Transformation in practice
Real outcomes from high-risk environments where safety and performance matter most.
Case Studies
Real-world outcomes from high-risk environments where safety and performance matter most.
SIBANYE STILLWATER GOLD
- Context
A period of instability, with 20 fatalities in six months across deep-level operations.
- Intervention
Zinakelkele Consulting’s Safety Culture Transformation Process (SCTP), delivered across multiple levels, for 23 000 employees at 15 shafts (Gold), 33,000 employees (Platinum), supported by leadership engagement and sustained cultural follow-through.
- Outcomes
- 13.4 million fatality-free shifts
- World record in deep-level mining
- Fundamental shift from compliance to shared ownership of Zero Harm
- SAIMM Best Safety Company 2019
- Client Statement
“You helped us move from 20 fatalities in six months to the record of an unprecedented 13.4 million fatal-free shifts.”
Ross Stewart, Safety Transformation Lead, Sibanye Stillwater Gold
SERITI KHUTALA
- Context
Low Safety Culture scores, strained relationships, and inconsistent safety behaviour impacting morale and performance.
- Intervention
Zinakelkele Consulting’s Safety Culture Transformation Process informed by diagnostic insight and leadership and workforce engagement across Khutala, Kriel, NDC & NVC mines
- Outcomes
- Khutala Safety Culture score +59% (53 → 84); morale +64%; relationships +38%;
- 100% Excellent feedback ratings for team members at all shafts
ROYAL BAFOKENG PLATINUM
- Context
Seven fatalities in a 14-month period, indicating deep cultural and behavioural risk.
- Intervention
Zinakelkele Consulting’s Safety Culture Transformation Process for 6,500 employees, focused on leadership alignment, workforce ownership, and behavioural consistency.
- Outcomes
- From 7 fatals in 14 months → 0 in 26 months
- 61% lost time injury reduction
- Record production
HARMONY GOLD
- Context
Large, complex operations requiring consistent safety behaviour across multiple sites.
- Intervention
Zinakelkele Consulting’s Safety Culture Transformation Process within Harmony’s overarching Thibakotsi Training delivered to approximately 16,000 employees, supported by leadership engagement.
- Outcomes
- 2 million fatality-free shifts per operation
- 2023 CEO’s Special Award for Best Mine
BHP Billiton
- Context
High-risk operational environment requiring measurable improvement in safety outcomes.
- Intervention
Safety culture intervention focused on behavioural drivers and leadership accountability.
- Outcomes
- 163 days without a reportable injury
- Nomination for an international health and safety award
Delmas Coal
- Context
Long-standing conflict between management and unions undermining safety and performance.
- Intervention
Relationship-building and culture transformation processes focused on trust, communication, and shared accountability.
- Outcomes
- Shift from conflict to cooperation
- Improved labour relations and organisational stability
- Stronger safety focus
- Client Statement
“The relationship you’ve built between management and unions, after so many years of conflict, is nothing short of a miracle.”
Merci Wilson, HR Manager, Delmas Coal
Not sure where to start?
Before launching initiatives.
Before responding reactively to incidents.
Before assumptions harden into decisions.
Begin with clarity.
What our clients say
The greatest measure of our impact comes from the words of those we’ve worked with; from mine shafts to boardrooms, across unions, management, workers, and entire organisations.
This is the best team-building I’ve ever attended!”
Dawie de Villiers, Senior Manager Human Resources, Spoornet
“Important for any organisation, any group of people.”
Vincent Mntambo, Former DG, Gauteng Government
“In the top five presentations we have ever had.”
Young Presidents’ Organisation (YPO)
“Lance Bloch must be one of the leading facilitators of change around.”
Colin Oxley, Managing Director, Lafarge Aluminates
“From enemies to partners — I can now put my faith in the managers in this room.”
AngloPlatinum ‘Big 5’ Strike Committee Member
“The best relationship-building with management I have ever been through.”
NUM Regional Organiser, Rustenburg
“The Safety programme was very successful. I must give you accolades. This laid the foundation for a record number of classified injury-free days. The intervention was wonderful!”
Jamie Ferguson, ex-GM, Douglas/Koornfontein mine complex
“You helped us move from 20 fatalities in six months to the record of an unprecedented 13.4 million fatal-free shifts.”
Ross Stewart, Safety Transformation Lead, Sibanye Stillwater Gold
“Thank you for such a fantastic day — everyone was delighted and overwhelmed by your superb talk, presentation and exercises.”
Ralph Lewis, Board Chairman, Greenleaf Centre for Servant Leadership UK
“The relationship you’ve built between management and unions, after so many years of conflict, is nothing short of a miracle.”
Merci Wilson, HR Manager, Delmas Coal
“There were two people I wanted to meet in South Africa: you and Nelson Mandela!”
Tommy Nelson, Senior Leadership Consultant, Lifeplan Brazil
“I learnt more of real use about diversity in the past hour than I did in four days of management training.”
Mark Cunney, GM, Shanduka Coal Graspan Colliery
“Brilliant! Unique! A real eye-opener. This will totally change my life both at work and home.”
Workshop Participants, various sites
“Magic happens on this course — and unlike other trainings, it gets better and better as time goes on.”
Natalie Stoltz, Managing Director, Privest
“What was achieved was considered impossible.”
William Taylor, Executive Vice President, Technical Services And Safety, Sibanye Stillwater
Need Greater Clarity?
Before launching initiatives.
Before responding reactively to incidents.
Before assumptions harden into decisions.
Begin with clarity.
Recognition of Excellence
Through Zinakelkele’s facilitation and partnership, our clients have achieved some of the most significant safety milestones and industry awards in South African mining.
These honours reflect the lasting impact of our Safety Culture Transformation Process and 4th Wave methodology.
Join the journey to Zero Harm and High Performance.
Speak to our team about what the SCTP can unlock for your organisation.