The Power of Women in Mining / Energy

www.awomeninmining.com August 2021

WOMEN IN MINING MAGAZINE Women in

MINING
energy MAGAZINE
R45.99
Volume 02 / issue 20 RSA
$2.56

THE MAGAZINE FOR WOMEN DECISION-MAKERS Nthabeleng Ogutu Okudo

Likotsi Founder of WEX AFRICA

Young Women Business Network Women in Energy

First Woman Own EXXARO

Mutual Bank Women in Mining

Thabisile Phumo CHAIRPERSON

Senior Vice President

Sibanye StillWater

Miss-SA

2021

AUG 2021

WIM Africa Women in Mining

MAGAZINE

The Voice of Women in the Mining / Energy Sector



Content: August 2021

Inside 27 Thabisile Phumo

06 Ogutu Okudo Senior Vice President & head
Founder Wex Africa of stakeholder at Sibanye
Women in Energy Africa Stillwater

10 EXXARO 31 Geralda Wildschutt
Chairperson: Women Founder and CEO of
In Mining Maisha Social Solution

19 YWBN 32 BAUBA
Young Women Business Mining: Women Empowerment
Network: First Women
Mutual Bank 41 Africa Jewellery Design
Africa Jewellery Design
22 Miss South Africa 2021 Showcase african designs
Nominating new MissSA21
The race is on 43 Meagan van den Berg
Executive Southern Africa
AECI

10

41

48 Itumeleng Mogatusi 47 Franciska Lake, Partner 19
(Pr. Sci. Nat) miniPrincipal

Sustainability Integration 50 Hushanta Rungasammy
miniDirector CMS South Africa
39 Rumisha Motilal
Renowned Business 53 Women Power Celebration
Builder
Women in Africa
41 Zaheera Soomar
55 Carina Venter
Remaining Posi�ve
Executive head of safety & health
43 Dineo Phaladi
57 Lauren Somer
Operational Manager
Head of Marketing
Anglo American

45 Bukiwe Pantshi - Principal

Resource Finance

Nedbank Corporate

22

Miss South Africa 2021

Women in Mining Magazine ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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Witbank Mining Imbizo [email protected]

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Jane Van Wyke
Busi Dlomo

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4 Women in Mining Magazine • August 2021

www.awomeninmining.com WOMEN IN MINING |INSPIRATION

Editor’s Note

We count it a blessing that the month of August It is a blessing for the mining industry to have women
comes when we are s�ll alive in the midst of the in its workforce as I believe in the benefits of having
COVID-19 pandemic that is ravaging the world. In more diverse representa�on of women in the
this month we celebrate the social, poli�cal, workplace, and the emo�onal intelligence that
economic, spiritual and other achievements of women bring to the table. The mining industry as a
women in South Africa. whole is well aware that a gender-diverse workplace
fosters crea�vity and innova�on and it also improves
Women’s Month in South Africa commemorates our understanding of each other and our
women from different ages, races, backgrounds, complemen�ng roles and responsibili�es in building
etc. who marched to the Union Buildings in for�fied families, socie�es, and ul�mately the na�on.
Pretoria. These women, with a united purpose, had We, therefore, seek to leverage this diversity in
had enough of the evil system of apartheid that pursuit of the common goal of ensuring that the
discriminately created pass laws that were aimed at mines achieves its set objec�ves.
restric�ng freedom of movement for some in the
country. The well-known chant that became the We are all aware that women in our country today
anthem of the march was ‘Wathint’ abafazi, Wa�nt’ ba�le through challenges of a different kind as abuse
imbokodo, [Uza kufa!’ (You strike the women, you and killings con�nue to rear their ugly heads. It is
strike a rock, you will be crushed (you will die)]! rather regre�able that women are perishing at the
hands of men who are supposed to love and protect
I would like to wish all women in the country a them. As much as the law needs to strengthen its
wonderful Na�onal Women’s Month. This is also hand against the perpetrators, we all have a role to
extended to all women in our lives, amongst others, play to ensure that the women of South Africa enjoy
mothers, wives, fiancées, sisters, etc. not forge�ng the rights and freedoms enshrined in our cons�tu�on.
all women in the minerals and mining sector. Many More for so this calls for responsible men to stand up
of us were raised by strong women who �relessly and ac�vely proclaim war against this inhumane
fulfilled their God-given obliga�ons in the face of phenomenon that is universally frowned upon. We
various adversi�es. pray for the abundance of the spirit of love, which
makes us live with each other peaceably and drives
I am a great believer in giving women the best out all fear.
chances possible to achieve their professional
ambi�ons at work. That includes basic equi�es: May the good Lord bless and keep all the South
equal opportunity for promo�on, equal pay for African women. May He keep you, virtuous women,
equal work, and not succumbing to stereotypes and blossoming like a rose. Forward with Proverbs 31
prejudices about what women can and can’t women forward!!!
achieve. The mining sector commitment towards
equal opportunity is also evident in that women
represent 67% of its current top structure at
execu�ve level.

