Wilhelm Warschkuhl

Principal Mining Engineer

Wilhelm, better known as “Willie” to his friends and colleagues, was born and raised in Pretoria.  Growing up, Willie was set on becoming a Wildlife Guide, but seeing his father’s career growth in the engineering field, started getting interested in Mechanical Engineering.

He enrolled at the University of Pretoria to study Mechanical Engineering, but Mining Engineering became something he started showing more interest in.  He says, “Mining spoke to me. The close relationship between the earth and geography, and then add in the technical processes going into extracting the minerals…”

In his third year as a Mechanical Engineering student, the interest in Mining Engineering was just too great, and he changed his major. A fantastic decision on his part, because he was able to channel his interest into a passion and a career. He completed his degree, third in his class, and later on completed his honours in mining with distinction at the University of Pretoria.

Willie started his career in Mining as a graduate in the coal mining industry.  He moved into consulting after that, and one of the most satisfying aspects of being a mining engineering consultant, is to complete projects, and seeing the contribution he makes towards the client’s success. He is the principal mining engineer at VBKOM, and serves on the management committee. Will shares that he enjoys the management aspect thereof.

Outside of work, Willie is a family man, and he and his wife, Debbie, have a beautiful daughter, who is the absolute apple of his eye.  He sees this as his greatest personal achievement, and shares, “Becoming a father and seeing how I can influence her and seeing her grow into a person is one of the greatest treats.”  As a family they regularly go on holiday to his favourite destination, Mozambique, where he can enjoy fresh seafood and a cold 2M.

Ruben Els

Principal Mining Engineer

Ruben relocated from Ohrigstad, a small town in Limpopo province, to Pretoria to pursue a degree in Mining Engineering at the University of Pretoria. During his school years, he was passionate about rugby and aspired to become a professional player. However, as he grew older, his interests shifted toward the mining industry. Reflecting on his career choice, Ruben explains, “The diversity of the mining industry and the endless opportunities to learn and experience new things were the biggest influences on my decision.”

After completing his studies, Ruben began his career as a learner official in an underground coal continuous miner production section. During this period, he gained extensive experience in both underground and surface coal mining. Notably, he successfully passed his Mine Manager’s Certificate on his first attempt, marking a significant milestone in his early career. 

After working in the coal environment, he moved into mining engineering consulting at VBKOM. One of the most gratifying aspects of Ruben's consulting career is the opportunity to collaborate with a diverse team and to see a project through from its initial conception to its successful completion and implementation. For instance, after months of planning, designing, and overcoming technical challenges, knowing that his expertise has contributed and witnessing the final deliverable of a project and generating an optimum solution for the client can be immensely rewarding. The combination of technical success, client satisfaction, mentorship, meaningful connections, and the excitement of innovation makes for a deeply rewarding and dynamic career.

When Ruben isn’t working, he cherishes quality time with his wife, Luzelle, and embraces the outdoors through hiking, camping, hunting, and fishing. He thrives on creating memorable moments, whether it’s firing up a braai, preparing a potjie for family and friends, or enjoying sports. A fitness enthusiast, Ruben is an active member of the fitness community and takes pride in maintaining a healthy, active lifestyle.

Christiaan Botha

Senior Underground Mining Engineer

Christiaan has a passion for people and enjoys working with them, in a team environment. He is passionate about sports and is still competing in multiple sports, individual and team sports. Throughout his life, he's been in many leadership positions, from sports team captains to being part of sports clubs and university committees. His enthusiasm for engineering is based on problem-solving through logical thinking and the want to make a difference in a challenging environment.

Adriaan Kramer

Senior Mining Engineer

Growing up in Welkom in the Free State, Adriaan Kramer dreamt of becoming an engineer, an astronaut, a neurosurgeon, and even a pilot. He ultimately decided to venture into the engineering field, and shares, “I have always had a passion for the engineering field. I have always enjoyed watching the different disciplines work together in mining, and I was attracted to the mining industry based on the sheer scale of operations.”

