Phatshwane is new Botash chief

Staff Writer | Friday May 10, 2019 15:32

 

Phatshwane was appointed on acting basis since the controversial departure of high-flying miner Montwedi Mphathi. Mphathi was fired by the Board in 2017.

The latest development ends speculation surrounding the alleged appointment of former Tati Nickel Mining Company MD, Sebetela Sebetela. Earlier this year he dismissed the reports as misleading saying he was engaged elsewhere.Board chairperson, Ian Forbes confirmed to BusinessWeek Wednesday, “yes, correct we have appointed Phatshwane as Botash substantive MD.” Botash has been without a substantive MD since the departure of Mphathi in 2017 after he was forced out of the job under controversial circumstances.

The Botash Board’s official position then through a management brief indicated that, “Mphathi quit Botash to pursue other business interests.” Mphathi himself was blunt that he was fired from his position. He contested the board’s decision to no avail.

Meanwhile, the Board has communicated Phatshwane’s appointment with the mine’s trade union.  “I am pleased to advise you that with immediate effect that the Board of Directors has confirmed the appointment of Kangangwani Phatshwane to the position of MD of Botash,” says a statement. The South Africa-based chairperson of Botash Board of Directors, Forbes, authored the letter passed to BusinessWeek.

Prior to 2017, Phatshwane served as chief operations officer. His tenure has been characterised by the urge to diversify the mine’s products. He has carried out assignments such as the re-commissioning of the liquid carbon dioxide plant, a product from Soda Ash, which is used for refrigeration, and cooling process. 

The mine’s annual production of soda ash stands at 300, 000 tonnes and 650, 000 tonnages of salt. Whist the bulk of the mine’s revenue is derived from soda ash at about 80 percent; salt contributes 20 percent of the mine’s revenue. Botash employs over 400 people directly with contractors accounting for about 200 jobs. The salt and soda ash mine is co-owned by the Botswana government and Chlor Alkali Holdings Group of South Africa on 50/50 basis.