Violet Lushaba Contributor

5 Women in Mining Magazine • August 2021

WOMEN IN MINING UK www.awomeninmining.com

It's been an unfortunate reality
that women have been disadvantaged in
many economic areas from technical skills to
leadership roles.
What made you change the narrative by
being in business particularly in this field of
choice?

Women have been side-lined, but also youth and

communi�es have been forgo�en in the bigger

picture of energy and extrac�ve related projects. I

noted the biggest risk companies inves�ng in

Africa in these sectors was the community buy-in.

Inadequate community environmental and impact

assessments (EIAs) lacking a gender lens resul�ng

in billions of dollars of FDI for energy and extrac�ve

projects lost and ongoing endless cases of

arbitra�on. No one wins, communi�es,

governments or private sector. It was obvious

before even looking at how women can play an

ac�ve role in acquiring technical skills and being in

leadership roles. We first had to address the

systema�c bo�lenecks affec�ng companies

Ogutu Okudo opera�ng. WEX Africa builds effec�ve and efficient
solu�ons for their clients through mapping out the

Women in Energy stakeholders that interact with their businesses.
We have partnered, advised and worked with

Founder of WEX AFRICA mul� million-dollar investment funds,
interna�onal aid agencies, global energy giants

Ogutu Okudo was recognized in 2020 by and governments through crea�ng shared value in
Forbes Africa as part of their 30 Under 30 their social objec�ves. Ensuring their ac�vi�es and
for the extensive work I have carried out, programs are sustainable, impact and gender
changing the narra�ve in the male inclusive.
dominated energy and extrac�ve sectors
in Africa through the work of Women in Recognizing women as stakeholders in their own
Energy and Extrac�ves Africa (WEX space and right not only taps upon their economic
Africa). I founded WEX Africa in 2012, poten�al but further cul�vates a favourable
environment that results in the reduc�on

of poverty and sustainable development. I knew if

a social enterprise, bridging the gender gaps in the oil, gas, we could unlock the poten�al of these women, we
mining and alterna�ve energy sectors. I addi�onally serve as would see tangible change in communi�es,
a Consultant for the Kenya State Department for Petroleum classrooms and the workplace.

on the Kenya Petroleum Technical Assistance Project

(KEPTAP) funded by the World Bank. The objec�ve of the

project is to strengthen the capacity of Kenya to manage its

petroleum sector. Furthermore, I am the Country Manager

for SpringRock Energy Kenya. An integrated upstream

oilfield management services company specializing in

oilfield explora�on and produc�on.

6 Women in Mining Magazine - August 2021

www.awomeninmining.com WOMEN IN MINING | AFRICA

Ogutu Okudo7 Women in Mining Magazine • October 2020

DEFINING WOMEN’S ROLE IN ENERGY

WOMEN IN MINING |AFRICA www.awomeninmining.com

Women in Energy

(WEX AFRICA)

What challenges have you The number of women working in The energy and extrac�ve sectors
encountered in your career journey the mining / energy (oil & gas) are infamous for the tussle to
and how did you overcome them? sector is increasing significantly, a�ract female employees;
do you think governments are some�mes forge�ng there are
One of the biggest challenges I have adhering to the call women who are employers and/
dealt with throughout the evolu�on for women empowerment and or entrepreneurs such as ar�sanal
of WEX and becoming a country transforma�on by crea�ng more miners. So, it is more than
manager of a global upstream opportuni�es for women? or this governments solely; private sector
oilfield servicing company at the differ from country to country. must play their part as well.
age of 25 had me ques�oning more
�mes than many, if I was ‘enough’. I like to refer to Africa undergoing The number of women in
Self-belief is something I have come an Industrial Revolu�on as we leadership posi�ons is s�ll
to understand more people than speak. We are building significantly low compared to that
less deal with quietly. I recall before superhighways, railroads, pipelines of men.
leaving Aberdeen a�er comple�ng and other impera�ve What are some of the
my masters, I would quietly ask infrastructure to connect the misconcep�ons people have
myself, but who are you to be a con�nent and ease the way we on women leadership in
voice of women in the sector. You trade and interact with one business?
are just entering; they will not listen another regardless of loca�on,
to you or anyone take you serious. religion, na�onality, sex, any other Research shows that women are
Overcoming that challenge meant cultural iden�ty differences. This highly under-represented in the
applauding my existence and infrastructure agenda calls for a petroleum sector. A Boston
understanding feelings of self- rethinking of governments as to Consul�ng report disclosed that
doubt may arise, but you must how they engage marginalized women cons�tute 38% of the
always put your mission ahead of groups such as that of women and workforce in major oil-producing
yourself. Furthermore, these youth on the con�nent. Streamling na�ons. 22% of these women were
sectors being male dominated, I women is more than just directly part of the oil and gas
walk into rooms and the occasional recruitment quotas, it starts in sector. Once women get their foot
“are you lost?’, ‘can we help you?’. I households teaching young girls in the door, however, the struggle
guess considering my names are all they can build ci�es and play with against gender disparity is not
masculine doesn’t help the ma�er. toy cars. It is ensuring Science, alleviated. Furthermore, at an
Technology, Engineering and internal level, the report suggested
Mathema�cs (STEM) are that the percentage of women in
advocated as a career of choice the oil and gas industry drops
from primary to secondary. Many significantly – from 25% to 17% –
�mes than not, we are quick to between middle management and
blame governments but it is also senior roles. Only 1% of the
the role of guardians to children industry’s CEOs are women.
including women as individuals to
support other women through Women in the oil and gas industry
appren�ceships, mentorships and face an array of challenges in the
internships when posi�ons of upstream, midstream and
influence. Being a woman is not downstream sub sectors of the
disability; rather it is more of a petroleum sector and at different
super-ability. levels: entry, mid-level