Adriaan graduated from the University of Pretoria with an engineering degree in mining in 2010. For Adriaan, the most satisfying part of his career as a Senior Mining Engineer is that he is able to create a vision through planning.

Some of the greatest lessons Adriaan has learned in his career is that he needs to seize the opportunity to communicate, and to trust his gut instinct during difficult times. He is determined to learn, and master, the skill of programming and shares, “I would like to be able to create software tools.”

A family man, Adriaan and his wife have a 4 year old son, a 3 year old daughter and a 10 month old boy. He is passionate about brewing, astronomy, hunting and stock market trading.

He is a firm believer in doing everything with integrity. He shares that integrity is not something you do for others, but for yourself and your own piece of mind. Adriaan shares the VBKOM value of blending different qualities to thrive as a team, and he looks forward to becoming efficient in his new role as Senior Mining Engineer at VBKOM.

Diane Beverley-Poole

Senior Mine Planner

Diane is a SACNSP registered geological consultant providing specialized technical solutions and training. Her multifaceted work experience has afforded herthe opportunity to work on numerous mineral deposits and projects around the world:
-Resource estimation and classification
-Geological exploration, mapping and modelling
-Mine planning and optimization
-Mine design and scheduling
-Grade control
-Drillhole database management
-Skills transfer and software training
-Technical reporting writing

Elaine Sibanda

Mining Engineer

Elaine joined VBKOM in January 2024 as a Mining Engineering Consultant.

Divine Ile

Mining Engineer

Mining Engineering Consultant, Divine “Diva” Ile, was born and raised in Pretoria. Growing up, she wanted to follow in her father’s footsteps, and pursue a career in medicine because of how much she admires her father and his peers. After much consideration and research, she rather decided on carving her own path in mining.

Divine is an academic at heart, and she is proud of having obtained her Bachelor’s and Honour’s Degrees in Mining Engineering from the University of Pretoria. One of Divine’s biggest goals to date have been to enroll for her Master’s Degree in Mining Engineering at the University of Pretoria before turning 25 years old. She successfully completed her Master’s in 2023 cum laude.

When asking Divine what makes her excited about the mining industry, she shares, “I really enjoy encountering the people within the mining industry. They’re always eager to share their knowledge and experiences.”

Outside of her career aspirations, Divine shares that she is an avid baker and photographer. She further enjoys travelling and experiencing different cultures. The multi-lingual Divine is proficient in English and French, and she is currently learning Portuguese.

Rito Mahundla

Senior Mining Engineer

Known as Doritos, stemming from those struggling to pronounce his name back in university, Rito Mahundla is a Mining Engineer with a passion for solving complex challenges through smart, innovative solutions. Originally from Bungeni Village, Louis Trichardt (Limpopo), he earned his B.Eng in Mining Engineering from the University of Pretoria in 2016. While he once considered becoming a doctor, a soccer player or even a basketball player, he ultimately pursued mining—a field unexplored in his family. His greatest satisfaction comes from tackling engineering problems and finding efficient solutions, perfectly aligning with VBKOM’s value of “Think unique and explore a better way.” 

Outside of work, Rito enjoys family time, braais, and soccer. A husband and father of four, he balances work and home life effortlessly. He’s always up for new experiences, with playing golf next on his list. Though he may seem serious, those who know him are often surprised by his easy-going nature. 

Guided by the mantra "Do your best and let God do the rest," Rito appreciates house music, enjoys anything with meat, and never goes without his non-Apple cell phone, which keeps him connected and productive. With a love for gadgets and technology, he’s always looking for ways to make life more convenient—both professionally and personally. 

Dr Manie Kriel

Mining Engineer

Starting VBKOM in 2008 with 4 close friends was a dream come true!

I hold a Mining Engineering degree from the University of Pretoria which I obtained in 1994 and a Master’s Degree in Business Leadership from UNISA, 2001. I received a Ph.D. Mining from the University of Pretoria in 2024.

