The Council for Mineral Technology (Mintek) has welcomed the announcement by Cabinet confirming the appointment of its new board of directors.

Dr Thibedi Ramontja, who was appointed chairperson of the board on August 30, 2022, will continue serving in the same capacity.

Ntombifuthi Zikalala-Mvelase, who has been reappointed to the board, will serve as deputy chairperson, while Pontsho Maruping and Rudolf Heydenrich have also been reappointed to the board.

Dr Siyabonga Simayi, Dr Takalani Madzivhandila, Azwinndini Mavis Thomani, Livhu Nengovhela and Faith Ntokozo Ngcwabe (as the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy, or DMRE, representative) are the other board members.

Mintek, as an entity of the DMRE, is entrusted with the mandate of promoting mineral technology, fostering industry establishment, and developing a capable workforce in the fields of science, engineering and technology.

Through relevant applied research, technological innovation, and support for emerging and mature industries, Mintek says it strives to contribute to the national goals of growing the economy, increasing employment, ensuring environmental sustainability, and improving education, training and innovation.

Speaking on the appointment, Mintek CEO Dr Molefi Motuku expressed his congratulations to the newly appointed board members and conveyed his appreciation for their willingness to serve on the board.

He also expressed gratitude to the outgoing board members for their valuable contribution and dedicated service to Mintek, acknowledging their instrumental role in guiding the organisation’s strategic direction.

“We look forward to working with the new board in advancing Mintek's strategic objectives and their essential contribution to realising national goals,” Motuku said.

He further expressed his anticipation of a fruitful tenure as the newly appointed board assumed their responsibilities, emphasising the shared commitment to advancing the minerals sector and bolstering the overall economy.

Mintek said it was confident that the new board members’ collective expertise and diverse backgrounds would further enhance the organisation’s vision to be a global leader in the mining and minerals sector.