Ogutu Okudo Women in Mining Magazine - August 2021

8

WOMEN IN MINING LEADERSHIP www.awomeninmining.com

and senior execu�ves. Some of these More o�en than not, I get the A psychological ba�le further
challenges include but not limited to ques�on, ‘how do I balance all my escalated by the media coverage of it
higher rates of sexual harassment, and work related responsibili�es at once’, globally, rising number of deaths,
a working culture that can devalue my answer is simple. I have 24 hours in infec�ons… It can get depressing and
women and femininity as a whole. A a day; it is not about how much you do scary. However, I share my story to
2018 study by the University of with the �me but about the outcome encourage as many people far and
Massachuse�s, found that oil and gas of the �me spent. When something wide to understand it is not only real,
had the highest rate of sexual needs to get done; you get it done. but also you can overcome by ensuring
harassment charges of any industry in That has always been my mo�o. I you take the necessary steps to
the United States. (Massachuse�s deliver, Ogutu delivers and gets it protect yourself and those around you.
Ins�tute of Technology, 2018) done. It also gave me a different perspec�ve
at life, be thankful for every day you
While men commonly conveyed the Do you have any extramural get and how far you have come. Don’t
opinion that available industry jobs activities outside your work? get too caught up chasing your ‘life’
were clearly “men’s work,” many you forget to take care of yourself.
women felt they could theore�cally Yes, I love to travel to new
perform these func�ons if allowed to des�na�ons (ok, at least prior to 2020 was to be, ‘my year’ like I am sure
compete on an equal basis. Cultural COVID), during this period I have billions of people globally can relate
stereotypes in the workplace serve spent a lot of �me in the forest, with. Our plans remain as is, not
impar�ally and reinforce male renewing and re-energizing. I s�ll cancelled but indefinitely postponed.
recruitment and promo�on in the cannot get over how remarkable it This is an ideal �me for self-reflec�on,
industry. In certain cultures, the is to live in a city like Nairobi where building systems and analysing
no�ons of “appropriate” work for you have a forest right in the business models to deal with the
women help to reinforce the already middle of the city, thanks to a current COVID19 pandemic. WEX
masculine stereotypes of working in fierce woman, the late Nobel Africa is releasing a documentary in
the oil sector and can make for an Laureate Wangari Maathai. 2021 that will cause ripples across the
unwelcoming environment for female en�re sector globally alongside our
employees. A World Bank Study I am a gastronomist – so food is children’s book. We are further
suggest that women are more reliable, literally like my second language, I working on crea�ng e-learning
follow rules, obey health and safety do a lot of cooking and love to try pla�orms for girls to use while home
regula�ons, and can be more reliable new and interes�ng cuisines. From that are STEM focused, something we
employees compared to men (World flying ants in Nyanza Kenya, to had not envisioned, but as they say
Bank, 2012) If women were given snails in Nigeria, to locusts in when you are thrown lemons, make
similar opportuni�es as men, Uganda amongst other delicacies lemonade.
produc�vity would be increased and across this con�nent. I am not sure
there would be fewer costs involved in if I would call this an extramural
running businesses. ac�vity; however I am always the
DJ at all events, par�es… so you
What are your daily responsibilities can add great taste of music to that
and how do you thing they shaped too. I have come to find I really
and moulded you to be the woman enjoy interac�ng with people from
you are today? different backgrounds with diverse
cultural perspec�ves. I know a li�le
I am up 5am everyday, emails about a lot, but also a lot about a
responded to by 6am, workout, lot and the li�le comes from my
devo�on and medita�on done by interac�ons with people far and
07:30. The way you start your day wide. Lastly, I enjoy a good game of
determines how you will end it. I chess to ease my stress levels.
like to start mine off, with a BANG!
I don’t rely on alarm clocks, How has COVID-19 affected your
actually cannot recall the last �me business and yourself?
I used one. My body has reached
that level of discipline it knows Before even going into how COVID-19
what is expected of it. I cannot has affected my busineeses, I first have
understate the importance of to start off by saying how it affected
discipline, it makes the difference me individually as someone who
between the person you were last contracted COVID-19 in June and
year and the person you will be healed.
next year. Healthy habits, make a
healthy lifestyle.

