Ubuntu

Source: Energy Digital

Date :13/06/2008 09:08:57

Ubuntu Small Scale Mining is a unique South African mining company. It looks for equality and is reaping the rewards. Exec learns more

Written by Ian Armitage and Produced by Alex Smith

South Africa is very much the jewel is Africa’s crown. It has the continent’s biggest economy and is working tirelessly to create a bright “future for all”.

We are all familiar with the fall of Apartheid, but the battle for equality remains, particularly in industries dominated by whites. Still, the country is progressing and a new democratic culture appears to be taking hold; however, the transition is slow and much more needs to be done.

Recognising this, many businesses are doing their bit to encourage equality – mostly through empowerment schemes.

Ubuntu Small Scale Mining is one such company.

Since its formation, the firm whose vision is to become a leading non-racial entrepreneurial and socially responsible service rendering company, has been encouraging economic empowerment for groups that have been “previously disadvantaged”. Such measures are “designed to reduce poverty in the country”. Dubious? The company’s Acting MD is not only black, she is also a woman.

“I joined the mining industry in 2005,” she tells Exec. ”And I am delighted to have risen through the ranks and to be leading this company forward. We aim to contribute positively through active participation to all sectors and pursue opportunities in Africa, particularly in all non-core and other sectors.”

As a young, ambitious and highly talented black woman, Lerato Moletsane has had to overcome a lot of adversity - serving only to make her stronger – and she is, in her opinion, “up for the challenge”.

Spirit of the community

Moletsane believes the white-dominated South African mining industry is “most definitely improving for the better” and is herself a perfect example of what can be achieved in a country full of potential.

“It is changing, but gradually so,” explains Moletsane. “There are now more women entering the industry and black people have more of a say.”

Marshalltown-based Ubuntu Small Scale Mining, operating under Ubuntu SSM(Pty)Ltd since 2004, has played a significant role in changing this and has been running in what Moletsane calls a “small scale environment, in which mining companies can enter the market see what they can do within the industry” – thus encouraging new entrants. It is currently operating throughout South Africa, enjoying something of a boom in the gold, platinum and coal sectors. “We do all the main services and our business has a lot of scope,” she adds. “We also do maintenance work. We are still growing and developing, but have become the contractor of choice in the small-scale environment.”

The market though is extremely competitive, which presents numerous problems, made worse by what Moletsane describes as a “skills shortage.” However, Ubuntu Small Scale Mining has a wealth of knowledge and tries to “keep good people, while finding new, ambitious workers.”

Since its inception, the firm has always believed that “great people build greater companies,” and that by building “trust” it will enjoy a bright future. These are common themes in both staff retention and recruitment.

“We don’t discriminate,” she says. “We treat everybody as an equal and offer every worker the opportunity to grow up the hierarchy. I think we have lived up to what we believe in and what we stand for.”

Breath of fresh air

Not so long ago, previously disadvantaged people had “no entry whatsoever” into the mining industry and “exploitation” was widespread, says Moletsane. She believes companies like Ubuntu Small Scale Mining, which buck the trend, are showing others the way forward and, in doing so, the company has a platform from which to flourish. ”I believe the industry has a strong social responsibility and we always try to give back to the community. We give local people the opportunity to come to us and show what they can do, improve and learn new skills. We give power back to the disadvantaged.”

Why do this? Well, Moletsane wants to build an environment of motivated and fulfilled employees. She embraces Ubuntu and encourages others in the industry to “do the same.” Safety has also been a focus for Ubuntu Small Scale Mining. It is an issue the company takes very seriously, as Moletsane says “we need to make sure we are operating in a safe environment.” She asks “what is the point in bring new people into an unsafe environment?” and believes “everybody needs to take responsibility for safety.”

Everyday, Moletsane adds, the firm “educates people about safety”. She also says it stresses the importance of rest.

“In the mining industry you try to encourage people to work as much as they can, but on the other hand we encourage our workers to have time off and spend it with their families.” This, she explains, makes for a “healthy and happy workforce.”

Well-respected

Ubuntu Small Scale Mining is well known for delivering on-time and within budget. It is fast becoming a well-respected player. “I’m proud of what we have achieved,” says Moletsane. “We will grow the business, but we will also provide opportunities for people to grow.

“I would like the company to be in an ownership position, growing gradually, so that we remain in a small scale environment and can challenge the industry. We want to change a lot of working practices – such as safety and working methods – and also want to continue empowering groups that have previously been ignored.

“We have got the skills within to enjoy a bright future and are encouraging people to enter the industry,” she says.

A subsidiary of Harmony Gold, Ubuntu has been able to adopt and develop one of the more comprehensive and sound operating principles in contracting. And, it is set for a bright future. “I believe in living up to the challenge, which is what we are doing regardless of what happens in the industry,” concludes Moletsane. “You’ve got to look at what your company is made of, what sort of people you are made of. You have to be fully committed and have to be full aware of the skills that people can bring to the company.”