Mduduzi’s mining career takes shape

Learner miner, Mduduzi Shoba                         

Mduduzi Shoba grows more determined to achieve his dreams with each passing day working at Kangra. Mduduzi, from Emahashini, a small village near the mine, became a security guard for a short stint after completing matric in 2018 but could not find a stable job afterwards.

A glimmer of hope emerged in 2022 when he saw an advertisement inviting community members with mathematics and science to apply for a skills development programme at the mine.  "There were posters in public areas like shops. I thought this would be a good opportunity, so I applied, " he reflects.

Fast forward to 29 May 2023, the day Mduduzi started working at Kangra. He found invaluable lessons about mining, especially the importance of health & safety.  "I think it is key. One thing they continuously teach us is that you can mine as much coal as you want, but safety comes first," he says. He is honing his skills, pursuing his blasting certificate at Witbank College.  Mduduzi finds inspiration in his mentor and Uthingo (formerly Balgarthen) mine overseer, Musa Ntsele. "In the next 10 years from now, I want to be like Musa, leading a strong team and breaking production records," says Mduduzi.