As the job market continues to pose challenges for millions in South Africa, the chrome mining contractor MySol Holdings and Logistics is poised to create nearly 200 new positions through a significant expansion. The company is enhancing its mining operations by adding 40 new Volvo machines to its fleet.
MySol, founded by Solomon “Solly” Soka Madibela, has recently acquired 10 E950 excavators and 30 A40G articulated dump trucks. This addition brings the company’s total Volvo machinery count to approximately 150 units.
This fleet expansion will necessitate hiring additional personnel, including machine operators, mechanics, shift crews, and other support staff, as the equipment will function across various shifts.
For surrounding communities involved in South Africa’s mining sector, this investment signifies more than just the introduction of new machinery. It is anticipated to offer new job opportunities and avenues for skills development, particularly during a period marked by a severe jobs crisis.
MySol’s Fleet Expansion Comes Amid High Unemployment
The unemployment situation in South Africa remains a pressing issue affecting families and neighborhoods nationwide.
In the first quarter of 2026, the official unemployment rate was recorded at 32.7%, while the expanded rate—including discouraged job seekers—hit 43.7%.
In this context, the anticipated creation of nearly 200 jobs by MySol underscores the potential benefits of private sector investment in the mining industry.
The recent acquisitions are part of a broader growth narrative for the business.
Since its founding in 2018, MySol has evolved from a small operation with roughly 38 employees to a workforce of around 2,500.
The company’s investment in new excavators and articulated dump trucks has reportedly exceeded R200 million.
From 50,000 Tonnes to 450,000 Tonnes a Month
The extent of MySol’s growth is evident in its chrome ore production figures.
Upon its inception, the firm produced approximately 50,000 tonnes of chrome ore monthly. This figure has dramatically increased to about 450,000 tonnes a month, according to company reports.
The latest addition of Volvo machines is expected to bolster the company’s production capabilities as it continues to scale its operations.
These machines will be utilized across various shifts, creating a greater need for skilled and semi-skilled workers to maintain efficient mining operations, including roles for equipment operators and mechanics as well as support staff.
MySol Targets 200 Volvo Machines by End of 2026
Madibela has plans beyond the 40 new machines added in this latest round.
The company aims to grow its fleet to 200 machines by the end of 2026, with a long-term goal of expanding to a total of 300 units.
If realized, this expansion would further enlarge MySol’s operations and potentially generate increased demand for workers possessing technical, operational, and mining-related skills.
This growth reflects the capital-intensive demands of contemporary mining, where heavy machinery plays a critical role in ore extraction and production maintenance.
Mining Expansion Extends Beyond Machinery
MySol emphasizes that its ambitions go beyond mere production and equipment acquisition.
In its engagements with mining communities, the company is committed to local hiring, skills training, and operator instruction, thereby creating opportunities for local residents.
Additionally, the MySol Foundation supports scholarship programs designed to help youth access education and acquire skills that could enhance their job prospects.
For communities reliant on mining, such initiatives can foster pathways into the industry that extend beyond direct employment opportunities.
A Small Contribution to a Much Bigger Jobs Crisis
While MySol’s growth alone cannot resolve South Africa’s unemployment issues, the impending creation of close to 200 jobs illustrates the potential benefits of investments in production capabilities.
As companies advance, they naturally need personnel to operate, maintain, and support their expanding activities. This demand can lead to opportunities for workers, fostering skill development within local communities.
Thus, MySol’s recent investments translate into more than just 40 new Volvo machines entering its operations.
This marks yet another phase of rapid growth, moving from a workforce of fewer than 40 individuals in 2018 to an estimated 2,500 employees, while simultaneously amplifying its monthly chrome ore production significantly.
With ambitions for a fleet of 200 Volvo machines by the end of 2026 and an eventual goal of 300, MySol’s next growth phase could bring substantial changes to both its operational framework and to the communities reliant on the mining sector for job opportunities.
