Who We Are

Gole specialises in trading and supplying dry bulk commodities, investing in strategic assets, and providing logistics solutions. We leverage our extensive network and industry acumen to meet the growing demands of global commodity markets.

Trading

We trade dry bulk commodities, both at the origin mainly in Southern Africa and at destination markets worldwide. The materials range from thermal coal, coking coal, anthracite, iron ore and chrome. Our trades have been predominantly in various grades of coal, employing our expertise to navigate market complexities and deliver value.

Assets and Investments

Investment in strategic assets is a cornerstone of our strategy. By investing our own capital into key areas of the commodity trade infrastructure, GOLE enhances its service offerings and strengthens its market position. Combined with our trading activities and expertise, this enables us to identify new opportunities and paths forward for our continued growth in commodities trading.

Logistics

Efficient pit-to-port logistics, ensuring the seamless transportation of bulk commodities to South African ports like Richards Bay and Maydon Wharf in Durban. Our service leverages a network of trusted road and rail partners, complemented by advanced tracking technologies for timely, secure deliveries This integrated approach not only supports our trading and investment endeavors but also positions logistics as a strategic advantage in the commodity market. Read more

How We Work

themetags office GOLE Purpose

Our Purpose

To empower Africa's commodity trade sector by connecting markets, and providing strategic solutions that enhance efficiency, ensure quality, and foster sustainable growth.


themetags office GOLE Value Chain

The Value Chain

GOLE operates at every stage of the commodity value chain, from sourcing to trading and logistics. We prioritize transparency, quality, and efficiency at every step from "pit-to-port" to ensure the best outcomes for our clients and partners.

themetags office GOLE Responsibilities

Responsibilities

Our commitment to ethical practices, environmental sustainability, and community welfare guides our business decisions and operations. We take our responsibilities seriously, striving to make a positive impact in every area of our work.

Our People

Our strength lies in our team. Comprising industry veterans with over 15 years of experience, our people are our greatest asset. Their expertise in commercial coal trade, logistics, and finance underpins our success and drives our mission forward.

Advisory board

Core to our strength and capabilities is the unrivalled experience and knowledge of our advisors, who serve as a sounding board in business strategy and decision-making.

Khosi Sibisi, Non-Executive Chairperson

A distinguished figure in the mining industry with over 30 years of experience. Her extensive background includes various executive roles and a current board position at HCI Coal, where she leverages her expertise to drive strategic growth and sustainability initiatives.

Recognized for her advocacy for gender diversity and ethical practices in mining, Khosi's leadership is characterized by a commitment to innovation and inclusivity. Her contributions to promoting women's roles in mining have garnered attention, showcasing her as a pivotal leader working to reshape the industry’s future.

At GOLE, Khosi brings visionary leadership, strategic insight, and a passion for sustainability and empowerment, aligning with the company’s mission to redefine Africa's commodity trade landscape.

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Tony Tshivhase, Non-Executive Director

Tony is renowned for his extensive background in corporate and commercial law, with a career that extends over 30 years. His expertise has been instrumental in navigating complex transactions within the high-stakes mining, oil, and gas industries.

As a seasoned legal strategist, he has structured and advised on numerous significant deals, demonstrating his proficiency in legal intricacies and corporate governance.

Holding multiple directorship roles, Tony's leadership extends beyond legal counsel to strategic business guidance. As a partner at Dentons, one of the world's largest law firms, underscores his commitment to legal excellence and to enhancing business operations in South Africa.

At Gole VOP Trades, Tony employs his extensive legal knowledge and business insight to ensure the company navigates the regulatory environment effectively, capitalizing on opportunities and mitigating risks. His contributions are vital to GOLE's commitment to maintaining the highest standards of compliance and strategic growth in the commodity trading market.

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Our Executive Team

For Gole Trades, it’s a culmination of decades of hands-on industry experience, spearheaded by the executive team’s deep-rooted expertise in diverse facets of the mining and commodity trading industries.

Sipho Mnguni, Chief Executive Officer

Sipho brings a vast and rich tapestry of expertise to the world of commodity trading, logistics, and investment. His formative years at Deloitte laid the groundwork for a career characterised by strategic insight and an intricate understanding of complex industries.

His proficiency in areas such as mergers & acquisitions, business process optimization, and commercial deal structuring, specifically within the coal trading context, has been a cornerstone of his professional journey.

His acumen in finance, gained from his tenure as CFO in the coal trading sector, has strengthened GOLE Trades’ financial foundations, enhancing its ability to forge lucrative export trades and funding structures. Sipho's foundational role at a boutique consulting firm, highlights his multifaceted skills and innovative approach to business strategy, ensuring GOLE's operations are not just efficient but also cutting-edge and future-proof.

As GOLE Trades stands at the intersection of robust trade networks, asset investment, and logistical innovation, Sipho’s strategic leadership and financial stewardship are pivotal in driving the company's growth and profitability, positioning it as a powerhouse in Africa's commodity trading scene.

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Itani Phaduli, Chief Financial Officer

Itani, serving as the Chief Financial Officer at Gole Trades VOP Trades (Pty) Ltd, is a linchpin in the company’s financial health and strategic planning. As a Chartered Accountant backed by a Master's Degree in Development Finance, Itani embodies a decade of robust experience in the financial sector.

His proficiency spans deal structuring, financial modeling, accountancy, and financial reporting—skills that are indispensable to Gole Trades' success.

Itani’s approach integrates meticulous financial oversight with strategic foresight, ensuring that Gole Trades not only thrives in current markets but also pioneers new frontiers in the commodity trading industry. His expertise plays a critical role in fortifying Gole Trades' commitments to financial excellence and strategic investment, driving the company toward its vision of industry leadership.

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Ntokozo Dhlomo, Chief Operations Officer

Ntokozo is a dynamic professional renowned for his unwavering dedication to the coal mining industry. With a strong foundation in operations and process excellence, Ntokozo has carved a distinct niche in the sector.

Ntokozo exhibits a deep understanding of the complexities within the coal mining industry and through strategic vision and astute decision-making has consistently delivered effective and efficient solutions for operational excellence.

He holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration and a Diploma in purchasing and supply management which is pivotal to the operational excellence he drives at Gole Trades.
Ntokozo fosters a culture of collaboration and excellence which has formed the backbone of his trade. His commitment to continuous improvement and innovation has been instrumental in the operational excellence of Gole Trades.

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Ben Makoko, Head of Commercial Trades

As the Head of the Commercial Trades Desk in London, Ben brings a wealth of financial expertise and a global perspective to the team. Since becoming an accounting professional in 2014, Ben quickly advanced to senior management roles in leading accountancy firms in the UK, showcasing his adaptability and skill across various sectors, including property, technology, and edible oil production.

Ben’s comprehensive background, encompassing audit and corporate finance, equips him with the tools to support Gole Trades' risk management, and structuring of our trade transactions. His work is crucial in enhancing our trading desk's operations, thanks to his rigorous approach to financial oversight and strategic planning.

Ben holds memberships in SAICA and the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW), underscoring his dedication to maintaining high professional standards in the dynamic landscape of international trade and finance.

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Quick Contact

Telephone
012 655 2331
Email
info[@]goletrades.com

Collaboration and Partnering

Collaboration is key to our approach. GOLE Trades partners with leading mining companies, logistics providers, financial institutions and other global end-users in the energy space to create synergies that benefit all stakeholders and contribute to the prosperity of the regions we operate in.
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