Interview - Meet Pinagare Mogodi

Mining and Construction Mogul - Steering MAB To Greatness

By Fiona Wakelin

MAB Group is a multifaceted company that specialises in mining, general construction, and trucking services. Our commitment to deliver high-quality services without compromise is at the core of our mission.

The name Matsapa-A-Botshelo” encapsulates the tireless efforts we put into reaching our goals and dreams in life. No matter the obstacles, we persevere and keep pushing forward.

Our suite of products and services includes:

Mining Services

MAB Group offers a comprehensive range of mining services, encompassing exploration, excavation, mineral extraction, processing and exportation of the commodity. We are dedicated to sustainable and responsible mining practices that prioritise safety, environmental conservation, and community engagement.

General Construction

Our expertise extends to general construction, where we undertake various construction projects, including residential, commercial, industrial and civil works. We have a skilled team capable of handling everything from building design/engineering design and site preparation to construction and project management.

Trucking Services

M.A.B Group provides reliable and efficient trucking services for the transportation of goods and materials. Our fleet of well-maintained trucks and experienced drivers ensures timely and secure deliveries.

Job Creation and Community Development

Beyond our core services, we are deeply committed to addressing the issue of unemployment in South Africa. We view our work as more than just projects; it is about making a positive impact on communities by creating job opportunities, supporting local

Policies

Our company is guided by key ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) policies that serve as our compass, guiding our actions and decisions, and reflecting our dedication to responsible and ethical business practices.

1. Safety and well-being

We prioritise the safety and well-being of our staff members and the communities in which we operate. Their welfare is our top concern.

2. Fairness and integrity

A culture of fairness and integrity is ingrained within our organisation. Nepotism and favouritism have no place among our staff members and executives, ensuring equal opportunities for all.

3. Social responsibility

We believe in giving back to those less fortunate, striving to make a positive impact in the communities we serve. Social responsibility is an integral part of our commitment.

4. Respect for clients

We hold our clients in the highest regard, recognising their importance and the trust they place in us. Their satisfaction is our foremost priority.

Journey, Milestones and Strategic Partnerships

It has been a journey signposted with many milestones but some of our flagship projects include:

• Construction development projects e.g. the Rama City Human Settlement project. Exporting coal; exporting vessels carry between 75,000 and 150,000 tonnes of coal.

Strategic partnerships play a pivotal role in the success of MAB Group. We consider them to be of utmost importance for several key reasons:

• Financial strength: Strategic partnerships bring additional financial resources to the table. In many cases, projects, especially in South Africa, face funding challenges. Collaborating with strategic partners provides access to capital, enabling us to undertake larger and more ambitious projects that might otherwise be financially out of reach. Expertise and resources: Partnerships often come with a wealth of knowledge, expertise, and resources. These assets can be invaluable, particularly in complex industries like mining and construction. Partnering with organisations that have complementary skills and experience enhances our ability to deliver high-quality services efficiently.

• Risk mitigation: By sharing risks and responsibilities with strategic partners, we can better manage and mitigate potential challenges and uncertainties that may arise during project implementation. This risk-sharing approach enhances our project’s chances of success.

• Market expansion: Collaborating with strategic partners can open up new markets and opportunities. It allows us to tap into the networks and customer bases of our partners, thereby expanding our reach and customer base.

• Innovation and efficiency: Partnerships often foster innovation and efficiency by bringing together different perspectives and approaches. This can lead to the development of new technologies, processes, and solutions that can benefit our projects and the industry as a whole.

• Local and global impact: Strategic partnerships enable us to have a more significant impact on our goal of addressing unemployment and contributing to community development in South Africa. By combining forces with like-minded organisations, we can amplify our efforts and create lasting positive change.

In summary, strategic partnerships are essential to MAB Group because they provide the financial, operational, and strategic support needed to achieve our objectives. They help us overcome challenges, drive innovation, and make a meaningful impact not only on our company’s growth but also on the communities and industries we serve in South Africa.

