For a company long anchored in one of the world’s most iconic gold regions - the Witwatersrand Basin - this moment signals a definitive pivot from potential to production. And at the helm is a leader whose resume reads like a blueprint for mine-building success in Africa.

Deysel, a mining engineer by training with over two decades of experience, is no stranger to the volatility, promise, and politics of African mining. He has worked the narrow tabular gold reefs of the south and the copper belts of the north. 

From the deep shafts of Anglo Platinum to open-pit operations in Ghana, his career has been forged in technical rigor, operational resilience, and project delivery under pressure. This grounding is now being brought to bear in what could be West Wits' most pivotal chapter.

What sets Deysel apart is not only his grasp of engineering principles but his fluency in turning vision into bankable outcomes. As Chief Operating Officer and South African Country Manager for West Wits before, he was instrumental in steering the Qala Shallows Project from study phase to execution readiness. 
Under his watch, the DFS was completed, early contractor work commenced, and perhaps most crucially, the project attracted institutional investment. The company raised US $14 million in mid-2025 - a watershed moment that allowed Qala Shallows to move from paper to production.

This is more than just good project management - it’s a demonstration of leadership that marries technical excellence with financial credibility. In an industry where timelines slip and optimism often outpaces cash flow, Deysel’s track record of delivery is rare and refreshing.
The Qala Shallows Project itself is the tip of a far richer iceberg. Situated in the heart of the Witwatersrand Basin, the project taps into an orebody that has yielded more gold than any other in human history. Yet, for decades, much of this remaining resource has been stranded - locked up in regulatory, infrastructural, or legacy challenges. Deysel seems determined to reverse that fate.

He brings with him not only the credentials (a B.Eng in Mining, B.Sc. in Geophysics, an MBA, and a Mine Manager Certificate), but a new mining philosophy. Mechanisation, electrification, and low-impact hydropower are not afterthoughts—they are central to his development model. In a country wrestling with load shedding and rising ESG scrutiny, this is not just responsible—it’s strategic.
But Deysel’s task is not without obstacles. South Africa’s mining sector continues to grapple with regulatory uncertainty, logistical bottlenecks, and community pressures. And gold, while resilient, is a fickle commodity, with prices sensitive to macroeconomic tremors and geopolitical shocks. To succeed, he will need to keep investor confidence high, community relations warm, and operations ticking on schedule.

Still, the direction is clear. With Qala Shallows targeting steady-state output of 70,000 ounces per annum and job creation pegged at around 1,000 positions, the project has the scale and social footprint to shift West Wits into the mid-tier gold producer ranks. 
For shareholders, this means cash flow and growth potential. For the broader market, it’s a case study in how junior miners can punch above their weight when they get the right leadership.

In many ways, Deysel is the right man at the right mine at the right time. His appointment is not just a corporate announcement - it’s a statement of intent. West Wits is no longer content being a promising exploration company. Under Deysel’s leadership, it is positioning itself as a serious, production-ready player, focused on sustainable returns and long-term relevance.

The gold is still there. Now, so is the leadership to unlock it.