Loonch Trading
A Legacy of Strategic Enterprise
Since 2014, Loonch Trading & Projects has operated at the nexus of commodities, energy, and infrastructure. We do not simply trade resources -- we architect the systems that move them, finance them, and deliver them to the markets that matter.
Born in Johannesburg. Built for the World.
Loonch Trading & Projects was founded with a singular conviction: that South Africa's commodity wealth, when paired with institutional-grade financial discipline, can generate outsized value for stakeholders on both sides of the supply chain.
From our headquarters in Umhlanga, KwaZulu-Natal, we built a mining operation that has evolved into becoming the official mining contractor for Vlaklaagte Colliery Mine. We also operate a flagship facility capable of storing 500,000 metric tons of coal. We then expanded into energy procurement, securing refinery allocations across the country's major petroleum infrastructure. Consultation followed naturally -- a full-service freight operation connecting mines, refineries, and ports. And in 2021, we planted our flag in the United Kingdom, opening a financial services corridor between Africa and Europe.
Today, we are not just a trading company. We are a bridge between continents, between public and private sectors, between raw commodities and finished infrastructure. Every division is connected. Every transaction is traceable. Every partnership is built to last.
2
Continents
4
Divisions
PPP
Model
10+
Years
The Pillars We Build On
Institutional Excellence
We operate with the governance standards, compliance rigour, and strategic discipline of a tier-one financial institution. Every decision is underscored by fiduciary responsibility.
PPP Advocacy
We are architects of public-private collaboration. By bridging government mandates with private-sector execution, we unlock capital for the projects that shape nations.
Strategic Vision
Our leadership identifies high-value opportunities before they reach market consensus. We position at the intersection of commodities, energy, and infrastructure where value compounds.
Regulatory Compliance
Dually registered in South Africa (2014/020866/07) and the United Kingdom (13542861), we operate within the full letter of the law across every jurisdiction we touch.
Where Commodities Meet Capital
The Architects of Our Vision
Our executive team combines financial acumen with deep operational knowledge, driving Loonch's growth across every division and jurisdiction.
Chairman
Lungile Nkosi
Lungile Nkosi brings a rare combination of vision and operational pragmatism to the Loonch boardroom. With deep expertise spanning the South African and European financial sectors, he has spent over a decade engineering partnerships that translate policy into infrastructure. A passionate advocate of the Public-Private Partnership model, Chairman Nkosi champions the belief that sustainable development is only achievable when government and the private sector operate as genuine partners rather than transactional counterparts. Under his stewardship, Loonch has secured landmark relationships with regulatory bodies, institutional investors, and sovereign entities across two continents.
Chief Executive Officer
Sizwe Mkhulise
Sizwe Mkhulise is the Chief Executive Officer of Loonch and the architect of its four-division strategy. He brings over 10 years of progressive experience in the mining sector, with a distinguished record as an exceptional negotiator and strategic business leader. Mr. Mkhulise's commitment to mining began in the North West province, where he developed his foundational expertise and a deep professional dedication to responsible resource development. From these roots, he has expanded the company's reach to oversee complex, multi-jurisdictional operations, establishing a vast network across mining, logistics, and construction. As CEO, he is responsible for the Group's strategic direction and day-to-day execution, with a mandate to uphold supply-chain integrity, strengthen client trust, and deliver sustainable, long-term value. Under his leadership, Loonch has extended its footprint from South African mining and logistics into UK-registered financial services and energy procurement. Mr. Mkhulise's executive philosophy is anchored in measurable outcomes and disciplined execution. Every metric ton delivered, refinery allocation secured, and bank guarantee structured reflects his commitment to operational excellence, governance, and strategic growth.
Executive Director
Qaphela Mbelu
Qaphela Mbelu is a dynamic and visionary business leader, currently serving as an Executive Director at Loonch Trading, where he plays a pivotal role in driving the company's growth and strategic direction. Originally from the picturesque city of Pietermaritzburg in KwaZulu-Natal, Qaphela's entrepreneurial journey is a testament to his unwavering passion for business and his innate ability to identify opportunities. As a shrewd businessman and serial entrepreneur, Qaphela has built an impressive portfolio of investments across various sectors, with a particular focus on mining, farming, and construction. His extensive experience in these industries has equipped him with a unique understanding of the complexities and nuances of business, allowing him to make informed decisions that drive results. With Qaphela's guidance, Loonch Trading has witnessed significant growth and transformation, expanding its reach and solidifying its position as a key player in the industry. His exceptional business acumen and financial intelligence have been instrumental in shaping the company's success, enabling Loonch to navigate complex markets and capitalise on emerging opportunities. Through his leadership and vision, Qaphela is helping to shape the future of Loonch Trading, driving innovation and growth while maintaining the company's commitment to excellence and customer satisfaction.
A Decade of Deliberate Growth
Loonch Trading & Projects incorporated in South Africa (Reg: 2014/020866/07)
Secured first coal storage allocation, launching the Mining division
Loonch Consultation established, providing strategic advisory services
Loonch Energy formed with first refinery allocation partnerships
United Kingdom entity registered (Company No: 13542861), expanding to Europe
Coal storage capacity reaches 500,000 metric tons at flagship facility
Bank guarantee instruments surpass R3 million threshold
Appointed as official mining contractor for Vlaklaagte Colliery Mine in Mpumalanga