The whole truly is the sum of its parts.
Our People
The SSC Group is far more than simply a group of companies. It is a strategic collective of like-minded individuals, each with a specialised set of skills that feed into the total service offering of the holistic Group.
Fred Arendse
Fred is a mining entrepreneur and founder of the SSC Group, with over three decades of experience in the mining industry and serves on numerous boards.
Fred plays an active leadership role for peace and stability in the SA mining industry. He has a degree in HR and Business Management. He is also the Founding Chairman of the Foundation for Peace and Prosperity (NPO), founding President of the Junior Mining Council of South Africa, Chairman of the Mining Portfolio of the Black Business Council of South Africa and Deputy Chairperson of the South African National AIDS Council (SANAC PSF), which represents the private sector in South Africa's national response to HIV, TB and STIs.
Martin Schermers
Martin has four decades of experience across various fields predominantly in the mining sector and a background in finance.
Martin has sterling experience in governance, internal controls, financial statements, reporting, IFRS, compliance, and risk management. Martin holds a BCompt degree and is an AGA(SA).
Lisa-Lou Arendse
Lisa-Lou Arendse is an accomplished woman who has built her career following the spirit of ‘ubuntu’.
She is on track in taking the lead in the sphere of Humanitarian Entrepreneurial Endeavours in a variety of industries such as: the Automotive Sector, Mining, Legal, as well as Education and Training.
She has a degree in Sociology and International Politics From Monash University, Australia
Dr. Iesrafeel Jakoet CA(SA)
Dr. Iesrafeel has held several financial positions since 2007, gaining experience in financial and IT audits, statutory and legal requirements, B-BBEE, financial reporting and performance improvement consulting.
He holds a Master’s in Development Finance from the Stellenbosch Business School.
Dr. Godknows Mudimu
Dr. Godknows holds a PhD in Mining and Labour Law, an LLM in Human Rights, a BSocSc, and an LLB. Dr. Godknows specialises in developing sustainable solutions for mining companies and the communities impacted by their operations.
His interests include ESG, occupational health and safety, community development, and equitable sharing of mineral resources. He is a registered member of SAIOSH and a research associate at MLiA, with a focus on ESG governance.
Adv Thabo Mokoena
Mining and Energy Consultant. Former Director General of Mineral Resources and Energy.
Experienced public servant and business leader. Bachelor of Laws (LLB) and Postgraduate Diploma in Law.
Currently pursuing an LLM in Environmental and Energy Law.
Jimmy Gama
A seasoned labour relations, stakeholder engagement, and governance leader with over three decades of experience in the mining and employee benefits sectors. He served as President of UMIWUSA, the first Regional Secretary of AMCU for Mpumalanga and KwaZulu-Natal, Treasurer General of AMCU from 2011 to 2025, and Chief Negotiator since 2013, playing a pivotal role in advancing employee benefits and collective bargaining outcomes across the mining industry.
His extensive governance experience includes serving as Chairperson of the Board of Trustees of the Ubhaqa Provident Fund, Trustee of the Igula Umbrella Provident Fund, Non-Executive Director of Labuya Holdings and the Junior Mining Council, as well as Executive Director of Mphikeli Holdings. He also contributed to the establishment of the AMCU Funeral Scheme, which today serves thousands of members and their families.
He began his career at Zululand Anthracite Colliery in 1992, progressing through finance, inventory management, employee representation, and employee benefits roles. He later held leadership positions at Ingwe Collieries and BHP Billiton before being appointed Head: Stakeholder Engagement at the SSC Group.
A firm believer in collective leadership, continuous learning, and empowerment, he is committed to fostering business growth, job creation, and meaningful opportunities for communities, youth, and women.
Rahjahn Ishwar
Rahjahn Ishwar is a metallurgist, mining executive and entrepreneur with nearly four decades of experience in the mining and resources sector. Since beginning his career with De Beers in 1987, he has progressed through technical and operational leadership roles with leading mining organisations, including Anglo American, Johannesburg Consolidated Investments (JCI) and Anglo Platinum. His experience spans metallurgical operations, plant management, technical operations and the leadership of multibillion-rand operations.
As Group Executive: Business Development and Technical Support at SSC Group, Rahjahn drives strategic growth, strengthens technical capability and identifies emerging opportunities across the resources value chain. His role brings together deep industry knowledge, commercial insight and a forward-looking approach to unlocking value in a rapidly evolving sector.
Bridging the worlds of technical excellence, operational leadership and entrepreneurial thinking, Rahjahn brings both strategic vision and practical experience to the development of Africa’s mineral wealth. He is passionate about harnessing innovation, advancing the potential of critical minerals and championing sustainable development to unlock new opportunities, create enduring value and help shape the future of mining on the continent.
