Full Name: Kobus Rothmann
Position: GM of Zululand Anthracite Colliery (ZAC)
Main Activity of the Company: Mining and processing anthracite for local and export markets
Date and Place of Birth: December 13, 1955, Klerksdorp
Education: Higher national diploma (mining); mine manager’s certificate of competence
First Job: Learner mining official at Anglovaal
Size of First Pay Packet: R276 a month
Value of Assets under Your Control: R1.2-billion
Number of People under Your Leadership: ZAC has 768 employees and 580 contractors
Management Style: Participative, leaning towards authoritarian
Personal Best Achievement: Starting Vaalkrantz Colliery as part of an Anglo Coal empowerment initiative
Person Who Has Had the Biggest Influence on Your Life: My father, who taught me the value of family, that honesty is of the utmost importance, that trust is earned and the value of maintaining a healthy work/life balance
Person Who Has Had the Biggest Influence on Your Career: Buks Swiegers, the first mine overseer I worked for as a shift boss
Person You Would Most Like to Meet: Richard Branson – he lives a lifestyle that most people wish for
Businessperson Who Has Impressed You Most: Jannie Mouton, the founder of PSG – his achievements say it all
Philosophy of Life: Time is precious, so do not spend it on people who have only their own interests at heart and are only concerned about the benefits they get from a relationship – cut them loose and enjoy those who love you for who you are and not what you are
Biggest Ever Opportunity: Being one of the founding partners of Leeuw Mining & Exploration
Biggest Ever Disappointment: I cannot think of one that stands out
Hope for the Future: In a country where there is ongoing change, every negative creates new opportunities – you just need to look wider to recognise the opportunities
Favourite Reading: Travel magazines
Favourite TV Programme: Top Gear
Favourite Food/Drink: I enjoy all red meat and like the occasional whisky on weekends
Favourite Music: Everything except jazz and blues
Favourite Sport: Cricket, with rugby a close second
Hobbies: Making fixed-blade knives
Car: Lexus
Pets: Two Yorkshire Terriers
Miscellaneous Dislikes: Dishonesty, people wanting to dictate what I must do in my spare time
Married: To Sandra, for 37 years
Children: Nadine, 33; Karin, 29
Clubs: None