Johannesburg, 9 October 2025 – Resources 4 Africa is proud to announce the induction of July Ndlovu, CEO of Thungela Resources, into the Joburg Indaba South African Mining Hall of Fame. The announcement was made at the annual Joburg Indaba Gala Dinner, which precedes the main event held on 8–9 October at the Inanda Club, Johannesburg.
Launched in 2016, the SA Mining Hall of Fame recognises individuals who have made a lasting impact on the South African mining sector since the dawn of democracy. Its members include some of the industry’s most respected figures, such as Neal Froneman, Sipho Nkosi, Mark Cutifani, Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka and Peter Steenkamp. With Ndlovu’s induction, the hall now honours 20 esteemed leaders whose influence has shaped the sector over decades.
Bernard Swanepoel, Chairperson of the Joburg Indaba, says: “The Hall of Fame is about celebrating resilience, leadership and vision in an industry that is both deeply challenging and immensely important to South Africa.
“July Ndlovu embodies those qualities. He has navigated extraordinary global and domestic headwinds with a combination of optimism and strategic conviction. Not only did his leadership of Thungela deliver value to shareholders but also positioned the company as a resilient player in the international energy market.”
Ndlovu’s career reflects a trajectory of determination and innovation. Born in rural Zimbabwe, he earned his BSc Honours in Engineering from the University of Zimbabwe before joining Anglo American Platinum in 2001. He rose swiftly through Anglo’s leadership ranks, becoming CEO of Anglo American Coal in 2016 and later assuming leadership of Thungela Resources in 2021.
His appointment came at a time when many expected Thungela, spun out of Anglo American, to manage coal assets in decline. Instead, Ndlovu steered the company into one of the most successful listings of its era. Thungela shares, initially listed at R29, surged to R370 at their peak, delivering significant profits and dividends at a time when global demand for secure energy supplies soared.
Ndlovu has faced the twin challenges of South Africa’s failing logistics system and growing global environmental pressures. His response has been pragmatic and bold. Under his leadership, Thungela diversified geographically, most notably through the R4.1 billion acquisition of Australia’s Ensham Resources, providing reliable export capacity and entry into metallurgical coal markets.
He also demonstrated conviction in backing new investments at home, pressing ahead with R4 billion expansion projects at Elders and Zibulo North, even amid fierce debate around coal’s future. His stance as chairman of the World Coal Association (Future Coal) was clear: while the world transitions to cleaner energy, coal will remain critical to energy security across developing economies for decades to come.
Swanepoel adds: “What sets July apart is his ability to balance optimism with hard-headed realism. He has consistently argued that the energy transition requires pragmatism, ensuring security of supply while planning for change. His leadership has attracted international investment and shown that South African companies can still command influence on the global stage. His induction into the Hall of Fame reflects his role in shaping broader conversations about the future of energy.”
The Joburg Indaba itself has become a defining fixture in the mining calendar, bringing together industry leaders, investors, government, and other stakeholders to debate critical issues shaping the future of the sector. The Gala Dinner, and its Hall of Fame induction, serve as reminders of the individuals whose contributions continue to shape South Africa’s mining narrative.