Meet Nonhlanhla Mabusela

As Timrite recently reappointed Nonhlanhla Mabusela as the Managing Director, it was clearly time for us to catch up with her and chat about her life, love and vision as well as Timrite. Read on to find out all you need to know about the lovely and interesting person she is.

Talking to Nonhlanhla  

Q. What does Timrite do?

Timrite designs, manufactures and supplies underground roof support products and services to most of South Africa’s major mines. We operate timber plantations with which to supply our sawmills where the timber support packs and elongates are formed, and industrial timber products are manufactured. Timrite then supplies these products together with other steel, and polymer bag support products to most of South Africa’s major mining houses.

Q. What’s the best thing about working at Timrite?

The people as well as the daily challenges that my job entails. Being a Thebe representative presents the opportunity for Thebe to get first-hand knowledge and the expertise of running such a company, bringing us closer to our dream of creating black industrialists.

Q. What is your vision for Timrite?

My vision is to diversify from being concentrated in timber-based roof support products and start investing in other critical mining products (mostly steel). This will enable us to reach our stretch target of being a R2billion business, which will ultimately grow to R3billion in the long-term. It is also my goal to create a company that embraces Thebe’s values of transformation; which is not measured only by racial stats, but also businesses led by progressive thinkers, who are in touch with the needs of the country and the communities where they operate.

Q. What role does Timrite play in the community and South Africa as a whole?

We are the only 94% black-owned underground roof support business, the only one led by a black woman, and we fill 1200 jobs to support South African families and communities. We have 12 operations spread over 4 provinces and offer a unique combination of forestry and mining expertise. We hold a significant market share at the moment.

Q. What message do you have for your employees?

We are all aware that the mining sector has seen some tough times and is facing serious challenges. As a company, we have weathered the storms and have come out stronger. However, sector and economic reviews show that things are not going to get any easier globally or in South Africa.

We, therefore, need to continue working together to preserve jobs, by saving costs and growing our customer base and existing business. This will allow us to handle escalating costs of doing business, which is increasing at a far greater percentage than what we recoup from customers. As we do this, let’s continue to embrace our values of safety, innovation, quality, integrity, accountability and Ubuntu; as well as to appreciate and recognise the positive things around us, in spite of the challenges

Q. Who or what inspired you to be the best version of you?

The word of God. The bible says we are children of God, children of Light, that we are blessed coming in and blessed going out of this world, and that we came to earth to magnify the power of God.

Therefore, I am inspired every day to be better, to be the light, where I can, and to look for solutions instead of drowning in problems. I know all I need to do, is my best and God will do the rest. I accept that life has seasons, and not all of them are pleasurable, however, everything is a lesson and a great teacher for the person we need to be tomorrow.

I work every day towards being a grander version of myself.

Q. Who is your role model?

My grandmothers.

Q. What advice do you have for your female peers?

Follow your passions and use the gift of intuition to guide you on what next steps to take. Be open-minded, love the people you work with, and try to see them for who they are instead of focussing on their ego, especially the male ego. Look past egos and find the person behind it; once you try to do this, being a female is suddenly no longer a barrier to who you can be or how far you can go.

Strike a balance of work, home (i.e. kids and husband), and your spiritual and social life. This does not happen by itself, it needs conscious effort and is never perfect formula. However, you cannot lose sight of all the puzzle pieces screaming for attention or the need to squeeze all these things in. There are times when family comes first, there are times when work comes first, there are times when a friend in need comes first and there are times when you cannot do without prayer!

Q. What are your three greatest qualities?

My faith, being hopeful, solutions driven and empathetic with people, and my strong personality. I don’t give up easily!

Q. How do you unwind?

Time with my kids, long walks with my hubby, gospel songs, church, movies and long drives to beautiful destinations… I need a holiday!

Q. Tell us something no one knows about you.

If I did, it wouldn’t qualify as something that no one knows hehehe… but for a small fee, this can be arranged!