Meet Gugulethu’s homegrown stakeholder relations superintendent

Sibusiso Mashinini, Gugulethu Colliery Stakeholder Relations Superintendent

Sibusiso Mashinini is passionate about working with people and ensuring their satisfaction, a task that is not easy but comes naturally to him. He holds the position of Stakeholder Relations Superintendent at Canyon Coal's Gugulethu Colliery where he works closely with different stakeholders, such as the community, traditional councils, and the municipality. Dealing with various stakeholders on different issues can be challenging, but Sibusiso has a unique approach to engaging with people.

This method ensures that everyone is on the same page, and a mutual solution to the challenges at hand can be found. In addition to his 15 years of experience in mine health and safety, Sibusiso has also served as a member of the Gugulethu Community Forum. He utilises his experience as a forum member to effectively navigate the challenges facing stakeholders. Sibusiso lives in Davel Nooitgedagcht Farm, Mpumalanga close to where the mine is located. He takes pride in knowing and understanding the challenges facing different stakeholders. Currently, unemployment and skills shortages are major challenges affecting various stakeholders.

Sibusiso believes that such challenges can be tackled through collaboration between the mine, community members, local municipalities, and relevant government departments such as the Department of Education. Sibusiso has the best interests of the Gugulethu community at heart and wishes to see the project thrive beyond expectations. "My ultimate goal is to witness this project flourish, ultimately unlocking economic opportunities that will significantly improve the lives of the communities surrounding the mine," he says.