African Mining | Page 27

IN THE STOPE •

Kikonyogo sees the shift towards greener forms of energy as the single biggest challenge / opportunity of our industry currently , both for mining and more specifically for energy as a subset of mining . “ This move necessitates evolution of approaches and of offerings both within mining and without – this includes all the stakeholders that support the energy industries . I see as much potential as I see challenges for the economies in Sub Saharan Africa . Africa has a unique challenge in that we still have a huge amount of natural resources that would enable us to continue with the fossil fuel energy sources , and although we have some capacity in renewables – wind and solar – we do not have enough by way of renewable energy infrastructure to offset our fossil fuelled energy currently . We don ' t have the luxury of saying we ' ll get rid of all of our ‘ dirty energy .’ We are however innovating to resolve this and I am encouraged that I already see a lot of movement .”

She notes that several key mining players have already made public their plans and their ambitions to go greener . Sasol has made it clear that they are looking at hydrogen as the next feedstock that would replace their reliance on coal by the year 2050 . Several other mining giants have made similar ambitions public with regards to what they want to achieve from a sustainability perspective . “ So , it is our task as players in the energy field to support the mining community in meeting these ambitions , while not only sustaining , but growing their current operations in order to support their local communities . This is the single biggest shift or challenge of our business , and I am excited to be a part of the evolution and innovation which will most certainly follow .”

When asked what she enjoys most about her current position , she notes , “ Hands down , it is building relationships . For me , building the business and solving a problem for one of our clients means first and foremost connecting with the person with whom one is going to solve that challenge – understanding that no problem is solved by a single person . So , whether that problem is internal , or external – it is key to first make a connection , then to understand the issue from all angles , and then to synthesise a solution together , followed by the application thereof , resulting in a more holistic , successful result with greater buy-in .”

Juggling the work / life balance Climbing the ladder does not come easily to anybody . Kikonyogo explains , “ The biggest challenge for me has been keeping an eye on preserving the wellness of my family as I grew professionally . The juggling of the work / life balance is an ongoing consideration . This is something both males and females grapple with in our society . “ It is easy to work 20 hours a day and advance at breakneck speed . I could have ascended the ranks at a very different rate doing that . I found that the clearer I was about my value systems and that which I hold dear , the easier it was for me to make decisions as and when

I approached a new fork in my career . I understood and accepted that sometimes one must take lateral steps instead of moving a step forward to ensure that you maintain overall wellness . This sometimes meant making sacrifices , especially with regards to advancement , and particularly when my children were small . It is an ongoing struggle for all parents , but one gets better at it as one gets older . I am clearer now than I was at 24 years old about the value I ascribe to any opportunity versus the wellness of my family and myself .”

The second hurdle for Kikonyogo has been the proverbial bias – both conscious and unconscious – encountered by women on a daily basis in a male dominated industry . Of course , conscious bias should be dealt with head on , however Kikonyogo notes something different and important , “ Way back in my 20s I understood that there was usually no malicious intent in unconscious bias . It is sometimes simply a case of ‘ the first time ’ for the people one is interacting with . They have simply never encountered a commissioning engineer on a control system who is a woman – and so they have reservations . If one just gives people the benefit of the doubt , and one focuses rather on articulating and requesting the change one needs in order to continue with your work and focus less on the offence generated by the bias , things can change for the better . I have not yet encountered a form of prejudice that does not eventually bow to excellence , so be assured that hard work will pay off .”

She offers advice to women entering industrial fields , and is emphatic , “ Show up as yourself , rather than a version of yourself that you imagine might be better suited to the workplace . The earlier you embrace the feminine aspects of your character as strengths , the quicker you will come into yourself and fulfil your potential . Also , be as clear as you can be about your values and what is important to you because that enables easier decision making .”

Kikonyogo leaves us with food for thought in a mantra she lives by – one that has also been shared by leaders like Colin Luther Powell , American politician , statesman , diplomat , and an army officer + who served as a United States Secretary of State . “ Success is not one big event . It is the culmination of many , or the combination of many , small , seemingly insignificant steps . What characterises those steps is usually discipline and clarity around one ' s goals . The small things I do every single day should point towards where I want to go ,” she concludes . •

“ Of course , as I got older , I realised , women were not expected here .”