Leadership is not only about what happens inside our business, it’s about how we show up for the industry, country and next generation. As we look back on 2025, Exxaro’s industry presence reflects more than participation, it reflects leadership with purpose and a deep commitment to shaping a mining sector where people, communities, technology, and sustainability thrive side by side.
Here are just a few of the ways Exxaro played a powerful role in shaping the conversations, commitments and innovations that will define the future of mining across Africa.
Empowering our future leaders at Joburg Indaba
At the 2025 Joburg Indaba, Exxaro took centre stage as CEO, Ben Magara, shared our bold direction: strengthening energy security through coal, doubling our renewable energy capacity, and investing in transition minerals like manganese. He also spoke to leadership, saying that a thriving industry is one that prepares the next generation to lead it forward.
Investing in knowledge and skills at GeoCongress
At GeoCongress 2025, Exxaro’s geologists joined South Africa’s top geoscientists to share research, build networks, and strengthen the technical foundations that will shape future mining innovation. Our presence affirmed Exxaro’s role in nurturing expertise that keeps the industry evolving.
Shaping tomorrow at Mining Indaba 2025
From climate resilience to Africa’s energy transition, Exxaro’s leaders helped drive critical discussions on building a sustainable, future-fit mining sector. Mongezi Veti spotlighted the urgency of climate-resilient communities. Richard Lilleike emphasised a low-carbon, inclusive energy future powered by strategic partnerships. Johan Meyer, emphasised the role of digital transformation in optimising operations, reducing environmental impact, and driving Zero Harm Together their contributions reinforced Exxaro’s commitment to responsible growth, innovation and long-term impact.
Click on thumbnails below to view video
Empowering SMMEs to grow, compete and thrive
A thriving industry isn’t built by mining alone, it’s built by the entrepreneurs, innovators and small businesses that strengthen local economies and create long-term opportunity.
In 2025, Exxaro continued to champion SMME growth across our host communities, offering skills, tools, funding and real pathways to economic participation.
Funding readiness: Setting entrepreneurs up for success
At Matla, local entrepreneurs received hands-on training through a Funding Readiness Workshop designed to boost confidence, sharpen business models and prepare SMMEs to access loans, grants, and investment opportunities. From business planning to financial projections, the workshop equipped emerging enterprises with practical tools to compete and grow.
Pitching for possibility: Grant competition winnerss
In Belfast, SMMEs stepped into the spotlight during a Pitch for Funding competition, where entrepreneurs refined their ideas, presented to expert panels, and secured growth-enabling grants.
The winners – Uluju Cleaning, Ayadezz Initiatives and Umlando Business Consultant – went on to complete an intensive six-day entrepreneurship programme, strengthening the foundations of their businesses.
Supporting GaNala’s youth-owned enterprises
In GaNala, Matla Coal provided essential business equipment to youth-led enterprises working to diversify the local economy. From water storage for a car wash to décor and seating for a community funeral service, these tools enabled young entrepreneurs to improve services, create jobs and build sustainable, independent income streams.
