- +27 010 017 1797
- sales@elderberrytrading.co.za
- 6 Wessel Road , Edenburg, Sandton, 2196
Kgomotso Maphai is the Founder and Group Managing Director of Elderberry ZA, a proudly African industrial conglomerate delivering integrated solutions across mining, infrastructure, engineering, procurement, and global trade. With over 20 years of experience spanning mining, telecommunications, manufacturing, media, and financial services, Kgomotso is widely respected as a visionary business builder and strategic growth architect.
His leadership is defined by an ability to align commercial vision with social impact, driving value creation through vertically integrated operations that span from resource ownership and beneficiation to infrastructure development and international trade. Under his guidance, Elderberry ZA has evolved into a continentally rooted, globally connected group serving critical sectors with sustainable, scalable solutions.
Kgomotso holds a Marketing Management Diploma and an Honours Degree in Marketing Management from the Institute of Marketing Management, equipping him with both the academic grounding and commercial acumen to lead across complex B2B landscapes.
On a global trade leadership, he plays a pivotal role in linking Southern African mineral assets to buyers across Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and North America, structuring long-term offtake agreements and building trusted global trade partnerships.
Known for his entrepreneurial mindset, cross-sector insight, and deep commitment to Africa-first industrialisation, Kgomotso continues to drive Elderberry ZA’s mission to deliver lasting economic value, empower local communities, and contribute meaningfully to Africa’s industrial transformation.
Gary Els is a seasoned executive and operational strategist with over 19 years of experience in fluid conveyancing systems, infrastructure logistics, and industrial supply chain management. As Managing Executive of Elderberry Trading, the procurement and supply chain arm of Elderberry ZA, Gary leads the company’s mission to deliver high-quality machinery, HDPE, ,PVC and steel piping systems, valves, fittings, and critical infrastructure components across South Africa and the continent.
Specialising in the mining, industrial, agricultural, plumbing, and construction sectors, Gary is known for his technical depth in fluid solutions and his ability to engineer turnkey sourcing strategies tailored to complex, capital-intensive projects. His leadership has played a key role in positioning Elderberry Trading as a trusted partner in the delivery of materials for large-scale infrastructure and municipal programmes.
Gary’s career is anchored in a unique blend of hands-on project execution, strategic planning, and commercial insight. His strengths in operations, change management, and cross-functional leadership have allowed him to lead diverse teams through transformation while consistently delivering operational excellence.
A respected figure in the infrastructure supply sector, Gary is recognised for his problem-solving mindset, people-centric leadership style, and long-standing partnerships with both local and international suppliers. He is passionate about mentorship, continuous learning, and contributing to the broader mission of Elderberry ZA to drive Africa-first industrialisation through efficient, sustainable, and resilient supply systems.
Mfundo Maziya is an accomplished operational strategist and executive leader with over two decades of cross-sector experience spanning logistics, infrastructure, supply chain, and high-volume service environments. As Managing Executive of Elderberry Mining SA, he drives the Group’s long-term strategy to establish a vertically integrated mining and beneficiation platform focused on the critical minerals underpinning the global energy transition.
Mfundo is known for his ability to translate complex business objectives into agile, scalable operating models, ensuring operational excellence across resource development, beneficiation, and trade readiness. His leadership is central to the growth of Elderberry’s mining portfolio, including the development of strategic mineral assets, wash plants, and local beneficiation infrastructure throughout Southern Africa.
His earlier roles include Head of Operations at FTTG and Sukumani Telecoms, where he successfully led large-scale service delivery networks and executed national scale-ups in South Africa’s telecommunications sector. In the logistics and supply chain space, he has overseen regulated distribution contracts for entities such as Correctional Services and the Department of Defence, delivering under stringent compliance and quality frameworks.
At Elderberry Mining SA, Mfundo leads the acquisition, development, and operational readiness of mining assets, ensuring alignment with ESG principles, local beneficiation mandates, and global market demand. His structured yet agile approach ensures that Elderberry’s mining operations are built on supply chain integrity, regulatory compliance, and long-term commercial value. Widely respected for his people-first leadership, change management expertise, and operational precision, Mfundo Maziya plays a pivotal role in transforming Elderberry ZA’s Africa-first industrialisation vision into a scalable, high-performing, and future-ready reality.
Mekgwe Mfolo is a highly accomplished technical executive and infrastructure strategist with over 20 years of multidisciplinary experience spanning mining, mineral processing, engineering consulting, manufacturing, water & sanitation and project execution across Africa, South America, and the Middle East.
As Managing Executive of Elderberry Consulting Engineers, Mekgwe leads the firm’s delivery of high-impact, context-sensitive engineering solutions across mining, water, industrial, and infrastructure development sectors. His leadership ensures that every project reflects Elderberry ZA’s commitment to technical excellence, sustainability, and community impact. Mekgwe brings deep expertise in process engineering, EPCM (Engineering, Procurement, and Construction Management), technical and consultancy services. Previously, he served as Business Sector Manager at Worley, where he managed multi-billion rands complex mining project portfolios from feasibility through commissioning, championing safety, quality, and long-term value creation.
With a strong ability to lead multidisciplinary teams in technically demanding environments, Mekgwe is a respected voice in Africa’s engineering and mining circles, often called upon for technical due diligence, regulatory advisory, and capital project oversight in both public and private sectors.
He is also the founder of Mfolo Enterprise Holdings, a group focused on driving inclusive economic transformation through investment education, strategic consulting, and socio-economic development. His entrepreneurial mindset, paired with his technical and strategic depth, enables him to bridge the gap between engineering innovation and nation-building. Mekgwe Mfolo plays a central role in shaping Elderberry ZA’s engineering platform as a critical enabler of sustainable industrialisation and infrastructure-led growth across the continent.
