• AFRICAN BUZZ
Advancement ( RIISA ), NATIONAL RESEARCH FOUNDATION
• Natasha Ramkirpal , group lead – Water Security Optimisation , COCA COLA BEVERAGES AFRICA
• Retang Sandra Maphothoma , technologist – Highways , AECOM
• Zandile Pule , senior manager : Asset Optimisation , Strategy and Systems Global , Gold Fields
• Monique Schmidt , implementation co-ordinator , Engineering & Capex , ABINBEV
• Celeste Le Roux , founder and CEO , REACT GROUP
• Nosihle Dlamini , senior manager , Toyota Motor Manufacturing , South Africa
The speakers taking to the podium will reiterate the fact that having a career in STEM or in a male-dominated sector is difficult , not impossible . With this in mind , the organisers have set out to not only profile women who have already made it to the top but also aim to identify new , upcoming talent and future managers and CEOs of SA . Each year Pinpoint Stewards ensures that the panel of speakers are not repeated , to give exposure to more women over the years and profile their contributions made to these sectors . always includes 10 young professionals , as nominated by universities and tertiary institutions to attend each day of the conference and introduce them to mentors and job shadowing opportunities during contact sessions .
“ Over a period of more than 20 years in the conference industry , Pinpoint Stewards has observed a great evolution in industries – not only in the audiences attending , but in the trends with more women ‘ making it to the top ’ while taking other women with them . This is what drives us – seeing women gain the needed skill and showing the courage to step up to a career and raising their hands to lead . It ’ s not about one ’ s presence in the industry , but one ’ s performance and women need to ensure they are equipped . The Pinpoint Stewards ’ panel of speakers are specifically selected to harness home-grown talent and prove that we indeed have what it takes to lead , right here , within the borders of South Africa ,” concludes Sewsunker . •
For more information on presenting or exhibiting at or supporting and attending the event , contact Ankia Roux , co-owner , Pinpoint Stewards at ankia @ pinpointstewards . co . za .
This year ’ s theme is aimed at changing statistics and making women aware of opportunities available to them through the It ’ s DUE series of conferences to Develop , Unite and Empower women across various professional careers . Statistics show that only 13 % of STEM graduates in South Africa are women . This is under par when compared to the global average of 35 %. Women hold just 28 % of STEM-related jobs . When magnifying the engineering sector / s this alarmingly shows even lower participation , with less than 25 % of candidate engineers being women and only 6 % achieving professional status .
To date , the “ It ’ s DUE ” series of conferences have brought women to the forefront across various sectors making their contribution to the economy more visible . Not leaving young talent behind , Pinpoint Stewards
It ’ s not about one ’ s presence in in the industry , but one ’ s performance and women need to ensure they are equipped .
6 • African Mining • March 2025 www . africanmining . co . za