BACKGROUND

In the wake of an uncertainty on the international job market when millions all over are looking for work in different companies Bruce Msizi Mhlanga (Director) and Zanele Gloria Mbuyane (CFO) are entrepreneurs aiming for the sky. Whilst many keep struggling to keep up with the unpredictable economy Mhlanga and Mbuyane have taken it upon themselves to come up with coal mining company BM Coal Holdings in Witbank, Mpumalanga Province defying all odds through joining the mining sector which employs over 450 000 locals.

Since conception in January 2010 the journey through the company’s vision of aiming to become self sustained, a development facilitator and leading institution in Mpumalanga province and the country as a whole has and continues to gain remarkable momentum.

Humble beginnings saw the company kick off business by supplying coal for household use in Soweto Johannesburg, from this humble business venture the rising giant in the “black gold” business found its way to a more suitable site at Ronderbult Colliery in Witbank.

This decision to move meant that business had to be done on a larger scale as the new premises permitted this thereby making it possible for BM holdings to become a saviour to the unemployed, the company has since offered employment to a sizable number of locals.

As an Affirmative Business Enterprise (ABE) employees and prospective employees of the company are blessed as they have nothing to worry about in terms of discrimination. Though South Africa is working hard towards fulfilling its status as a rainbow nation discrimination continues to blot the nation’s good intention it is with this in mind that BM holdings employs zero tolerance against any form of discrimination be it racial, tribal, gender or any other form of discrimination.

At BM coal holdings activities include, buying and selling of coal, blending coal as well as the washing of coal which is a total package in the coal mining business. The above mentioned processes require expertise that is provided through the management of Mhlanga who has a wealth of knowledge of all the processes. Progress made so far will point towards the indicator that he is the man for the job as the company’s staying power is certainly a sign of client satisfaction.

Mhlanga’s skills were acquired partly from West coal in Witbank and from various coal houses, experience and contacts’ satisfaction is testimony of how the skills are apparently being put to good use.

Since the coal business is a serious business qualified mining engineers, metallurgists, lab technicians, geologists are engaged when necessary for technical support and the best results.  BM Coal holdings enjoy a solid relationship with NOKO analytic laboratory which assists with quality testing and guarantee for required products and specification.

Those with doubts about the female instinct will certainly be forced to eat humble pie by the fact that ownership of the company is 100% female. CFO Zanele Gloria Mbuyane has more than set her sight on making it in a male dominated industry and thus far BM Coal holdings her brainchild is distinctly demonstrating that gender has nothing to do with making it. Her skills and expertise complements that of management hence making her a force to recon with.

The structure and management of the company clearly bring out the fact that their endeavours to address imbalances that come about due to discriminatory practices is not just on paper but it began right at its conception and Mbuyanes’ influential position is true testimony of this.

All projects self funded hence some of the operational difficulties but through it all BM stands tall and proud with clear sight of a bright future. Most of the equipment is hired and the premises rented hence this eats into the company’s income. Plans are in the pipeline for the acquisition of the company’s own equipment and subsequent purchase of a mine. This will be achieved through hard work dedication and commitment which is abundant at BM coal holdings.

As a part of satisfactory Service Delivery to Clients the company intends to open as many blending sites as possible in Mpumalanga and the rest of South Africa. In terms of giving back to the community the Corporate Social Responsibility strategy for the company is aimed at infrastructure development in Mpumalanga for starters. In a sign of true solidarity with other upcoming businesses BM is set on offering all the assistance it can for their growth and development.

The pollution issue is a pain when it comes to mining and coal production is taking blows for its contribution to air pollution. Measures to deal with and minimise environmental effects created by coal production are top priority at BM. Comprehensive conservation strategies are being put in place to ensure that the company does not become an enemy of the green movement these strategies are seeing safe environmental practices integrated into the business practice here.

To its credit so far the holdings company has had the privilege to process hospital peas which we have supplied to hospitals in Mpumalanga, Barberton, Rob Ferreira, etc. Satisfied clients include Winter Breeze, liquid Mist, Roovial(one of the biggest power stations in Tshwane among others.

A grace coal processing now in progress for export as BM coal holdings continues to keep its focus on the sky which is by the looks of things the only limit. A shining example of determination goal orientation and focus is taking Mbuyane, Mhlanga and their team at BM coal holdings all the way from strength to strength. Sooner than later it is going to be impossible to mention coal mining in SA and leave out BM a coal holding which is destined for greatness.