9 Women in Mining Magazine - August 2021

WOMEN IN MINING | EXXARO

Cebisile Majola www.awomeninmining.com

WIM Women continue to

Deputy Chairperson Impact

Mining sector

When coming to Women in Mining, she is of the strong opinion
that things have to change to conclude men “We cannot
con�nue to have these conversa�ons alone as women; we
cannot con�nue being exclusive when the solu�ons lie with the
very men we are excluding. In the spirit of being inclusive and
addressing the ma�ers adequately against the backdrop of a
challenging mining environment for women, the Diversity and
Inclusion Commi�ee has been established.

The commi�ee is comprised of sub structures - Women in
Mining and Men’s Imbizo and those together will tackle
challenges around women in the mining industry, men’s mental
and physical health, the promo�on of a diverse and an inclusive
working environment and issues around GBV to name a few.”

Her team is a diverse in every way this allows for robust
discussion and crea�ve solu�ons. “I challenge my team to dig
deeper. There is something wrong if a human being has
thoughts and takes ac�ons of abusing or killing a child, a
woman or a man. What is the source? How can we in our own
space help and make a difference?”

Cebisile Majola is the face of In conversation with Cebisile
modern mining. Young,
competent, and determined You have recently been gracing the South African mining newspapers
to make a defined difference to as Deputy Chairman of ECC WIM Commi�ee, Coordinator of Forzando
the community. The qualified Fire Team, and an accomplished Environmental Prac��oner, what did
Environmental Prac��oner at that mean to you?
Exxaro Central Coal (ECC) is the
Chair of its Diversity and Inclusion I am deeply humbled by the Who is Cebisile Majola
commi�ee and the coordinator of pla�orm that ECC has given me as
the Foranzo Fire Team. well as the recogni�on that Exxaro I am an Environmental Prac��oner
con�nues to give for the work that at Exxaro Coal Central (ECC) and a
A perfec�onist by nature, who we do in these pla�orms. This and chairperson of the company’s
believes that problems are certainly means that the work we diversity and inclusion commi�ee.
challenges in search of solu�ons. do makes a difference and our I am a BSc in Life and Environmental
She started her ECC journey under voices are heard as women. It also Sciences, specializing in Geology
the guidance of Maletsatsi means that we can explore even and Environmental Management
Mazibuku the chair of the WIM further and think beyond our from the University of
commi�ee was, with Cebisile as current confines to come up with Johannesburg.
her deputy from 2018 – 2020. ground breaking solu�ons and
inclusive solu�ons to the
challenges in our environment.

Women in Mining Magazine • August 2021 10

WOMEN IN MINING EXXARO www.awomeninmining.com

Where did the journey start? As a woman in a male dominated Being in the mining sector has also
industry, what are some of the ins�gated an interest in systems
A�er a fascina�on and curiosity in challenges have you faced? and audi�ng for her – and in the
energy solu�ons, I completed a BSc last year she has a�ained
honours degree in energy studies I think I experienced my most accredited lead auditor
and went on to conduct a Master challenging �mes right at the cer�fica�on for environmental
of Philosophy in energy. I was very beginning of my career. I was new management, safety management
fortunate to have received an in town, I had a small body and energy management systems.
internship opportunity at Total structure (s�ll do), knew li�le to no
Coal South Africa immediately Afrikaans and basically had no She tells us more about her role.
a�er comple�ng my first degree. knowledge about mining except
what was in a textbook. I spent a At ECC I report to the
What is the most memorable very long �me just listening and
project you have worked on doing what I was told. On that environmental specialist and I am
during your career? boardroom table, my opinion
meant nothing. The pronuncia�on involved in the maintenance and
There are a couple of the most of my name by most people was
memorial projects in my Women in another hill to climb. Some people radical improvement of ECC’s
mining journey at ECC. We have decided that they would se�le for
had the privilege of running several calling me what they wanted to environmental management
successful campaigns where we and it reached the worst possible
give back to the community. Such names – I despised being called. system to ensure that while the
as school shoes drive for local farm Does this make sense? But one day
schools around the mine, providing I was �red of being seen as the company con�nues to produce
clothes and blankets to those in new, apologe�c, short
need in winter and establishing environmental girl. I had to realign coal, it does so in a manner that
vegetable gardens in areas of need myself and remember why I was
to name a few. All these projects there, learn how to speak up and considers the environment and
were ini�ated by the ECC’s women made sure I added value!
in mining commi�ee and have proac�vely goes over and above in
been of value and were uniquely What are some of the key
established and structured to learnings, both personally and ensuring that it is protected.
benefit not only ECC’s women in professionally?
mining but the community at large. Cebisile Majola
One of my key personal learnings in
Looking back to where you my journey has been to the
started, where do you see yourself importance of confidence. A lack of
in the next 5 years? confidence in yourself, your ability
and vision can almost leave you
S�ll in the mining industry and s�ll feeling defeated by the world and
involved in the ini�a�ves that are all its challenges, never mind in a
aimed at empowerment and male dominated industry such as
growth hopefully at the provincial mining. Unfortunately, as women,
level. In five years… I should have a we do doubt and second-guess
Ph.D. in Energy management, ourselves o�en and it needs to
right?! YES! I’ll be Doctor Majola stop. I have learnt that women are
then! more than capable. We need to
acknowledge our capabili�es, have
vision, be sure and confident in our
abili�es and ambi�ons, speak up
and take up that well deserved
space!

