Full Name: Peterson Siyabonga Mathonsi
Position: Engineering manager, Zulu Anthracite Colliery (ZAC)
Main Activity of the Company: Mining and beneficiation of anthracite coal
Date and Place of Birth: October 5, 1978, Hammarsdale, KwaZulu-Natal
Education: BTech (electrical engineering – heavy current); government certificate of competence (GCC) – electrical engineer (mines and works)
First Job: Operator, Federal Mogul, Pinetown, 1999
Size of First Pay Packet: About R650 fortnightly
Value of Assets under Your Control: About R345-million
Number of People under Your Leadership: ZAC employs 239 people
Management Style: Authoritative – I give direction and vision to my subordinates and manage execution and performance in a firm but fair manner
Personal Best Achievement: Attaining the GCC (mines and works), appointment to engineering manager level and being blessed with a wife and two children
Person Who Has Had the Biggest Influence on Your Life: My mother, Sebezile Cathrine Mdunge
Person Who Has Had the Biggest Influence on Your Career: Howard Atkinson
Person You Would Most Like to Meet: President JG Zuma
Businessperson Who Has Impressed You Most: Patrice Motsepe
Philosophy of Life: The keys to unlock the doors to personal excellence: the will to win, the desire to succeed and the urge to reach your full potential
Biggest Ever Opportunity: Serving as an engineering manager at ZAC
Biggest Ever Disappointment: Not being admitted to the University of KwaZulu-Natal
Hope for the Future: To serve at executive level
Favourite Reading: Newspaper articles; lately, I have developed an interest in economics and business
Favourite TV Programme: Isibaya and news channels
Favourite Food/Drink: Hake or lamb chops/any soft drink
Favourite Music: House and R&B
Favourite Sport: Soccer
Hobbies: Soccer, volleyball and tennis
Car: Jeep Grand Cherokee
Pets: A dog
Miscellaneous Dislikes: None
Married: To Pretty Xolisile
Children: Sinecebo Nkazimulo, 6; Wenzokuhle Zibusiso, 1
Clubs/Organisations: The Engineering Council of South Africa, the South African Colliery Engineers Association