Matsimane logistics gets coal on the move

Jan Matsimane, Matsimane Logistics Director

Jan Matsimane, founder of Matsimane Logistics, is a local supplier making an impact at Gugulethu Colliery through providing coal hauling services. For Jan, working in partnership with the mine is not just about moving coal; it is also about playing his part to propel the economy forward. Matsimane Logistics has created over 50 jobs in the Hendrina area, hiring community members as mechanics, drivers, controllers, and administrators.

Jan is passionate about seeing the direct and indirect impact his business is making through working with local mines like Gugulethu. “We buy locally sourced spares, diesel and the people working for us spend their money in Hendrina. It makes a difference,” he remarks.

The company is responsible for a sizable portion of coal deliveries, supplying 18 trucks to the mine. They are responsible for ensuring that the product is moved safely and on time to the Rietkuil siding before being transported to port via rail.

Born and bred in Hendrina, Jan inherited the transport business from his father. The business was initially focused on passenger transport but was later developed into other areas of logistics. The company serves several mines outside of Gugulethu and operates in the steel sector. “We grew the business to 65-seater buses before venturing into coal hauling,” Jan explains.

A former electrical technician at Eskom, Jan left his nine-to-five job in 2014 to pursue business full-time. The company looks forward to future expansion. “We need to increase our fleet in the future. That will result in also hiring more people and increasing our contribution to the local economy,” says Jan.