Full Name: Bonani Siko
Position: GM: mining operations at Wescoal, a JSE-listed coal mining company
Main Activity of the Company: Coal mining operations
Date and Place of Birth: July 15, 1977, Venterstad, Eastern Cape
Education: Sofunda Secondary School, Middelburg, matric, 1995; national diploma (coal mining), Technikon Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 1999; national higher diploma (coal mining), Technikon Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2000; BTech (mining engineering), University of Johannesburg, 2006
First Job: Payroll clerk
Size of First Pay Packet: R1 654 a month
Number of People under Your Leadership: About 400
Management Style: Naturally pacesetting, with a touch of coaching when needed. I also use any other management style, where necessary or appropriate, to do so
Personal Best Achievement: I was part of a team of newly appointed mining engineers that assisted Eskom and its cost-plus and junior mines in turning things around during the difficult load-shedding period in 2008
Person Who Has Had the Biggest Influence on Your Life: My late mother
Person Who Has Had the Biggest Influence on Your Career: Moses Thokwane, a very good mentor in the mining space for any upcoming and dedicated youngster
Person You Would Most Like to Meet: Thabo Mbeki
Businessperson Who Has Impressed You Most: Richard Branson
Philosophy of Life: Treat other people with the concern and kindness you would like them to show you
Biggest Ever Opportunity: Studying mining engineering at Technikon Witwatersrand as a learner official
Biggest Ever Disappointment: South Africa losing the opportunity to host the 2006 FIFA World Cup
Hope for the Future: Patience and world peace
Favourite Reading: News articles, both local and international
Favourite TV Programme: Supersport, e-News, Discovery Channel and Comedy Central
Favourite Food/Drink: Lamb chops with baked potatoes or pap while sipping that good whisky
Favourite Music: Any good music but mostly Jazz, R&B and deep house
Favourite Sport: Football, rugby and cricket
Hobbies: Listening to music and watching sport
Car: Mercedes-Benz C300
Pets: None at this point but I love dogs
Miscellaneous Dislikes: Unreliable people and cold weather
Married: To Cleopatra
Children: Khwezi, 5
Clubs: None