Speakers

Ms Siphelele Buthelezi is the Executive Manager: Office of the Chief Executive Officer at the Council for Geoscience (CGS) and a geologist with over 20 years of multidisciplinary experience across the geosciences, mining and energy sectors. 

At the CGS, she plays a strategic role in advancing South Africa’s national geological mapping and mineral exploration programmes, with a strong focus on the generation and application of geoscientific data to enable exploration investment and technology-driven mineral development. Her work supports the development of integrated geological datasets and exploration-enabling information systems that strengthen mineral prospectivity assessment, reduce exploration risk and improve investor confidence.

She previously held senior leadership positions at Eskom, including Coal Supply Unit Manager and Geology Manager, where she managed strategic coal portfolios and contributed to national energy security initiatives. 

Ms Buthelezi is passionate about positioning geological data as a strategic national asset that supports digital transformation in exploration and mining. She contributes to initiatives focused on geoscience data accessibility, modern exploration technologies, and the development of sustainable mineral value chains that enhance South Africa’s competitiveness as a global exploration destination.