Women in Mining Magazine • August 2021 11

WOMEN IN MINING | EXXARO www.awomeninmining.com

What are some of the highlights of your role in There are not many women in the industry, what
the commi�ee? inspired you to work in the mining sector?

In my role as the chairperson of the diversity and With the excitement of being a new graduate and
inclusion commi�ee, the aim is to bring posi�ve ge�ng an opportunity to gain experience in my
change into the mining environment by providing field of study, I never gave much thought to the
a pla�orm where current challenges in the structure of the industry. Of course, once I had
industry for not just women but for men, the arrived, reality sank in quickly. As a Joburg girl the
LGBTQ community, those that are disabled, GBV atmosphere and environment of the mining towns
vic�ms and survivors and just anyone and was a shocker. But I was immensely overwhelmed
everyone who is in need of assistance in a�ending with just the wan�ng to learn and add value in the
to challenges in the workplace. We aim to address space I had been offered to be in.
the uncomfortable, facilitate change and make the
work environment one where everyone feels What is your personal mantra in life?
included, acknowledged and valued. Our mining I have two:
industry is not only s�ll faced with challenges • There is ALWAYS another and be�er
around Women in mining with �me some many
other pressing issues need to be addressed and way!
there is no be�er �me than now! • In whatever space you find yourself

How do you suggest we move forward? in, ALWAYS, always add value!

We cannot con�nue to have these conversa�ons What advice would you give to a young girl si�ng at
alone as women; we cannot con�nue being home and considering entering the industry?
exclusive when the solu�ons lie with the very men
we are excluding. In the spirit of being inclusive Go for it! Know what’s in your heart. See it. Believe it.
and addressing the ma�ers adequately against the Pray for it and work your bu� off to achieve it. Never be
backdrop of a challenging mining environment for blind sighted by nega�vity. Once you’ve gained and
women, the diversity and inclusion commi�ee has ins�lled it, don’t let your confidence allow you to ignore
been established. or disregard cri�cism- some�mes, cri�cism is the best
builder of our characters and professional journeys
depending on how you use it. So – go girl! You are more
than capable!

12 Women in Mining Magazine • August 2021

WOMEN IN MINING - EXXARO www.awomeninmining.com

Exxaro Creates Space for

Women To GROW

This will assist me master the art of As a data scien�st, she is used to
organizing large volumes of both analysing data and helping
structured and unstructured data, organisa�ons to solve complex
while also teaching me about problems.
machine and sta�s�cal learning, as
well as research methods for Big Before joining Exxaro, she was
Data Science,” she says. involved in a large project to create
the first machine learning-based
Passion and skill have already Environmental Social Governance
(ESG) Global Posi�oning Systems
Onthatile Mathekga allowed her to be involved in a (GPS) model to rate listed
companies in South Africa.
Data Scientist large project to create the first
Ontha�le started out as a data
Exxaro creates space, for machine learning-based analyst. Her journey to becoming a
young crea�ves in the digital data scien�st entailed ge�ng a
age. Just ask data scien�st Environmental Social Governance cer�ficate in R programming
Mathekga who created an ideas- language, which is an excellent tool
form for its 321 Digital Pla�orm (ESG) Global Posi�oning Systems for unlocking the pa�erns in large
within the first three months of datasets and, according to her,
joining Exxaro’s Belfast digital and (GPS) model to rate listed “provides one with excellent data
connected Mine. The form allows visualisa�on capabili�es”.
for the Belfast community companies in South Africa.
members to share ideas on But, she feels she can s�ll learn
strategies and digital efficiencies to When this posi�ve person, who more. “I want to become an expert
the mine. tries to keep nega�ve thoughts in my profession and to do that I
outside her head is asked what is will be enrolling for a master's
Constant, ongoing, lifelong underlying philosophy she said; degree in Informa�on Technology
learning is a way of life for this “What I know is never sufficient for at the University of Pretoria. This
young data scien�st. Ontha�le me to stop learning.” will teach me how to organise large
completed a BSc (Mathema�cal volumes of both structured and
Science) degree, majoring in This will assist me master the art of unstructured data, about machine
Mathema�cs and Applied organizing large volumes of both and sta�s�cal learning, as well as
Mathema�cs, at the University of structured and unstructured data, research methods for Big Data
Johannesburg. while also teaching me about Science,” she says.
machine and sta�s�cal learning, as
She also did a short course in well as research methods for Big She has found her exposure to the
Computa�onal Intelligence for Data Science,” she says. mining industry to be both
Industry, which focuses on interes�ng and rewarding,
machine learning (a part of Passion and skill have already especially the teamwork. “The
Ar�ficial Intelligence). She also has support and guidance from the
a cer�ficate in R programming allowed her to be involved in a other pioneers throughout the
language. Belfast mine has helped her meet
large project to create the first deadlines.”
“I want to become an expert in my
profession and to do that I will be machine learning-based
enrolling for a master's degree in
Informa�on Technology at the Environmental Social Governance
University of Pretoria.
(ESG) Global Posi�oning Systems

