Full Name: Paseka Leeuw

Position and Company Name: Head, School of Mining Engineering at the University of the Witwatersrand, in Johannesburg

Main Activity of the Company: Mining engineering education

Date and Place of Birth: September 18, 1970, Welkom, in the Free State province

Schools and Tertiary Education: I attended Phomolong Primary School (Western Holdings Gold Mine village), Embonisweni Primary School, Leseding Technical Secondary School, and the University of the Witwatersrand, where I earned BSc Eng, MSc Eng and doctoral degrees. I also graduated from De Montfort University with an MBA

First Job: Graduate mining engineer at De Beers Consolidated Mines’ Koffiefontein mine

Size of First Pay Packet: All I remember is that it was more than what my father earned – I was astonished!

Career Path to Date: My career started in mining engineering, followed by a transition into contract mining. I later moved into academia, engaging in both teaching and research, and have since progressed into academic administration (leadership and management)

Value of Assets under Your Control: Not stated

Number of People under Your Leadership: A total of 36 academic and support staff, as well as 764 undergraduate and postgraduate students

Management Style: Outcome-driven

Personal Best Achievement: Becoming a father

Person Who Has Had the Biggest Influence on Your Life: My parents

Person Who Has Had the Biggest Influence on Your Career: My predecessor, Professor Cuthbert Musingwini

Person You Would Most Like to Meet: Former South African President Thabo Mbeki

Businessperson Who Has Impressed You Most: Nigerian industrialist Aliko Mohammad Dangote, founder of Dangote Group, one of Africa’s largest and most diversified conglomerates

Philosophy of Life: You are what you think (your dominant thoughts shape you)

Biggest Ever Opportunity: Being awarded a scholarship to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Mining Engineering

Biggest Ever Disappointment: None so far

Hope for the Future: A better and prosperous South Africa

Favourite Reading: The Warren Buffett Way, by Warren Buffett, and The Master Key System, by Charles F Haanel

Favourite TV Programme: Shaka Ilembe

Favourite Food/Drink: De-alcoholised merlot

Favourite Music: South African deep-house and jazz

Favourite Sport: Football and Formula 1 (motorsport)

Hobbies: Morning walks

Car: 4 × 4 bakkies

Pets: None

Miscellaneous Dislikes: None

Married: To Mmabatho

Children: Letlotlo, 21

Clubs: None