Melody Dreyer
Melody has over 20 years of financial work experience in the financial services, freight, financial operations management, construction and explosives industries backed with a BCom degree.
She brings a wealth of financial expertise to the mining sector and is efficient in offering strategic solutions to complex business challenges and issues.
Kenneth Mudziri
Kenneth holds a BSc (Hons) in Mining Geology from the University of Pretoria, a BSc in Mining Geology from Wits, and a Certificate in Management Development from USB.
With over 17 years of experience, he specializes in exploration management, mining production, reserve optimization, geological forecasting, quality control, geological mapping, and modelling.
Preshan Govinder
Preshan Govinder is Group Executive: Corporate Development at SSC Group, where he leads the company’s inorganic growth and portfolio strategy. He originates and executes acquisitions, divestments, joint ventures and partnerships across exploration, development and production assets.
He has more than a decade of experience in capital markets and private markets. At the Johannesburg Stock Exchange, he was Head of Sales and Business Development for JSE Private Placements, bringing unlisted companies to the exchange to raise capital. He was also Acting Head of SME Development, where he led the SME Rise programme. Before that, as Senior Sales Executive for private equity and asset management at Fidelity Information Services (FIS). He began his career at Thomson Reuters (Refinitiv) in solution consulting, sales and client facing roles.
Preshan holds a BCom (Finance) from the University of the Witwatersrand
Kyle Woodward
Kyle Woodward is a Senior Chemist at SSC Chemicals, specializing in mining industrial chemicals and automotive chemical solutions.
His commitment to innovative formulations and environmental stewardship fuels the creation of sustainable chemical solutions for the mining and industrial sectors.
Nkosinathi Magagula
Nkosinathi Magagula has over 13 years of experience in the financial industry and a Bachelor's degree in Internal Auditing.
He has gained valuable expertise in financial accounting, taxation, payroll, and both internal and external auditing through his experience at an audit firm. A collaborative team player, Nkosinathi excels in developing strategic solutions to address challenges and drive business growth.
Andre Dreyer
André has over 20 years of mining experience. He holds an Explosives Engineers Certificate of Competency, a Civil and Opencast Blasting Certificate, various Mining Machinery Operating Qualifications and is currently completing his Diploma in Mining Engineering.
Martin Beukes
Martin has over 36 years of experience in mining and safety. He holds a South African Mine Overseers Certificate of Competency, a South African Blasting Certificate, and a Banksman/Onsetter Certificate.
Additionally, he possesses various health and safety qualifications, including NEBOSH, NOSA SAMTRAC Safety Officers Certificate, Auditors Certificate for OHSAS Advanced OHS Act Certificate, IRCA Risk Assessment Certificate amongst others.
Vivian Makoro
Vivian Makoro is a Geologist in the Exploration & Drilling Operations, with hands-on experience in exploration, geotechnical, and seismic projects.
Responsible for optimising hole delivery and maximising core value by providing data-driven geological guidance, ensuring disciplined core handling, and maintaining close coordination with drilling crews and site management.
Andre Mentoor
With extensive experience in facilitation, marketing, photography and videography, Andre serves as the Group’s Marketing Coordinator.
His background includes leadership roles in skills development, training, and workforce empowerment, having collaborated with industry-leading organizations to drive talent acquisition and operational excellence.
Precious Chabane
Precious Chabane started her career in the mining industry as a Loco operator, eventually becoming a Loco Team Supervisor.
In 2009, she transitioned to a role as Communications Assistant and later advanced to Safety Administrator and Safety Officer after completing a Safety Management course at Oxbridge Academy.
Carel Minnie
With over 30 years of extensive experience in exploration drilling and high-pressure injection (grouting), Carel has developed a strong skill set and deep industry knowledge. After matriculating in 1992, he completed courses in finance budgeting and mining.
In 2011, he joined Lesedi Drilling, further enhancing his expertise with Meter Eater pneumatic and hydraulic machines, as well as Mamba, Adder, and LM 75/90 hydraulic machines.
Liam Hurling
Liam Hurling holds a BSc and BSc Honours in Applied Geology from Stellenbosch University and is a certified Strata Control Officer and Rock Mechanic.
With extensive experience in exploration, geotechnical design, and mining operations across Africa and internationally, Liam blends geological insight with engineering precision to deliver high-performance solutions. At Thriftline Products, he drives product excellence and operational growth in exploration drilling accessories.
