Celebrating the Youth of Exxaro
Youth Month Feature
June is Youth Month – a time to celebrate the power, potential and purpose of young people across South Africa. At Exxaro, we’re proud of the role our youth are already playing in shaping the future, not just for our business, but for their communities and the country.
In this article, we caught up with some of our young colleagues to find out what they value most about working at Exxaro, what impact the company has had on them, and what advice they’d share with others starting out in their careers. Their stories are honest, inspiring, and a reminder that the next generation is already rising.
Aedan Beukes
Matla, PIT Civil Engineer
Tell us about a challenge you faced — and what you learnt from it.
Moving to Mpumalanga was a bit scary at first, as it meant a big change in lifestyle – everything was extremely far and unfamiliar. Adjusting to the work was also challenging, as it was outside the scope of what I studied during my degree. To overcome this, I had to humble myself, lean on the knowledge of others, and make use of free resources like UDEMY courses and YouTube tutorials. Additionally, I began to understand how to manage my money better and the importance of budgeting.
Emely Mahlangu
Leeuwpan, Intern People & Performance
What would you tell a young person thinking of joining Exxaro?
Exxaro offers young professionals opportunities for growth, equipping them with essential skills for the future. Joining this organisation means becoming part of a diverse, inclusive, and innovative environment that values employees and provides a fulfilling work experience. Through its DE&I strategy, Exxaro fosters gender equity, LGBTQIA+ inclusion, racial equity, disability awareness, and supplier diversity – driving meaningful change in both business and society.
Duduzile Nxumalo
Grootegeluk, Engineer -Small Engineering Works
Tell us about a challenge you faced — and what you learnt from it.
The structured exposure to diverse roles and environments within the PIT programme. Each rotation challenged me in a new way whether it was learning about electrical systems at Matla, diving deep into water modelling with Zutari, or leading an electric vehicle Proof of Concept at Grootegeluk. The support from experienced mentors and managers also played a critical role. They gave me space to learn, make mistakes, and grow both technically and as a leader.
Amogelang Setlhalogile
The conneXXion, Coordinator Domestic Marketing
What does being part of Exxaro’s next generation of leaders mean to you?
It means living the company’s values every day and starting with leading self. It’s about being accountable, showing up with integrity, staying curious, and continuously striving to grow and uplift others along the way.
Moipone Mokhonoane
Belfast, PIT Industrial Engineering
What has helped you grow most in your journey at Exxaro so far?
The incredible people around me. Their intelligence and willingness to challenge me have provided invaluable guidance, allowing me to develop new skills and gain meaningful insights.
Given Matlou
Leeuwpan, Geologist
Embracing mentorship, seeking guidance, and adapting to new opportunities have been key to my growth at Exxaro.
“A new day, comes with new opportunities” – Every day brings fresh possibilities, and the willingness to learn from mistakes has shaped my journey.
Khethani Aluwani
Matla, Intern Environmental Management
What has helped you grow most in your journey at Exxaro so far?
As an environmental intern at Exxaro, I’d say that the hands-on experience and exposure to real-world sustainability projects have helped me grow the most. Working alongside experienced professionals and being part of cross-functional teams has broadened my understanding of environmental management in the mining industry. I’ve gained valuable insights into implementing sustainable practices, managing environmental impacts, and ensuring compliance with regulations.
Letshego Sebego
Matla, Intern Occupational Hygiene
Who or what inspires you to keep showing up and pushing forward every day?
I’m inspired by the people around me – the commitment, professionalism and passion from my colleagues is something I admire and learn from daily. I’m also inspired by the purpose behind what we do. Occupational hygiene might not always be visible but knowing that my work contributes to preventing illness, reducing risk, and promoting long term well-being keeps me up and going.
Linda Citwa
FerroAlloys, Officer Receiver Supply Chain Management
How has your perspective on the mining and energy industry evolved since joining?
I’ve come to understand that the mining industry plays a significant role in our communities. It drives growth, empowering young entrepreneurs and offering bursaries that enable the youth to pursue higher education. It unlocks potential in young people, helping them recognise opportunities they may not have realised were within their reach.
Lindelwa Nhlebela
The conneXXion, PIT Electrical Engineer
Tell us about a challenge you faced and what you learnt from it.
As a PIT I was introduce to a dynamic working environment and I quickly learnt that work isn’t just about numbers and calculations – it’s about people. Navigating diverse environments, from underground shafts to plants and corporate offices, challenged me to adapt how I communicate. Each space required a different approach, and through this journey, I’ve developed the ability to adjust my communication style to connect effectively in any setting. It’s a skill that has shaped me both professionally and personally.
Masego Madiba
Leeuwpan, Personal Assistant to the BU Manager
What opportunities or moments have made you feel seen or valued in your early days here?
When I first joined, I assumed my responsibilities would be limited to administrative tasks, and I viewed my role as somewhat separate from the core operations, but the team made it clear that my role is a critical part of the broader value chain. What truly made me feel seen and appreciated was the way they included me from the start. Their openness and willingness to seek out and value my input affirmed that we are truly in this together.
Mbally Sibanyoni
The conneXXion, Senior Process Engineer
What does Youth Month mean to you, personally and professionally?
Youth Month is a time to honour the sacrifices of the past while recognising the potential and responsibility of young professionals today. Personally, it reminds me of how far I’ve come and how many doors were opened for me through education and mentorship. Professionally, it’s a call to action and to lead with purpose and uplift others.
Mohau Matlou
Grootegeluk, Intern Business Improvement
What motivated you to join Exxaro, and what has stood out most in your experience so far?
I was motivated to join Exxaro because of its diversified investments, which at the time included coal, solar energy, and more recently, manganese. This strategic direction indicated a stable company with a forward-looking vision. What stood out most for me has been the vast amount of available data and automated reports. These tools offer rich insights into the performance of the business and have helped broaden my analytical skills.
The conneXXion, PIT People & Performance
What would you tell a young person thinking of joining Exxaro?
Be ready to grow! not just in your career, but as a person. Exxaro isn’t just about mining it’s about impact. Bring your curiosity, your courage, and your commitment. This is a place that values purpose just as much as performance. So don’t hold back – step in and bring your full self.
Roxanne van Oudsthoorn
Grootegeluk, PIT Industrial Engineering
What does Youth Month mean to you, personally and professionally?
Working on projects that I know will add value is what really drives me. My team also plays a huge role — they’re incredibly knowledgeable and experienced, and we have a culture of empowerment, where help is offered freely. My personal goal isn’t tied to a specific title, but rather to constantly grow into the best leader I can be — in whichever forward direction that takes me, guided by purpose and faith.
FerroAlloys, Metallurgical Technician
How has Exxaro supported your personal and professional development?
Through training, mentorship, and hands-on projects, I’ve strengthened my skills and leadership while broadening my perspective through cross-functional collaboration and challenging assignments. On a personal level, the culture of continuous learning and teamwork has boosted my confidence, inspiring me to set higher goals and grow both professionally and personally.
Belfast, Data Lead
What motivated you to join Exxaro, and what has stood out most in your experience so far?
I was motivated to join Exxaro by the transformative strides the company takes to innovate and grow. Exxaro constantly demonstrates that it won’t only be here today but will also be here in the future by adopting novel, and sustainable ways to doing things to ensure that they are future fit.
Uviwe Mkupa
The conneXXion, PIT Information Management
Who or what inspires you to keep showing up and pushing forward every day?
What inspires me most is the effort and investment Exxaro has made in the PIT programme. It creates a strong sense of support and value. Being surrounded by excellent leaders who provide consistent guidance, along with working in a healthy and encouraging environment, motivates me to give my best every day.




















