As part of its growth expansion strategy, explosives manufacturer AEL Mining Services announced the appointment of Francois van Niekerk to manage its global sourcing department.

As the global sourcing manager, Van Niekerk is responsible for implementing relevant systems and procedures enabling the department to work optimally and add significant value to the operations of the business on a global scale.

Van Niekerk’s vision for his department is to align with the company’s strategic goals and to become class-leading in terms of the operation of the department, which he believes can add significant value to all aspects of the organisation.

“Contributing to the achievement of the business strategy and objectives, more specifically those contained in the AEL 2017 vision, is our top immediate priority as a department," he says.

He adds that he is confident that his department will be able to do this effectively and play its part in ensuring that the procurement practices of the company are run efficiently.
A certified chartered account, Van Niekerk will also be in charge of managing and coordinating procurement agents, buyers and purchasing agents, as well conducting research and evaluating and buying products and services for AEL Mining Services’ projects.
He will also be responsible for meeting the procurement and supply chain needs of the operation. This will include the maintenance of the procurement system, ethical codes and practices, tendering and contracting procedures.
Van Niekerk is a former team leader in the sourcing stream for the company’s Business Optimisation Project. In his previous role, Van Niekerk was responsible for managing this stream on behalf of AEL Mining Services while ensuring final delivery to the satisfaction of all stakeholders concerned.
During his 11-year tenure at AEL Mining Services, Van Niekerk’s roles have included the roles of accountant at AEL holding company, the AECI group, in Heartlands, and financial manager for AEL in West Africa, based in Ghana, before returning to South Africa.
“As we strive to cement our position in the country, the continent and the global market, it’s imperative for us to attract and retain the most dynamic people that will shape the future of our business. We believe Van Niekerk’s appointment aligns with this strategy and, on behalf of the group board, I wish him well in his new role,” says AEL Mining Services commercial executive director Trevor Roberts.

Van Niekerk replaces Sylvester Duma who retired after a successful 41 years at the company.