Michael Mohammed
Michael Mohommed has 32 years of extensive experience in exploration drilling and high-pressure injection (grouting). His responsibilities include maintaining safety, training personnel, managing resources, and achieving production targets.
Michael is proficient in operating various drilling machinery, including Kempe, Green Mambas, Meter Eeater, LM90, LM75, Rocor, S36, CS10, CS14, and Longyear machines.
Hein Becker
Hein has got 35 years mining experience.
He holds a Mine Overseer Certificate of Competency, a Blasting Certificate and Onsetter Certificate.
He is experienced in;
Conventional Mining
Mechanized Mining
Drop Raising
Shaft Sinking
Hydro Power Mining
Backfilling
Sweeping and Vamping.
Albertus Steenkamp
Albertus has over 41 years mining experience in most commodities in surface and underground operations
He holds a National Higher Diploma : Metalliferous Mining from the Technikon Witwatersrand and a B-Tech Mining Engineering degree from the University of Johannesburg. He has a Mine Managers and Mine Overseer certificate of competence and is a member of the Association of Mine Managers of SA.
Carolina Mora
Carolina is an experienced Occupational Therapist with a passion for supporting the most vulnerable populations. With 10 years of experience working across three countries, Carolina has worked with underserved communities through therapy, inclusive education, and community-driven initiatives. Her work includes providing therapeutic intervention for children with multiple diagnoses, training families and educators in inclusive practices, and developing programs that equip youth with skills for a meaningful future.
Passionate about making opportunities accessible to underserved communities, Carolina is inspired by people's resilience in the face of adversity. Her dedication to the nonprofit sector began nine years ago as a volunteer supporting children living on the streets in Mexico. This experience gave Carolina a deep appreciation for how nonprofits improve lives—one program at a time.
Worgan-Lee Arendse
A dynamic professional equipped with a BCom Degree specialising in Strategic Management, he is a seasoned business development expert with experience in mining and investment sectors.
With a strong foundation in both operational and strategic roles, He is a trusted leader in identifying growth opportunities, expanding market presence, and driving business profitability across the Group’s diverse mining operations.
Bianca Swanepoel
Bianca Swanepoel is an experienced HR and payroll professional with a background spanning human resources, payroll administration, finance and mining operations. She has progressed through administrative, safety, HR and payroll roles within the mining industry, building deep expertise in payroll processing, employee relations, recruitment, labour administration, financial accounting and operational compliance.
As Group Coordinator: Umoya HR Services, Bianca oversees the HR and payroll functions across SSC Group, with particular responsibility for Umoya Human Capital.
She holds several Sage 300 People certifications, including Payroll Processing, Functionality Management and Batches, and is currently completing a Bachelor of Commerce in Human Resource Management. Passionate about people management and continuous professional development, she is committed to driving effective HR and payroll practices across the organisation.
Thabo Mogane
Thabo has 25 years of drilling experience and started his career as a machine operator with Boart Longyear in 2000. He spent some time with Sefikile Drilling before joining Lesedi Drilling in 2006.
He has worked his way up from machine operator to his current position and is efficient in all the underground machines that Lesedi Drilling utilises.
Carl Heydenrych
Carl has 45 years’ service in the mining industry. He holds a
Blasting Certificate, Mine Overseer’s Certificate of Competency and has completed Risk Management
Assessor courses.
He has managed the Sekgwa Mining backfilling with aplomb for the last 3 years increasing productivity with an impeccable safety record.
Desirée Labuschagne
Desirée is a Social Compliance Advisory specialist with extensive experience in mining governance, regulatory compliance, and transformation strategy. She provides strategic advisory services across Mining Charter III, Social and Labour Plans (SLPs), B-BBEE, stakeholder engagement, and sustainable development, supporting mining companies in meeting statutory obligations while strengthening long-term operational performance.
With over a decade of consulting experience, Desirée has successfully led complex compliance, community development, and governance initiatives for clients across the mining and financial sectors. She holds an Advanced Diploma in B-BBEE Management Development and is a professional member of the Association of B-BBEE Professionals (ABP) and Women in Mining South Africa (WIMSA).
Precious Sikhonde
Precious holds a Bachelor of Commerce (BCom) in Finance and has over 15 years of experience in financial management, strategic planning, and business leadership across the FMCG, retail and construction
She began her career at Unilever South Africa before successfully building and managing her own businesses. Since 2016, she has led finance and strategic functions within the construction industry, driving financial performance, operational efficiency, and sustainable business growth. Precious is recognised for her strong commercial acumen, strategic thinking, and results-driven leadership.
Meet Our Team
