Taking Foskor ‘back to basics’

EZRA Mlambo is rolling up his sleeves, ready to push for peak productivity at Foskor’s Richards Bay Acid Division.

The new General Manager of operations, born and bred in Zululand, plans on taking Foskor back to its business roots to grow the phosphate and phosphoric acid company.

‘At Foskor, we need to focus on our purpose, producing quality products efficiently, responsibly, cost effectively and continue to develop our people,’ said Mlambo.

‘In the short term, it is about going back to basics, fixing our plant and providing clear direction for our employees.’

Equipped with diplomas in both chemical engineering and business management from the University of KZN, Mlambo previously worked at Mondi in Richards Bay, consumer goods corporation Unilever in Durban and plantation company Sime Darby Hudson in Boksburg, before returning to Richards Bay.

His first priority is to lead by example and develop the team by allowing employees to participate in identifying solutions.

‘I believe every leader must have respect, responsibility, integrity, vision and perseverance as key traits.

‘These were qualities that influenced me most by Patience Thwala, who was my manager at Mondi, and Tshikhudo Luvhimbi, my manager at Unilever.

‘My mother was also a great source of inspiration.’

Despite the weak economic climate, Mlambo has no doubt Foskor will continue to meet the demand for fertiliser in South Africa, the Southern African Development Community and beyond.

‘Food security is important, especially to growing and developing regions. Foskor will grow with such regions and remain the key supplier.’

The father of two is not only a business brain – he is also a full-time pastor and founder of House of Worship Ministries in Mzingazi.

In his free time, he loves a good book, watching sport and learning to play the piano.

But his biggest personal priority is to help improve education in Zululand.

‘Being a local, I would love to see Richards Bay grow and see more investment in our youth.’