Executive Leadership Team – Okwendalo Mining Group
Ms. Khanyisile Thwala
Ms. Khanyisile Thwala is an accomplished leader, environmental specialist, and
strategist with decades of experience in education, environmental management,
and mining development. She is a qualified lecturer who possesses a vast arry of
Education qualifications, Master’s in Environmental Sciences, an MBA, a PhD in
Biofuel Manufacturing, and a Professional Diploma in Government
Communications & Marketing from Wits University.
Her career spans senior leadership roles within the Department of Higher
Education and Training, as well as private consultancy advising on mining rights,
environmental compliance, and social labour strategies.
A certified project management and strategy specialist, she is recognized for
integrating community empowerment with sustainable mining practices. With over
30 years under government and a decade in private sector.Under her leadership,
Okwendalo Mining Group continues to grow as a responsible, innovation-driven
enterprise committed to regulatory excellence and local development across South
Africa and Mozambique.
Mr. Vumani Mncube
Mr. Vumani Mncube serves as the Chief Operating Officer (COO) of Okwendalo
Mining Group. He holds a Bachelor of Education degree from the University of
South Africa (UNISA) and a Diploma in Computer Science from Newcastle
Computer College.
As the Managing Director of Mahalisa Group, a subsidiary operationally aligned
with Okwendalo Mining Group, he brings over 15 years of experience in the
commercial and logistics sector.
Mr. Mncube is instrumental in overseeing the company’s fuel logistics, transportation
networks, and project management functions. His leadership focuses on operational
efficiency, compliance, and strategic growth across Okwendalo’s mining and energy
projects in South Africa and Mozambique.
Derrick Owen Twala
A seasoned mining leader driving safe, efficient, and compliant operations for over 33 years
Profile
Mr Derrick Owen Twala is a highly experienced mining professional with over 33 years of extensive experience in South Africa and abroad His career reflects deep technical expertise, strong leadership, and a consistent commitment to safety, operational excellence, and compliance Throughout his career, Mr Twala has successfully led large-scale mining operations ensuring efficiency, sustainability, and adherence to environmental and safety standards His strategic leadership and hands-on approach continue to drive performance improvements and operational growth in every role he undertakes
Key Responsibilities
Mr Twala develops and implements policies and strategic plans for mining production He oversees daily operations including extraction, maintenance, and waste management ensuring that all activities comply with safety, health, and environmental regulations He manages staff and resources to optimize productivity and operational performance while handling budgeting, strategic planning, and continuous improvement initiatives to achieve production targets safely and efficiently
Core Expertise
His areas of expertise include strategic mining operations, production and performance planning, safety and environmental compliance, budgeting and resource management, staff leadership and development, as well as operational excellence and continuous improvement His leadership style combines technical depth with practical decision-making, ensuring both productivity and compliance are achieved across all mining activities
Technical Certifications
Mr Twala holds several technical certifications including a Mine Manager’s Certificate, Blasting and Strata Control, Gas Testing and Flame Proofing, and Mine Rescue Operations These qualifications demonstrate his strong technical foundation and his commitment to maintaining the highest standards of safety and professionalism within the mining industry
Career History
Mr Derrick Twala is currently serving as Mine Manager at Okwendalo Mine where he leads mine operations with a focus on safety, compliance, and productivity while implementing operational strategies that enhance performance and sustainability Previously he was the Production Director at Zululand Anthracite Collieries where he directed production operations, optimized resource utilization, and strengthened safety and compliance systems across all departments Before that he served as Production Manager at Sasol Mining, Durnacol Navigation Collieries Mine in Witbank where he managed production processes, workforce performance, and operational targets, ensuring safety and efficiency in all mining activities
Education
He holds an Honours Degree in Mining and a Degree in Mining Production, providing him with both the academic and practical background necessary for leading modern mining operations
Mr. Thabani Launcelot Ngwenya
Mr. Thabani Ngwenya is a certified Construction Health, Safety and Environment
Officer (SACPCMP CHSO 2136/2018) with extensive experience across major
industrial and mining operations. He holds qualifications in Health and Safety
Management from UNISA, Business Management from Vaal University of
Technology, and multiple safety credentials from NOSA and SASOL, including Basic
Rigging, Fire Fighting, and First Aid.
With over a decade of experience enforcing compliance under the OHS Act, NEMA,
and SANS codes, Mr. Ngwenya has served as Senior Safety Officer for leading
projects at SASOL Secunda, Matla Power Station, and Babcock Ntuthuko
Generation.
At Okwendalo Mining Group, he leads all Health, Safety, and Environmental (HSE)
functions—ensuring that operations meet the highest standards of ISO, DMRE, SABS,
and BBBEE compliance while fostering a culture of zero harm and sustainable
workplace safety.