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Ms Susan Shabangu, MP, Minister of Mineral Resources, today (Thursday, 13 October) welcomed the Cabinet’s appointment of Dr Thibedi Ramontja as the new Director General of her Department.

“It is a pleasure to welcome one of our own mining citizens back to the Department (DMR). His appointment is significant as it represents the confluence and nexus between continuity and change. Dr Ramontja was in the Department (then called DME) when it went through all the major policy and legislative processes that forever changed the course of our mining industry.

“The very fact that he was CEO of one of the state-owned-entities that reported to the Department meant that he never lost touch with the realities as they unfolded in the DMR. Finally, his intimate knowledge of the mining industry will no doubt stand him in good stead in his new role as director general. ” said Minister Susan Shabangu.

The Minister drew attention to Dr Ramontja’s impressive record in the service of mining and the country; his university achievements (including studying at the University of Limpopo and later gaining his Master’s and the Ph.D degrees at Wits); his leading the Council for Geoscience as CEO; his involvement in geoscientific research with links both domestic and international; his having played a role in sensitive negotiations with mine employees and managers/employers; and chairing bodies such as the Pan-African Mineral Development Council and thePetroleum Agency of SA.

The Minister added: “With this splendid record of qualifications and experience coming on board at DMR, we are well set for the huge challenges that lie ahead.”