(GPS) model to rate listed

companies in South Africa.

When this posi�ve person, who
tries to keep nega�ve thoughts
outside her head is asked what is
underlying philosophy she said;
“What I know is never sufficient for
me to stop learning.”

13 Women in Mining Magazine • August 2021

Technical - Women Lead

In her career growth, Pfariso has What is the most memorable
project you have worked on
gone through personal during your career?

development and managed to The most memorable project I
worked on is the Mine 1 readiness
obtain MDP and MMCC. She is project at Exxaro’s Matla mine.
My role in the project was
currently enrolled with Wits managing re-establishment of the
underground infrastructure in
University for the PDBA course prepara�on of the sha� staring up
a�er coal winning ac�vi�es were
with plans of comple�ng her MBA halted as from 2016. The sha� had
since then been placed under care
Tell us more about your role. and maintenance with a restricted
number of people allowed
My current role is Senior Engineer, underground at any given �me.
The main ac�vi�es included se�ng
Mining at Leeuwpan Coal Mine. My up �melines for re-establishing
infrastructure, managing and
role is func�onal in the Mineral suppor�ng the opera�ons team,
managing safety of employees as
Resource Management most of the areas were
deteriora�ng,
Pfariso Maphari Department. My main du�es monitoring scheduled ac�vi�es so
they are executed on �me and
Pfariso Maphari, eldest of include Managing the Mine within the planned budget. The
five girls from Venda in infrastructure included support
Limpopo. I am married Planning department and work, conveyors, ven�la�on
blessed with a son. I graduated structures, drilling and blas�ng,
from the University of Managing projects which support engineering infrastructure etc. It
Johannesburg with a B-Tech in was a great experience and
Mining Engineering through a op�misa�on in opera�ons. And exposure. I learnt a lot within the
bursary from Exxaro Resources. �me spent in this area and also got
the ac�vi�es involved du�es a lot of support from the team I
Career background: worked with.
include management of the mine
Pfariso started her career in the There are not many women in the
year 2012 as a PIT in Mining at reserves (LOMP), developing 3 industry, what inspired you to
Tshikondeni Coal Mine and from work in the mining industry?
there on moved to Grootegeluk month view based on budgeted
mine and NBC Coal for opencast It all started with brief discussions
exposure. A�er the training areas, developing month and in some of my classes in high
programme, she was permanently school. I grew up in an area that
appointed as a Shi� boss at Matla weekly plans taking into was not directly surrounded by
mine and later promoted to a Mine mining ac�vi�es. In my family as
Overseer level. On both levels of considera�on all ac�vi�es well, no one had exposure to this
appointment, she worked in kind of industry. When I was in
produc�on sec�ons as well as throughout the value chain, Grade 11, my Geography teacher
services departments. she also got shared bursary applica�on forms
an opportunity to work on the management of SHE in my area of of the then Kumba Resources.
Mine 1 readiness project where I
managed underground ac�vi�es responsibility in support of the
for re- establishment of the sha�
infrastructure. Her current role is zero harm drive, management of
Senior Engineer, Mining posi�on at
Leeuwpan mine. op�misa�on projects running in

opera�ons to ensure that they are

executed as per �melines set and

within budget and monitoring

realisa�on of value thereof.

Overall day to day opera�ons
support with planning (based on
material available in the pit),
tracking progress of mining
ac�vi�es per planned blocks
(drilling, loading overburden and
planned blasts) to ensure that coal
exposure is done on �me.

