Ernie Lai King
Chairman of Northbound Processing, providing strategic leadership and oversight in corporate governance, tax strategy, and complex financial structuring. With over 40 years of experience as a tax and corporate law specialist, Ernie brings deep expertise in structured finance, mergers and acquisitions, international tax planning, and cross-border transactions.
He authored the South African chapter of the Cambridge University Press publication A Global Analysis of Tax Treaty Disputes, convened by the London School of Economics. He served as Group Tax Consultant for two major JSE-listed top-20 companies and as Head of Tax and the Asia-Africa Practice Group for several top-tier law firms. Recognised for dealmaking excellence, he was awarded the DealMakers Annual Award in 2013 as Individual Dealmaker of the Year (South Africa). He also served as a member of the Income Tax Special Court of Appeal, appointed by the State President.
Dr. Duarte F. da Silva
With more than 30 years in mining finance, engineering, and capital markets, Dr. Duarte da Silva has built and financed resource-focused businesses across Africa and global markets. His career includes leading Macquarie Bank's African mining operations and co-founding major investment platforms. Duarte drives Northbound's transformation into a leader in sustainable precious metals recovery.
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Daniel de Wet Hayward
Daniel Hayward is an experienced attorney with over 30 years in commercial law, private equity, and mergers and acquisitions. Admitted in both South Africa and the UK, he ensures that Northbound operates with the highest standards of governance, ethics, and regulatory compliance.
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Mduduzi Maqubela
Head of Stakeholder Relations & Communications at Northbound Processing, overseeing communication strategy, stakeholder engagement, and corporate reputation management. With over a decade of experience in media, strategic communications, and stakeholder relations spanning journalism, corporate branding, and entrepreneurship across South Africa and the region.
Mduduzi began his career as a Current Affairs and Business News Producer at Primedia 702, contributing to flagship shows such as The Money Show with Bruce Whitfield, Breakfast with John Robbie, and The Midday Report with Stephen Grootes. He recently completed an Advanced Diploma in Adaptive Leadership while concurrently pursuing an MBA.
He founded MaQ Communications, a township media agency specialising in billboards, exhibitions, and media engagement, later transforming it into MaQ Consulting — a niche advisory firm serving the mining, construction, and fuel supply sectors. Key achievements include facilitating fuel supply operations in Zambia's Ndola region, securing investor financing for wash plants and yellow machinery, and facilitating a joint venture between an Australian valve manufacturer and a local firm now serving as a key valve supply and maintenance partner in the mining industry. He also co-founded My Neighbourhood TV, an NGO based in Alexandra Township promoting local entrepreneurship and skills development.
World-Class Standards
Our leadership team brings together expertise spanning tax law, mining finance, engineering, commercial law, private equity, and strategic communications. Together, they ensure Northbound operates with the highest standards of governance, ethics, and regulatory compliance.
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Northbound Processing is always looking for talented individuals who share our commitment to excellence, integrity, and sustainable practices.
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