• TECHNOLOGY
LEDWABA , MD WEIR AFRICA , TALKS CONTINUOUS EVOLUTION FOR SUSTAINABILITY
By Sharyn Macnamara
Bridget Ledwaba joined Weir Africa in August 2024 as Managing Director . Just three months into her journey with Weir , she talks to African Mining about what led her to this juncture and lays out the company ’ s plans for the future . Her story is one of positivity , harnessing opportunity , developing talent , daily learning and constant evolution – all based on a strong set of values that have built her brand .
Meeting Bridget Ledwaba , managing director ( MD ) of Weir Africa , at the company ’ s manufacturing facility in Isando , I am immediately drawn to the stature of this lady and her humble , candid introduction of herself as a wife and mother of two girls aged 17 and 25 . Her positive demeanour and infectious laughter fills the room , as she homes in on the optimistic direction our country has taken in the past few months since the elections . The upturn in the mood of the mining industry is an opportunity not to be missed for this woman who has already clearly shown her mettle in a male dominated industry – from procurement , to manufacturing , to construction , banking and so much more . It is clear , Ledwaba aims to strike while the iron is hot , as she makes no bones about the fact that one “ should step up ” and harness the opportunities that abound , and if those opportunities do not present themselves , she stands firm and always ready to create a path into a sustainable future .
“ I believe the industry chose me , rather than the other way around ,” says Ledwaba . Her distinguished career began with an opportunity to study metallurgical engineering when she received a bursary from Denel SOC Ltd , many years ago . Her love of business , strategy and manufacturing emerged after an interesting evolution of her studies into a B Com , which placed her firmly in the realm of the corporate business world . She talks fondly of the memory of being offered a graduate trainee position at Iscor – at that time , a powerhouse in the steel industry with more than 23 000 employees – today , known as the privatised ArcelorMittal . She notes with pride , “ Back then , South Africa became the manufacturing hub of Africa , and it was great to be part of the industry .” It was here that she developed her passion for manufacturing , specifically in the steel sector . experienced at the time , she notes , “ My youth was perhaps my greatest impediment then – I had no experience to draw from at that stage . I learned then that the manufacturing industry does not care much for age , gender or race ; what it will do , however , is back people who are willing to take up the challenge , and so I did .
“ In those days , there were no formal mentorship programmes , so I stepped up and made my own path . I took the initiative and selected a mentor on my own accord – Oom Gerrie Bernade , was my chosen guide . His age , wisdom and expertise were the drawcards . I literally offered to take the minutes of his meetings so that I could learn as much as possible from the dynamics I would be exposed to in procurement on that level in the contracting business ,” says Ledwaba – her commitment and drive , almost tangible . For Ledwaba , this marked the beginning of a 24-year trajectory in building extensive experience in the manufacturing , construction , concessions and investment management sectors of South Africa .
Optimising efficiencies – a business fundamental Fast-forward to 2015 , Ledwaba joined Intertoll Africa as MD . Her tenure at this Group Five company proved to be a major highlight in her career trajectory , which stood her in good stead for future success , says Ledwaba .
All images supplied by Weir Africa
Bridget Ledwaba joined Weir Africa in August 2024 as managing director .
Mentorship , a first step to success Ledwaba decided to learn all she could from the experts she was surrounded by at Iscor . Reflecting on the greatest challenges she
She explains that when she came on board , the contracts in place , despite having sound foundation , were all loss-making at the time . Ledwaba harnessed the fundamentals of manufacturing ,
18 • African Mining • February 2025 www . africanmining . co . za