In recognition and celebration of key role players in South Africa’s mining industry, the Joburg Indaba launched its SA Mining Hall of Fame at a gala dinner on the eve of the forth Joburg Indaba at the Inanda Club, Johannesburg.
“Johannesburg was established 130 years ago, and mining is the corner stone of this South African city. We as the Joburg Indaba felt there was an obvious omission and believe it to be important to celebrate those who have made a significant contribution to mining, and so we created the SA Mining Hall of Fame,” stated Joburg Indaba Chairperson Bernard Swanepoel
From a selection of diverse nominees, nine South Africans were inducted into the inaugural Joburg Indaba’s SA Mining Hall of Fame. The inductees were selected on the basis of having been in the mining industry for an extended period of time, those who have acted responsibly, with integrity and those who in essence have moved the industry forward.
“The inductees are role models of our industry, people that have taken our industry forward when we thought it was impossible,” mentioned Swanepoel.
Brian Gilbertson, the first inductee, accepted the award with gratitude and acknowledged that he had been fortunate to have had colleagues that helped him build the companies be did. “The mining industry continues to be an important industry, because it is resilient, provides jobs, and has an important role to play in fostering the development of our communities”.
Phumzile Mhlambo Ngcuka, former Deputy President of South Africa, and Minister of Mines, was heralded as one who single handedly opened up the mining industry to women.
Bobby Godsell, another inductee stated “I stand on the shoulders of giants, labour leaders, and tycoons from the 1970s who were able to lay the foundations that we celebrate tonight.”
Brian Gilbertson on accepting his award believes that the mining industry continues to be an important industry because of its resilience, its provision of jobs, and an important role player in fostering development in communities.
On accepting his award Mark Bristow acknowledged the Joburg Indaba as an ‘amazing forum’, and just what South Africa, and specifically Africa needs, “Africa is a great place, and if we stop thinking that all the clever people come from oversees, we will go a long way than where we are today.”
A totally surprised recipient Sipho Nkosi paid homage to former leaders in the industry that had the vision to ensure we had a mining industry today, and to those that are yet to come.
Other recipients included Barry Davison, Mary Hermanus and Gwede Mantashe and Patrice Motsepe.
The Joburg Indaba gets underway tomorrow 5-6 October at the Inanda Club, in Johannesburg. www.joburgindaba.com
