Meet the Team
Dr Bongani Mvelase
General Manager
. Dr Mvelase has PhD (Engineering, Wits University, SA), MSc Refinery Design & Operations (University of Manchester, UK), BSc. (Chemical Engineering, UKZN, SA). Chartered Engineer (UK Engineering Council), Chartered Energy Engineer (Energy Institute). Dr Mvelase was appointed into the role of General Manager of SAPREF on the 1st of January 2025. Prior to his appointment, he was the SAPREF Island View Terminal Manager since June 2023. His contribution has cut across a number of industries including Oil & Gas, FMCG, Car Manufacturing and Power Generation. At SAPREF, Dr Mvelase has occupied a wide range of role from Process Engineer to Plant Manager.
Zamasomi Msomi
Support Services Manager
. Ms. Msomi was appointed to her current role in August 2023 to lead the Support Services Unit. Zamasomi is a dynamic Accountant holding a BCom in Accounting, B Comm Honours in Management obtained at University of KwaZulu Natal Durban. She also holds various certificates with CIMA. She is a born leader, passionate about developing and empowering other leaders especially women. Prior to joining SAPREF, Ms. Msomi gained extensive financial & managerial experience at NBC Holdings, KZN Law Society, and KZN Liquor Authority. She has served as a Chief Financial Officer from 2019, at EDTEA and Trade & Investment KZN. She has also served as a member of the various Board since 2007.
Melanie Francis
Health, Safety, Security & Environment Manager
. Melanie was appointed to her current role in May 2023, after serving as Environmental Manager at the SAPREF Refinery for the last 8 years, adding Safety, Security and Emergency Services to her leadership responsibilities. She joined SAPREF in 2000 as part of the team responsible for implementing the ISO 14001 and ISO 9001 standards, before moving into the Occupational Health Advisor role for 8 years followed by 3 years as the Environmental Engineer. Ms Francis brings more than 10 years of leadership experience within the petrochem industry, covering environment, safety, health, and stakeholder engagements. Melanie holds a B.Sc. in Chemistry, B. Tech in Environmental Health and a B. Sc (Hon) in Environmental Management.
Zanele Madinane
Terminal Operations Manager
. Zanele Madinane rejoined SAPREF as a Terminal Operations Manager in May 2025. She is no stranger to SAPREF as she has previously occupied various roles after having been as a Process Engineer and over the years, she progressed through various roles, including Plant Unit Manager, before departing in 2015. Zanele served as Head of Planning at Mondi Business Paper and held several key roles in the aluminium industry at South32 Smelter in Richards Bay, focusing on production as well as Health, Safety, Environment & Risk. Zanele has strong academic foundation, holding an MSc in Chemical Engineering from the University of Cape Town and a Management Development Programme (MPD) qualification obtain in the University of South Africa. She has also completed numerous certifications through the UCT Centre for coaching.
Vacant
Maintenance Manager
Mondli Mbili
Engineering & Technical Services Manager
. Mondli Mbili is currently the Engineering and Technical Services Manager at SAPREF. He is a Mechanical Engineer with a BSc Engineering Degree obtained from UKZN and registered with the Engineering Counsel of South Africa as a Professional Engineer. He also holds a Government Certificate of Competency in Factories and a Master of Business Administration Degree from the Gordon Institute of Business Science. Mondli looks after Engineering, Technical Services and the Maintenance Department.