Sibongile Ntsoelengoe

Executive Cluster Manager, Mining CSIR

Sibongile (Bongi) Ntsoelengoe is a seasoned mining executive with over 20 years of experience across the mining value chain, spanning operations, digital transformation, marketing, research and innovation, and strategy development. With a strong technical background in metallurgical and process engineering, she has led people-centred technology and innovation roadmaps that enabled solution adoption, improved safety, strengthened operational excellence, and advanced sustainable mining practices. Previously, as Manager of Technology at Kumba Iron Ore (Anglo American), Bongi developed and executed an integrated technology and innovation strategy, building a high-performing team that successfully deployed  and diffused innovative solutions supporting the organisation’s modernisation journey. She currently serves as Executive Cluster Manager for Future Production: Mining at the CSIR, South Africa’s leading multidisciplinary science council. In this role, she drives applied research, bespoke technology development, and ecosystem strengthening, forging partnerships across industry, government, and technology suppliers. Her work advances best-practice development, standard-setting, sustainability, circularity, and inclusive industrial growth. She recently contributed to the G20 Critical Minerals Framework and national RDI revitalisation efforts. Bongi also serves as a Non-Executive Director at Fraser Alexander and a SAIMM Council Member. She is deeply committed to mentoring young talent and championing an innovative, inclusive, and future-ready mining sector.