I have a passion for business and would describe myself as a streetwise entrepreneur. I dream of building VBKOM into a company that will compete internationally with the best and leave a legacy. I am proud to be African and love this continent and its people. I do not like that our continent is associated with corruption and negativity, and believe that I can contribute to change this perception, through quality outputs and continuous hard work.

I started my career as a Mining Engineer with Anglo Gold at Vaal Reefs in 1995. In 1999 I had a great opportunity to move to Germany where I was privileged to work on a large mechanised open pit mine with a network of bucket wheel excavators. I received training on project management – the “German way”, and returned to South Africa to manage the commissioning of a new processing facility in Delmas, Mpumalanga. My career progressed nicely along the operational- and production management route and I was appointed as General Mine Manager at the age of 35, responsible for four alluvial diamond mines, seven beneficiation plants, and two mining towns in the Northern Cape Province. In 2006 I left production and started a “new” career as a mining consultant, something that I love and will hopefully continue doing way beyond retirement age.   

I was born and raised in Johannesburg. My dad was a blue collar worker until he started his own manufacturing business when I was in high school.  His work ethic and generosity towards others have made a huge impression on my life. I married my varsity sweetheart as soon as I graduated – 26 years of absolute bliss. Our daughter turned 12 in April. I love all things South-African – braai, rugby, nature, and good humour. We enjoy traveling abroad when the Rand exchange rate allows it.

My life philosophy is simple: “Surrounding myself with people with greater potential than myself, will ensure that I continue to grow.”

George Olivier

Mining Engineer

Growing up in Thabazimbi, George wanted to become a fighter pilot, but after meeting Oom Koos Cronje, a previous General Manager of Thabazimbi Iron Ore Mine, decided to venture into mining engineering.

After graduating from the University of Pretoria in 1999, George began his career in the mining industry as an underground coal miner at Tshikondeni Colliery in South Africa’s Limpopo Province.

In 2008, George was part of the team that founded VBKOM.  He says that some of the most satisfying moments of his career is “Experiencing so many different projects and project teams, being able to see many mines in many different parts of South Africa and the African continent.  It is also very satisfying to mentor young colleagues that join VBKOM.”

George would love to meet Patrice Motsepe, and George says “He (Motsepe) has a skill to identify value.”

George is also a family man and has three “incredibly smart and cute children” with his wife, Christel.  Christel has been one of George’s biggest anchors, and one of his greatest influencers in achieving greatness.

Gerard Kleyn

Senior Mining Engineer

Gerard Kleyn, or “G” for short, was born in Bloemfontein and grew up in the small Free State town of Bultfontein. Growing up, Gerard dreamt of becoming an architect, a pilot, an actuary and a civil engineer, but ultimately ventured into mining engineering.

He shares, “I had a mentor who was extremely passionate about mining engineering, and his absolute love for the industry and its people was so contagious that it got me hooked as well, and ever since my passion for this industry has kept growing.”

For Gerard, the most gratifying component of his career is the diverse and complex nature of mining engineering It is the only technical discipline where one gets the chance to solve problems incorporating all other engineering disciplines in a dynamic environment.

Ettienne de Villers

Senior Mining Engineer

Ettienne De Villiers, is a mining engineer who thrives on variety, challenge, and connection. Originally from Centurion, a place he still loves for its sense of familiarity, family connections, and proximity to golf courses. Although he once dreamed of being involved in sports, his path shifted after some practical experience within his studies. Wanting more variety and less predictability, he transitioned into mining engineering and never looked back. 

He completed his B.Eng in Mining at the University of Pretoria in 2012 and found his stride in a career that constantly challenges him and exposes him to new people, perspectives, and cultures. Ettienne resonates strongly with VBKOM’s value of “Walk with Honour”, a reminder to lead by example and always keep your word. 

Outside of work, he’s happiest outdoors, whether it’s playing cricket, watching rugby, swimming, or hosting a braai. He’s also a masters field hockey player and enjoys family pizza-and-movie nights, a tradition from his own childhood. Ettienne lives with his wife, two young children, and their two Pekingese dogs, all of whom bring joy (and a bit of chaos) to everyday life.