Ivanplats is not just building a mine in Mokopane—it’s building momentum for a new South Africa. Through innovation, inclusion, and investment, Ivanplats is transforming mining into a force for shared prosperity and sustainable progress.
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their Stories
Marna Cloete, President & CEO, Ivanhoe Mines
Marna began as a financial controller and rose to President and CEO of Ivanhoe Mines. Her vision is bold: mining must empower communities, not just extract resources. Through billion-dollar investments, training centers, and enterprise development, Marna proves leadership can create opportunity, dignity, and lasting impact for Mokopane and beyond.
Grace Kgonyane, Founder, Mokopane Cables
Grace always dreamed of owning a business but never had the chance. When Ivanplats opened training for local entrepreneurs, she applied. Months later, Mokopane Cables was born. With new skills, confidence, and steady contracts, Grace now employs others—proof that one opportunity can ripple through an entire community.
Dipuo Maphoto, Franchise Owner, Marvel Pienaar Bros, Mokopane
Dipuo saw an opportunity on Ivanplats’ website and took a leap. After training and mentorship, she launched Marvel Pienaar Bros., supplying PPE to the mine. Today, her business is expanding, creating jobs for youth and women. For Dipuo, success means more than profit—it means building a stronger local economy.
Josias Chabalala, Induction Facilitator, Ivanplats Centre of Excellence
Josias began as an intern, unsure of his future. With Ivanplats’ support, he grew into an induction facilitator, ensuring that new employees and contractors know what is expected of them. His journey proves that hard work and education open doors. Now, Josias inspires young people in Mokopane to believe that their dreams are possible too.
Linah Baloyi, HR Administrator, Platreef Mine, Ivanplats
Linah started as a farm supervisor with no HR qualifications. Through Ivanplats’ development program, she earned a certificate, then a diploma, and is now pursuing a degree. Her rise from farm work to HR leadership shows how opportunity transforms lives—and why she champions growth for others every day.
Mangi Mphahlele, Accountant, Platreef Mine, Ivanplats
Mangi began as a creditors’ clerk and now serves as an accountant and chairperson of Women in Mining. She advocates for representation and equality across all mining roles. Ivanplats gave her the platform to lead and grow. For Mangi, it’s not just a career—it’s a movement for inclusion.
Karabo Herold Madiba, Founder, MIS Media
Karabo dreamed of building a branding business. Ivanplats’ seminars and training made it possible. From mugs and t-shirts to car wraps and signage, MIS Media now thrives. Ivanplats became his biggest client, and together they’re shaping Mokopane’s future. Karabo’s story proves that opportunity creates lasting impact.
Patricia Makhesha, Executive Chairperson, Ivanplats
Patricia sees Platreef as more than a mine—it’s a catalyst for transformation. By championing inclusion for women, youth, and people with disabilities, she ensures communities thrive alongside world-class mining. Her mission is clear: create a legacy of dignity, opportunity, and sustainable progress for generations to come.
Thabo Kekana, Co-owner, Mokopane Diesel Depot
Thabo saw an opportunity on Ivanplats’ website and seized it. Today, Mokopane Diesel Depot supplies fuel to the mine and employs 11 people plus interns. Every delivery reminds him how far he’s come. For Thabo, this isn’t just business—it’s proof that local entrepreneurs can power progress.
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At the centre of Mokopane’s transformation stands Ivanplats, a company driven by purpose as much as production. Through the Platreef Project, Ivanplats is creating one of the world’s largest platinum mines—yet its true achievement lies in how it invests in people.
Under leaders like Marna, Ivanplats champions a new era of mechanised, technology-driven mining. A state-of-the-art training centre prepares locals for modern mining roles, while employees like Josias, Mangi and Linah rise through the ranks, supported by education and mentorship.
Ivanplats’ commitment extends far beyond its gates. Its enterprise development programme empowers entrepreneurs like Dipuo, Thabo, and Grace, who now run successful local businesses supplying essential goods to the mine. Through these partnerships, Ivanplats strengthens the region’s economy and helps small enterprises grow with confidence.
Environmental responsibility is equally central. Through investment in a public private partnership at the Masodi Waste Water Treatment Plant, Ivanplats ensures that clean water benefits both operations and the broader community—a model for sustainable industrial cooperation.
In every initiative, Ivanplats proves that mining can be more than extraction—it can be expansion: of opportunity, of equality, and of hope for generations in Mokopane and beyond.
