Dr Nombasa Tsengwa

Former CEO of Exxaro Resources, Mining & Energy Leader & Keynote Speaker

Meet Dr Nombasa Tsengwa

Dr Nombasa Tsengwa believes in harnessing each person’s unique DNA to generate organic energy that empowers them to reach their full potential. This belief has been at the heart of her leadership journey and continues to guide her today.

With over two decades at Exxaro Resources, Dr Nombasa Tsengwa had the privilege of playing a central role in shaping one of South Africa’s leading mining and renewable energy companies. As CEO and in previous roles, including Executive Head of Coal Operations and MD of Minerals, she led strategic investments exceeding R17 billion and helped achieve an average ROCE of 25% since 2017. She spearheaded Exxaro’s diversification into future-facing commodities such as copper and manganese, aligning with the company’s Sustainable Growth and Impact Strategy and its ambition to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050. Under her leadership, Exxaro ranked among the JSE’s top 5 performers and expanded its operational and geographical footprint, becoming a model for transformation, innovation, and value creation.

These experiences shaped her thinking about what true, lasting impact requires – resilience, courage, vision, and a commitment to a purpose beyond profit. They also prepared her for her next chapter: L’inyathelo.

Dr Nombasa Tsengwa founded L’inyathelo in 2024, a name that means “the step” in isiXhosa. For her, it truly represents the bold step she felt called to take. She created a private investment and strategic advisory platform shaped by her deep belief in transformative, values-based leadership. This step was her response to what she sees as an urgent need across public organisations, the private sector, and our continent: leadership grounded in integrity, purpose, and the promise of shared prosperity.

L’inyathelo was born out of deep reflection. She thought about her journey as a rural girl finding her way in the world, the leadership challenges she has navigated over the past 30 years, and her hopes for Africa’s future. Our continent is rich with potential but too often held back by deep inequalities. She believes that the most significant investment we can make, the step that truly matters, is in nurturing visionary, organic leadership and building resilient ecosystems that honour and are rooted in our unique African DNA.

In this new role, she will oversee strategic direction, mentor leaders, and guide initiatives that bridge inner growth with outer impact. Together, she believes we can co-create a leadership culture in which authentic, values-driven leadership shapes Africa’s future.

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Leadership Profile: Nombasa Tsengwa

As CEO Nombasa has faced challenges including a price drop of coal, Eskom’s load shedding and logistics problems caused by Transnet.

Natural Fit: South African Mining CEO On Influential Leadership

DR NOMBASA TSENGWA CUTS A STRONG personality even across a computer screen, with her acute mind and high energy driving clear, well thought-out responses

Exxaro names Nombasa Tsengwa CEO designate

Dr Nombasa Tsengwa, who has more than 18 years of executive management and board experience, will officially take over the reins once Mgojo reaches the retirement age of 63.