Mfundo’s new role carries a family legacy

Khanye Engineering Outbye Foreman, Mfundo Mathebula

Mfundo Mathebula inherited his late father’s tools and received more than a set of tools – he inherited a legacy. “My late father was an electrician. When I was at Seriti, I had the privilege of working with the same people who worked with him, and they even gave me the tools he used. I’m still using them to this day,” he shares proudly.

He joined Khanye Colliery as an electrician in April 2025 and, after acting as an engineering outbye foreman for three months, he was officially appointed in September. Originally from Witbank, Mfundo began his mining career in 2009 as a dozer operator before qualifying as an electrician in 2019 through a learnership. “While I was a learner, I was exposed to various mine sections that used different machines such as shovels and draglines,” he recalls.

Mfundo’s previous roles include a multi-skilled operator and an artisan. He has expertise in high-tension systems that deal with sub-stations, transformers, and overhead powerlines. Transitioning from an electrician to a foreman was not easy, but his experience and the support of his colleagues helped him succeed.

“I learned a great deal from all the foremen I have worked with throughout my career, and I applied that knowledge in my current role,” he says. He would like to complete his diploma in electrical engineering and then pursue a GCC to add to his qualifications, including a blasting ticket and Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment (HIRA) certificate.