CSI

At MAB Group, our mission goes beyond business success; we are deeply committed to making a positive impact on the communities we serve. Our overarching goal is to address the unemployment rate in South Africa by providing opportunities for skill development and economic empowerment.

One of our key initiatives is our internship and learnership programmes, which are designed to equip individuals with the necessary skills and experience to succeed in the workforce. Through these programmes, we aim to nurture talent, foster growth, and create pathways to meaningful employment.

Additionally, we are dedicated to building strong and resilient communities by giving back and supporting local families. From providing essential resources to promoting education and healthcare initiatives, we strive to uplift and empower individuals and families across the nation.

Our commitment to social responsibility is deeply ingrained in everything we do, and we invite others to join us in sharing this vision for a better South Africa. By working together and investing in the future of our communities, we can create lasting change and build a brighter tomorrow for all.

The Future of Mining, Construction, and Logistics in South Africa

What excites me most about the future of mining, construction, and logistics in South Africa is the potential brought by the new Government of National Unity (GNU). As a CEO, I’m optimistic that this government will boost the economy, particularly for industries like construction and mining, which are already showing signs of improvement.

Many black entrepreneurs are anxious about the future, but I believe that if you’re doing things right, there’s nothing to fear. The government is addressing issues like the “construction mafia,” who were taking a 30% cut from projects, causing delays and even scaring people away from the industry. They were not only affecting construction but were starting to disrupt mining and logistics as well, hijacking trucks and blocking projects and trucks on the road if they weren’t involved. This led to projects being abandoned and unemployment rising.

Now, with these issues being dealt with, I’m excited about the fairness and opportunities that lie ahead. As long as the government remains just, I believe the future for these industries is bright and full of potential.

Leadership Style and Vision

As the Managing Partner at MAB Group, my journey has been marked by both challenges and triumphs. With each obstacle we’ve encountered, we’ve approached it headon, emerging stronger and more resilient than before. It’s crucial to highlight that my role as Managing Partner was not merely bestowed upon me; rather, I was entrusted with this responsibility by our esteemed Board of Investors and Partners. Their recognition of my unique skill set and experiences is a source of immense pride, and I am deeply honoured to lead this exceptional team towards our collective vision.

Throughout my career, one of the most valuable leadership lessons I’ve learned is the importance of patience coupled with a keen appreciation for time management. While patience allows for thoughtful decision-making and strategic planning, it’s imperative to recognise the value of time and refrain from investing it in endeavours that lack substance. Time, indeed, is a precious commodity, and squandering it on fruitless pursuits can never be regained.

By mastering the delicate balance between patience and time management, I have been able to navigate the complexities of leadership with clarity and purpose. This skill has not only contributed to the growth and success of the MAB Group but has also fostered a culture of efficiency and accountability within our organisation. As we continue to chart our course towards excellence, I remain committed to upholding these fundamental principles and leading by example. Together, we embrace challenges, learn from our experiences, and strive for nothing short of excellence in all that we do.

Ultimately, my vision for the next decade is grounded in our unwavering commitment to creating lasting value for our stakeholders, empowering communities, and driving positive change on a global scale. I am excited about the journey ahead and look forward to the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.

Looking Forward

Looking ahead to the upcoming year, we eagerly anticipate new ventures, strategic partnerships, and the prospect of providing employment to more South Africans, all of which align with our vision of a brighter future.

I firmly believe that by delivering top-tier services and actively engaging with local businesses and communities, we can pave the way for a better future for all. At MAB Group, our dream and mission to transform South Africa’s unemployment landscape are in perfect harmony with our unwavering commitment to social responsibility, which is interwoven with our pursuit of excellence in the industries we operate in. We extend an invitation to you to join us in sharing this dream and working together toward a brighter South Africa for everyone.

Address: Harrogate Park, 1237 Pretorius Street, Hatfield, Pretoria Website: https://m-a-b.co.za/Email: info@m-a-b.co.za

Telephone: 010 447 3799