Zanele Matlala is one of South Africa’s top female chief executives. She is the CEO of Merafe Resources, a Johannesburg Exchange-listed company. Her career began in 2005 when she joined the company’s Board as an independent non-executive director. This role allowed her to gain valuable insights into the company’s operations and strategic direction, setting the stage for future leadership roles.
In October 2010, Matlala transitioned from her non-executive position to become Merafe’s Chief Financial Officer (CFO). Her financial insight was instrumental during this period, contributing to the company’s economic stability and growth.
On June 1, 2012, Merafe appointed Zanele Matlala as CEO. Her appointment was a significant milestone, as she became one of the few black women to lead a mining company in South Africa. She stepped into the role with extensive experience, which shaped her leadership style and demonstrated her commitment to operational excellence.
Merafe Resources is a South African company primarily involved in producing ferrochrome, an essential component in stainless steel manufacturing. Ferrochrome is an alloy of chromium and iron, and its unique properties, such as resistance to corrosion and high-temperature strength, make it indispensable in various industrial applications.
The company’s core asset is its participation in the Glencore-Merafe Chrome Venture, a joint venture with Glencore Operations South Africa, a globally acclaimed mining company. Through this partnership, Merafe holds a 20.5% interest, while Glencore holds 79.5%.
The partnership between Merafe and Glencore has been instrumental in achieving economic growth and operational efficiency. The venture operates several ferrochrome smelters and mines across South Africa by combining resources and expertise. This extensive infrastructure enables the production of high-quality ferrochrome, catering to domestic and international markets. The collaboration has positioned the venture as one of the world’s largest ferrochrome producers, supplying significant global demand.
In the first half of 2023, Merafe reported an 11% revenue increase, reaching R4,764 million($256,296.05), up from R4,291 million($231,031.82) in the same period the previous year.
Zanele Matlala has focused on production efficiency, sustainability, and innovation. The Glencore-Merafe Chrome Venture has been exploring green energy solutions, recognising the global shift towards renewable energy. Initiatives include developing renewable energy projects to alleviate power shortages and reduce operational costs.
Under Matlala’s leadership, Merafe’s collaboration with Glencore continues to yield positive outcomes. The venture consistently achieves production targets and maintains a strong presence in the global ferrochrome market.
