Illegal mining is estimated to cost the economy well over R60-billion a year, but has much further implications on SA’s economy and overall social standing. As reported, syndicates and illegal miners have no regard for the health and safety of others or the laws that regulate the industry. In contrast, “desperation for jobs” is the cause and effect voiced by humanitarians and communities. As with all conflicting situations and opinions one thing is sure: it has a deteriorating effect on the mining sector.
The planned 2-day Mine Security Conference, organised by SA-owned business Pinpoint Stewards, is taking place 25–26 June 2025 and will bring the top industry experts and stakeholders together to collaborate under the theme: Improving security risk in SA – a multifaceted approach.
“Unless a multi-sectoral and multifaceted approached is deployed, the various stakeholders opposing illegal mining will stand in isolation to one another and without a unified effort, the challenges will not be easily overcome,” says Ankia Roux, co-owner of Pinpoints Stewards. “The conference will bring together state-, mine-, and private security stakeholders to forge stronger partnerships and foster collaboration and trust among all forces, to ensure faster reporting structures and a co-ordinated approach to tighten the grip on illegal mining syndicates going forward.”
The conference will include 10 experts specializing in Mine Security and risk mitigation. Some of these speakers and topics include:
Opening address by Lt Gen Seswantsho Godfrey Lebeya, National Head: The Directorate For Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI), and currently the present chairperson that presides over the National Priority Crime Operational Committee, which convenes key stakeholders from organisations such as NPA, SIU, FIC, SARS, DPSA, SAPS, BMA, GCIS, DOJCD to name a few.
Lt Gen Lebeya will speak on Understanding Organised Crime, which is also the title of his authored book. His qualifications include: Bachelor of Law (B IURIS), Bachelor of Laws (LLB), Masters of Laws (LLM), Doctor of Laws (LLD), etc.
Setting the tone for the conference on day one is Dr Lyle Pienaar with the topic: The need for an integrated and multifaceted mining security strategy from the SA government. Dr. Pienaar is the Executive for Risk and Security at Pan African Resources (PAR) – a mid-tier, multi-jurisdictional gold mining group based in South Africa.
Before joining PAR in 2019, he gained 15 years of experience across various government security, intelligence and law enforcement structures. He holds a Doctorate in Political Science (National Security Studies) along with two Master’s Degrees in Security Studies and Fraud Risk Management, as well as a BA Honours Degree and a BA Degree, both in Political Science.
A keynote address will be delivered by Dr. Mandla Zembe, who is a Senior Leadership team member (Security Executive) at Rio Tinto, Richards Bay Minerals and will take a critical look into community engagement as a strategy to address security issues.
With over 35 years of experience in the security field, he holds multiple qualifications, including two master’s degrees and a doctorate in business administration, with a focus on community engagement as a strategy to address security issues. Honours BA in Criminology, MPM, MBA, DBA.
Thys de Beer, Group Security and Forensic Investigations Manager at Harmony Gold Mining Company, who’s been spearheading the company’s efforts against illegal mining since 2016, will speak on his practical experience by looking at unravelling Illegal Mining – tactical strategies and frontline lessons from 20 years of experience.
With a distinguished 18-year career in the South African Police Service (SAPS), including specialized units, and extensive experience in the private security sector, he brings a wealth of expertise to his role.
Dr. Riaan van der Westhuizen, Manager: Security, Radiation & Communities at Palabora Copper (Palabora Mining Company) will evaluate the interaction between technology and security personnel and look at an optimised response. He is a radiation protection specialist, but has for the past 20 years also been responsible for the security operations at different mines.
He is currently the Manager for the security function at Palabora Copper. In addition to radiation protection, his background also includes all aspects of safety, health and environmental management, including SHEQ Systems.
Other key speakers and panellist include: Mjr Gen Ebrahim Ahmed Kadwa, Provincial Head: DPCI Gauteng; Dr Michael Masiapato, Commissioner: Border Management Authority; Hulme Scholes, Director: Malan Scholes Inc; Johann Fourie, Bid Manager: Risk & Solutions, Bidvest Protea Coin; Heico Kühn, COO, UAV and Drone Solutions (UDS) – a Bidvest Aviation and Security Cluster; and Theo Pouroullis, CEO, Safer City Group.
The conference will showcase tech solutions and security enablers during exhibition and demonstrations.
The conference will be chaired by Professor Kris Pillay (PhD), Department of Criminology and Security Science School of Criminal Justice College of Law, UNISA. Prof Pillay will also moderate the panel discussion focussing on Supporting a multi-sectoral approach by bringing together state, private and mine security forces and authorities.
The conference will be looking at ways to integrate unity, intelligence sharing and collaboration to root out illegal mining syndicates and disrupt the negative impact it has on SA’s economic and social standing.
To register or for a full programme email info@pinpointstewards.co.za or online on www.pinpointstewards.co.za