Women in Mining Magazine • August 2021 14

I took the opportunity and since As a woman in a male dominated What is your personal mantra in
then I have worked hard to make it industry, what are some of the life?
a success. challenges have you faced?
“My path is unique; I lend grace
What are some of the key In the early stages of my career, the and embrace today. There is a
learnings, both personally and challenge I had to deal with was reason I woke up this morning so I
professionally? how I was perceived by my will not let this day go to waste.
colleagues with regards to my Anything I cannot change I make
I have learned to not give up during physical ability and capabili�es. I peace now and move on”. This is
difficult �mes, I know and proved myself by ge�ng involved my daily devo�on.
understand that it’s not easy, but in ac�vi�es the teams worked on
one has to choose determina�on and familiarising myself with What advice would you give to a
over dwelling in the stressful workings. Eventually the team young girl si�ng at home and
moments. Also, I’ve grown to realised that I am interested in my considering entering the industry?
understand that determina�on will job and that I am willing to make it
always offer you hope and to work. They ended up offering My advice to a young girl would be:
always trust in your dreams. support and sharing knowledge.
• Apply yourself and maintain self-
I have also learnt the value of Priori�es changed when I started a discipline to excel in what you do
reading and being always family. It was a challenge juggling (you must want it and love your
informed. We work in an ever- family and work roles due to the job).
evolving environment. We always nature of work I do and at �mes
hear about 4IR, and if one was to the long hours and odd shi�s. This • Maintain personal development
inves�gate most organisa�ons are influenced me to review my and embrace working out of your
moving in that direc�on. This balance of work and home comfort zone as that is the next
means that most tradi�onal ways responsibili�es. This challenges step into learning something new.
of doing things are falling away. As somehow shape you as an
women we need to educate individual and makes one stronger. • Keep an open mind and be kind
ourselves and move with change to others.
and iden�fy how do we best Outside of work, are you involved
posi�on ourselves within the in any woman empowerment • The most important one is to
mining industry.. projects? never lose yourself in the process
of establishing your career – you
Also, to never forget to have fun, Yes, I am involved in some can s�ll be a lady by embracing
personal �me and quality �me ini�a�ves though it’s s�ll baby your femininity within the male
with family. Overalls must never steps. The main purpose of the dominated environment.
dim your sense of fashion when ini�a�ve I currently focus on is to
you get an opportunity dress up. get young females together, • Build meaningful rela�onships,
One of the most important key engage with them on topics which recognize the value of a mentor in
learning is to embrace being a are highly impac�ng youth and your career path and establish a
woman in the mining industry. That share dignitary packs. Last year’s network with other successful
way you do not have to try too hard theme was based on hygiene, self- female professionals.
to fit in. The bo�om line is ge�ng discovery, teenage pregnancy as
the job done. well as dispatching sanitary pads
worth 6 months per girl, thanks to
Looking back to where you the support of the local health care
started, where do you see yourself professionals and generous
in the next 5 years? donors. I do hope to see this
ini�a�ve impac�ng more youth
In the next five years I see myself and expanding through sharing
progressing towards management more informa�on to help upli�
level posi�ons. I am currently more girls to greatness.
gaining experience in the Technical
Services

15 Women in Mining Magazine • August 2021

WOMEN IN MINING EXXARO www.awomeninmining.com

and occupa�onal hygiene self-discipline played a huge role,
monitoring, and lamp room, commitment and ea�ng right as
ensuring environment condi�ons well. Exercising with music that
are designed to be safe and a brings peace and joy to the spirit
system for monitoring is in place, and helps you to think deeply
including ven�la�on and about your life and circumstances.
occupa�onal hygiene engineering Joining an aerobics class was
systems, audi�ng sha� to ensure second on the plan, so with each
compliance to Mine Health and step I learned, how to control my
Safety Act, Group guidelines, anxiety, be fit and to live fully. End
ven�la�on engineering design results are worth it.
model-up and reviews of design at
sha� to ensure appropriate There are not many women in the
working condi�ons at mining faces. industry, what inspired you to
work in the mining industry?

Pretty Nsibande What is the most memorable The mining industry is diverse,
project you have worked on always evolving, the growth and
What is your personal and during your career? development, the con�nuous
career background? change in the environment, the
I wouldn’t say it was a project but industry new trends and advances
Igrew up in the small mining there was a dust campaign that gives opportunity to grow both
town of Kriel, I was always was done at Matla mine and I was physically and mentally. Each day is
fascinated by the mining tasked with educa�ng the different, and every dig is a
industry, and I knew wanted to employees on coal dust at mine 1 fascina�ng treasure hun�ng
work there.I then enrolled in the on how it is produced, what mystery.
university of Johannesburg, exposure to dust can cause and
where I studied Environmental control measures in place. I What are some of the key
management. A�er failing and prepared a presenta�on explaining learnings, both personally and
struggling to find a job in the all that, where employees can ask professionally?
environmental industry, I then ques�ons and interact with them.
applied for a mining skills program, This approach helped employees That I needed focus on developing
then moved to ven�la�on know the importance of and using my strengths. Keep in
internship in 2015 did prac�cal in maintaining dust control, from the mind that no one is an overnight
MEC, intermediate cer�ficate. posi�oning of dust pump correctly, expert and that I’ll have to work
I was busy with advance cer�ficate how to wear a dust musk properly. hard to get to where I want to be.
when I was appointed as By doing so we were able to see Realizing where my strengths and
ven�la�on prac��oner at mine 1. improvement with cm daily dust passions lie enables me to set
standards and personal dust tangible goals in my professional
Tell us more about your role. standards. life and gives an ac�onable plan.
Work un�l the work is done.
Ven�la�on and occupa�on hygiene On a personal level, I’m also part Commi�ng myself to work un�l
is about best prac�ces and physical fitness journey – fitness the work is done is a valuable life
knowledge management meaning can mean a lot of thing for different lesson that can prevent hardships
just to men�on a few overseeing people to me it met healthy body and increase overall produc�vity
ven�la�on and soul. To me this would not only and success. This lesson I also use
help me with my career aspira�ons in my personal life. Learning to
but also personally. So, I set out on focus on changing a situa�on
a journey that I need to strengthen rather than trying to change a
my body by waking up early every person or group of people is a
second day morning/a�ernoon to valuable lesson.
exercise,

