Youth Creating Impact Beyond the Surface

This Youth Month, we celebrated young people who are building their skills, pursuing their ambitions and creating their own Impact Beyond the Surface.

Our commitment to developing future talent remains strong. In 2025, Exxaro invested R77 million in youth development initiatives, supporting 76 Professionals in Training (PITs), 167 bursars, including 30 bursars living with disabilities, and four participants in the Candidacy Programme.

Behind many of these opportunities are Exxaro employees who give their time as mentors, coaches and role models, helping young people navigate their development and realise their potential.

20 years old in our 20^th year

As part of our Youth Month celebrations, we caught up with six learners from the Grovos Training Centre in Lephalale, a skills development facility supported by Grootegeluk Complex that provides accredited vocational training in trades and technical disciplines.

Their stories carried special significance this year. Helios Myburgh, Dikeledi Makhutja, Keitumetse Kekana, Divan van den Heever, Matjiu Faith and Mark Smit are all 20 years old, the same age Exxaro celebrates this year as we mark 20 Years of Impact Beyond the Surface.

Across our two part Youth Month series, the learners shared their experiences at Grovos, their aspirations and what access to skills development means for their futures. They also reflected on where they hope to be 20 years from now.

Their stories brought our anniversary into a new generation, showing how opportunities created today can equip young people with the skills and experience to shape their own futures.

Connecting with our University of Pretoria bursars

Our focus on future talent continued with an engagement between Exxaro bursars at the University of Pretoria and members of our Executive Committee, led by CEO Ben Magara.

The engagement created an opportunity to connect with students and hear about their experiences, ambitions and development, while reaffirming Exxaro's commitment to investing in education and developing the skills needed for the future.

We caught up with six of our bursars to hear how Exxaro's support is helping them pursue their ambitions.

Kgodiso Tjale | Geology

Currently completing his Honours degree, Kgodiso has gained financial support and valuable exposure to mining operations through the Exxaro bursary. He hopes to continue his development through Exxaro's Professional in Training programme.

Marianne Semmelink | Industrial Engineering

Marianne is a third year student passionate about improving processes and finding practical solutions that make people's lives easier. The bursary has provided financial peace of mind, strengthened her confidence and connected her with students across different disciplines. She is particularly interested in applying her skills within renewable energy.