COMMENT •
Sharyn Macnamara – Senior writer • sharyn @ interactmedia . co . za
WOMEN LEADERS IN MINING INSPIRE OTHERS TO EXCEL
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attended the Women and Leadership Conference in Mining , hosted by Pinpoint Stewards at the end of Women ’ s month in August , and was inspired and invigorated by the energy exuded by the women in leadership sharing their experiences for the benefit of all the other women in the audience , who had come to network with , support and learn from one another . Despite the current under-representation of women in the mining sector , it was clear that progress is being made , and women are ready to grab hold of the opportunities – presenting themselves with the support of regulation – and are ready to create their own opportunities too .
It starts with you ! Several powerful speakers shared real-life experiences and their personal journeys and learnings on their way to the top . Women leaders imparted “ concrete ” techniques and solutions to overcome barriers and seize opportunities . The no-nonsense message was clearly delivered on a number of levels with regards to carving a successful career path in a tough and dynamic mining industry – “ it starts with you !” and “ delivering and meeting targets should speak for you ”. 1 Women were advised to work closely with mentors and to find “ sponsors ” who could advocate for them within the business , making their intentions to lead clear .
For two days delegates were captivated by discussions with speakers such as : general manager – Mining at Impala Platinum , Nonkululeko Mabuza , Mogaleadi Seabela , section manager at Anglo American , Kumba Iron Ore ’ s Khutjo Ivy Lebelo , senior mining engineer at De Beers Group – Venetia Mine , Mbali Milanzi , commercial director at Tshepa Basadi Group , superintendent Mining at Exxaro , Dolly Masilela , Raksha Naidoo chairperson – WiMSA , Fatima Hayat , HR manager at Glencore Alloys – Wonderkop Smelter , Fatima Collins , project manager – Women of Sibanye- Stillwater at Sibanye -Stillwater , Tumi Sedupane , group HR manager at Overlooked Group , Mokgadi Maloba , group environmental manager and ESG coordinator at Salungano Group , Maropeng Ketjoe , project manager Social and Legal Compliance at Ivanhoe Mines and Shaveta K Mehta , serial entrepreneur at River Minerals .
A panel discussion on day two focused on the mining industry ’ s recently-set target of doubling the number of women in mining by 2025 , as announced by the Minerals Council South Africa in July this year . Raksha Naidoo , chairperson of WiMSA , mediated the discussion that raised challenges faced in the industry by women to be resolved before this target can be met . Key insights were : mining leadership commitment to the target is vital , zero tolerance towards GBV is required and the sector must afford a safe environment for women with both mental and physical health being paramount ,
© Sharyn Macnamara | African Mining
Panel and open forum discussion : L-R Raksha Naidoo – chairperson WiMSA ; Mogaleadi Seabela – section manager Anglo American , Kumba Iron Ore ; Fatima Collins project manager – Women of Sibanye-Stillwater and Fatima Hayat HR manager Glencore Alloys , Wonderkop Smelter .
flexible working hours are required for women with families , retention of current female talent in mining is key , communication must improve not only top down , but also bottom up – giving women opportunities to share , take responsibility and look for growth – even if it is lateral , KPI ’ s must be clearly outlined to avoid failure , strong mentorship and reciprocal mentee efforts to build relationships are imperative and adding emotional intelligence and an adaptability quotient are key . These were just a few of the requirements discussed .
Ten students from the WITS university Geoscience faculty were sponsored by Pinpoint Stewards to join the conference and were introduced to the audience with the objective of career guidance and possible job shadowing opportunities . The platform gave the young minds a look into the corporate world of work and a true reflection of being a woman in mining .
It is through conversations at events like this that collaboration will assist in solving the challenges standing in the way of progress – being vulnerable , changing the status quo where one has the power to do so , advocating for those who deliver and changing the dialogue – one step at a time . Though slow – this will help to clear the path for those who rise to the challenge and take the opportunities that are available in the future .
Watch this space as future African Mining issues share the experiences , message and insights from strong voices of women leaders in mining . •
Sharyn Macnamara
Reference :
1 . https :// www . africanmining . co . za / 2023 / 09 / 06 / women-and-leadershipconference-prepares-women-to-seize-opportunities-in-mining /
www . africanmining . co . za African Mining Publication African Mining African Mining • October 2023 • 3