Njabulo Mhlungu
Panel ChairpersonNjabulo Mhlungu is a graduate of NWU, having completed her BEng in Industrial Engineering. She is currently employed at Exxaro Coal as a Professional-In-Training while pursuing her Masters at NWU. Njabulo brings a unique blend of determination and levity to her work and excels in environments where diligence meets positivity. Constantly energizing teams to push boundaries through innovation. With a talent for optimizing processes and inspiring others, she fosters a collaborative atmosphere where success is not just achieved, but celebrated. Njabulu is a SAIIE Council Member responsible for Student Affairs.
Sbusiso Mahlangu
Logistics Method Engineer at GibelaSbusiso Mahlangu is an enthusiastic, agile, innovative and creative thinker who is currently employed as Logistics Method Engineer. He holds a Bachelor of Engineering Technology in Industrial Engineering to which he obtained with an average of 74% and 11 distinctions at the Tshwane University of Technology in 2022.
He is currently enrolled for his Bachelor of Honours Degree in Industrial Engineering which should come to completion in the academic year 2024. Added to his bio is his passion for entrepreneurship, 4th IR and experience in leadership.
Lehlohonolo Moche
Senior Data Scientist at Discovery Group Data Science LabLehlohonolo Moche is a senior data scientist at the Discovery Group Data Science Lab. Her area of focus is incausal machine learning and understanding the impact of behavioural data on health outcomes. She is generally interested in the impact of digital and data-driven technologies on economic and social organisation. Lehlohonolo holds a Master of Business Admiration and an MSc in Social Data Science from the University of Oxford. She completed a BEng in Industrial and Systems Engineering at the University of Pretoria in 2016 and a MSc Eng in Industrial Engineering at the University of the Witwatersrand in 2018.
Manchala Sithole
Senior Optimisation Engineer and Contract Manager at ETA OperationsManchala Sithole, a Senior Optimisation Engineer and Contract Manager at ETA operations, is a true expert in his field. With nearly five years of experience in South African deep-level mines, his focus on mine water reticulation, refrigeration and cooling, ventilation and compressed optimisation through simulations and dynamic analysis to achieve potential energy savings has set him apart. His appointment as an adjunct lecturer at Stellenbosch University further underscores his expertise. Currently pursuing a PhD in Engineering Management, his research is on developing an aggregated method for analysing and optimising mine cooling auxiliary systems using energy, exergy and techno-economic analysis (Exergoeconomics), which addresses mine cooling systems from both thermodynamic and economics perspectives.
Manchala is not only an engineer but also a co-founder of a non-profit organization called Keep that Gold Shining. This organization is dedicated to unlocking the untapped potential of South African youth. Manchala is actively engaged in various initiatives, such as teaching coding in schools located in underprivileged communities. Additionally, he devotes his time during the December holidays to interacting with children from homeless communities, donating school shoes and toys.