Manufacturing industry organisation Mining Equipment Manufacturers of South Africa (MEMSA) welcomes the focus on localisation expressed in the South African Economic Reconstruction and Recovery Plan (ERRP), and the significant demand and supply side initiatives set out in the dtic’s recently signed Steel Master Plan. Broad collaboration will be key to realising the visions and objectives of these strategies, and specifically to grow  South African mining supply chain.

At this time, MEMSA is pleased to introduce Lehlohonolo Amos Molloyi, appointed as CEO of the cluster on May 1, 2021. With his full time appointment, MEMSA enters a new phase of increased capacity. Together with Board Chair Freddy Mugeri, Vice Chair Christina Zondi and a strong,  transformed board representing small and large manufacturers and key partners, he forms part of a high-powered governance team.

He joins MEMSA at a time of great challenge and opportunity for the South African mining supply chain. Manufacturers are weathering and recovering from the disruptions of an 18 month pandemic - while responding to opportunities in a modernising mining industry, shifting commodity markets, and the imminent implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement. It is a crucial time for action to realise the supply chain’s significant potential for industrial growth and job creation, so crucial to South Africa’s future.

The cluster’s current initiatives include collaboration on RDI with the

South African Mining Extraction Research, Development & Innovation (SAMERDI)

research programmes hosted at the Mandela Mining Precinct (including technology challenges, development of a product database and testing facility); awareness building around 4IR; research on 4IR skills needs; workshops on incentives, IP protection and SEZs; and developing support for local partnerships in African markets. Within the cluster community, potential opportunities for localising supply chains and combining forces in technology development, come to the fore.

Mr Molloyi is passionate about localisation, transformation, technology development and skills development in support of a vibrant and growing South African mining supply chain. He looks forward to maximising the impact of the cluster through advocacy and deepening existing partnerships, and will take the lead in the on-going enhancement of the cluster’s value proposition to members and partners. MEMSA works closely with government departments, the Minerals Council South Africa, and partner industry associations to achieve its vision of a competitive, vibrant and transformed local mining supply chain.

Mr Molloyi has 25 years’ experience as a Process Metallurgist and Operations specialist, and has spent his career with Anglo Coal, Anglo Gold, Goldfields, Kumba Resources, TransHex and Etruscan Diamonds. Over the past decade he has held leadership positions within medium-sized and emerging entities supplying the mining industry, allowing him to understand the challenges faced by MEMSA’s diverse members.

To join MEMSA as member or associate, contact the office at admin@memsa.org.za, or call Elizabeth at 083 235 1233. Mr Molloyi can be contacted at lehlohonolo@memsa.org.za. Read more about the cluster at memsa.org.za.