By: Creamer media

The mezzanine funding package comprises R200-million provided by Kholo Capital and R75-million provided by Tensai. 

Isambane delivers comprehensive opencast mining services, including drilling, blasting, loading, hauling, rehabilitation and day-work services to reputable mining clients.

This transaction enables the company’s management team to acquire 100% ownership of the business, thereby strengthening operational control and positioning Isambane for its next phase of growth.

The management consortium is led by Isambane Mining chairperson Banzi Giyose, Isambane Mining CEO Johan Venter and Isambane Mining CFO Jorrie Jordaan with advisory capacity provided by corporate advisory firm Bravura Capital.

“We are delighted to support Isambane’s accomplished and highly motivated management team in acquiring full ownership of this exceptional business. This transaction is a strong example of how structured mezzanine debt capital can enable management-led ownership transitions without unnecessary equity dilution, while providing the flexibility required to sustain growth and operational momentum,” Kholo Capital managing partner and co-founder Zaheer Cassim comments.

“Isambane’s portfolio includes multi-year contracts with Tier 1 mining clients, providing strong revenue visibility. Its flexible operating model enables rapid redeployment of fleet and personnel, significantly mitigating contract and asset use risk.

“Importantly, this transaction enhances black ownership and control in a sector that has historically lacked transformation. Isambane is now a majority black-owned and black-controlled mining services company.

“This transaction reflects continued investor confidence in South Africa’s mining services sector and highlights the role of structured mezzanine debt in enabling management-led ownership transitions,” adds Kholo Capital managing partner and co-founder Mokgome Mogoba.

Tensai says it is pleased to partner with Kholo Capital on this transaction and that Isambane’s established position and resilient operating model make it an attractive investment.

“Bravura is delighted to have assisted the exceptional Isambane management to achieve the 100% management buyout from the existing shareholders within less than nine months from our initial engagement.

“With Isambane being a capital-intensive business, we had to navigate the legal relationships with the various senior lenders carefully to achieve this outcome,” says Bravura Capital corporate finance head Soria Hay.

Venter says this milestone marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter grounded in purpose, operational excellence and sustainable value creation.

“This transaction represents a transformational step for Isambane, aligning ownership with a management team deeply committed to the business and its long-term success. It strengthens our foundation for disciplined growth, anchored in our core values of faith, integrity, accountability, resilience, partnership and operational excellence.

“Kholo Capital brought strong credibility, commercial rigour and execution capability to the process. Their principled, solutions-driven approach and ability to navigate complexity while maintaining momentum were instrumental in achieving this outcome. We enter this next phase with confidence, guided by our values and a shared commitment to building a sustainable, high-performing business,” he comments.