both work and life. Outside of her professional life, Jani enjoys gardening, spending time with her family, and appreciates good wine. She has a hidden talent for bread-making and is known for her fun-loving, free-spirited nature. 

Her favourite foods are French and Italian dishes. Jani’s family includes her husband, three kids, and two large dogs. She most resonates with VBKOM’s value of "Having fun, seriously!"