Media releases

20 October 2009

CEO's 100 Days

At the helm of Richards Bay Coal Terminal, is Raymond Chirwa, who has been in the highest office for just over 100 days. He was appointed Chief Executive Officer on 1 July 2009.

Under Ray Chirwa’s leadership, RBCT remains committed to driving growth through transformation within the coal exporting industry by enabling BEE coal exporters to expand their global footprints.

Short term focus for Mr Chirwa and his team is the successful completion, delivery and incorporation of new BEE users into RBCT. “Negotiations with the new users are at an advanced stage,” says Raymond.

Whilst Transnet Freight Rail may face challenges with regards to efficiency at increased export rates, new entrants would receive throughput capacity in line with the build up of TFR capacity until such time that TFR capacity is able to meet the 91 million tons per annum demand.

Technical commissioning of Phase V is underway and completion is anticipated within the fourth quarter of 2009.

Chirwa indicated that he was astounded by the enthusiasm of a growing BEE coal exporting community and preliminary studies have been undertaken to grow the terminal beyond 91million tons per annum.

At 91 million tonnes per annum, RBCT will regain its position as the single largest export coal terminal in the world, with a vision of being the terminal of choice optimizing stakeholder value. Working safely at RBCT becomes the core of its existence and the focus is on affecting employee behaviour towards safety. Newly appointed SHE manager, Zanele Mthiyane is currently leading the rolling out of a Behaviour Based Safety system in the organization.

People are RBCT’s greatest assets, the focus is on effective leadership and employee engagement through improved communication, re-skilling and up-skilling of supervisors.

External stakeholder engagement underpins all our efforts in the coal export value chain.

“Our strategic approach is in line with the principles of efficiency and reliability and that of being the terminal of choice. As one of the country’s major foreign exchange earners, this strategy continues to create a sound reputation for us with both buyers around the world and the shipping fraternity,” said Raymond Chirwa.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT:
Miss Zama Luthuli
Corporate Affairs Manager
Richards Bay Coal Terminal Company Limited
Tel: 035 904 4045
Cell: 083 399 3111
Email : zluthuli@rbct.co.za