16 Women in Mining Magazine • August 2021

Looking back to where you started, where do you see What is your personal mantra in life?
yourself in the next 5 years?
Embrace change and failure it helps one grow.
A ven�la�on and occupa�onal hygiene specialist or Change is not easy, its difficult, it’s not comfortable,
hygienist who is trying to be be�er than I was in fact its scary venturing into the unknown not
yesterday, the best vision of me and advising the next knowing what to expect but its where one learns
genera�on in the industry. how to swim and strive. Failure doesn’t always have
to be a bad thing; failure is power as you can either
As a woman in a male dominated industry, what are see it as a challenge or use it as a learning
some of the challenges have you faced? experience to know how to be�er navigate your
next endeavour. The choice is up to you.
As a woman in male dominated industry means I have
older brothers, but it comes with challenges. While What advice would you give to a young girl si�ng
they are all, on a personal level, wonderful and look at home and considering entering the industry?
out for me, treat me like a delicate tea cup that is
fragile, that can easily break and that ‘li�le sister’ feel Do extensive research on what you want to do
doesn’t always fit well in the workplace. They are o�en because the mining industry is big with a lot of
taken aback when I defend a strong viewpoint. I’m different career paths. Be prepared to start small, in
learning that, if I’m ever going to move up and be whatever you do, give your all, that how you get
considered a true ‘equal,’ I’ll have to be more asser�ve no�ced and eventually get be�er opportuni�es. Do
and straigh�orward, even if that means ditching my it regardless how you feel, take a leap of faith, your
typical ‘nice girl’ a�tude.” dreams are valid and with commitment, work,
mo�va�on the sky is the limit.
Outside of work, are you involved in any woman
empowerment projects?

In my free �me I volunteer where I can whether it’s Zinhle bring on board 11 years’ experience in the
church, a friend, or a neighbour. My recent Informa�on Technology (IT) industry, where she
volunteering experience was when I was helping my plied her trade with the likes of Deloi�e. With
friend who just start a business with marke�ng the constant educa�on being the mainstay of her career.
business at malls explaining the services she provides. She has a formal educa�on founda�on, BTech
I’m also a brand ambassador for two brands that are Degree in Financial Informa�on Systems from the
female owned cause I strongly believe that Cape Peninsula University of Technology, a Diploma
empowered women empower women. in Business Analysis from the Faculty Training
Ins�tute (FTI) and a Business Analyst Professional
(CBAP) with the Interna�onal Ins�tute of Business
Analysis (IIBA).

Zintle Xakawe She lives by these words: “The only constant in life is

change, so be adaptable and open to evolving by
keeping abreast with innova�on happening in the
world around you and constantly strive to create a
posi�ve impact in your community.”

Zintle is a new professional recruit, who moved to the In her quiet moments, she takes inspira�on from
next phase of career in 2020 as a Solu�on Analyst African American poet Maya Angelou: “If you do not
based at Exxaro’s Belfast digital and connected mine. like something, change it. If you cannot change it,
In a year plagued with much uncertainty and change your a�tude”.
disrup�on to the economy, this condi�ons played to
her strengths and abili�es as an agile thinker. What is your personal and career background?

She works in Belfast Coal’s Informa�on Management I like to consider myself as a versa�le professional. I
(IM) infrastructure, tasked with innova�on and finding laid my founda�on as a qualified professional in the
digital solu�ons that will create a smart mine that is Business Consul�ng space, having had joined a
efficient and produc�ve. graduate programme with Deloi�e Consul�ng. I’ve
since worked on several interes�ng projects at
various organisa�ons within the Financial Services
sector

17 Women in Mining Magazine • August 2021

WOMEN IN MINING EXXARO www.awomeninmining.com

While I’ve been qualified as a I had the privilege of working on this As a woman in a male dominated
Cer�fied Business Analyst project while contracted at one of the industry, what are some of the
Professional (CBAP), my role has big four banks, collabora�ng with the challenges have you faced?
been diversified through the other Banks and project leaders from
various IT projects that I’ve been the Payment Associa�on of South One of my first mee�ngs I had with a
involved in and delivered over the Africa (PASA). Contribu�ng to its very senior male colleague, who
years, having worked in them as a implementa�on became personal carried a wealth of knowledge in the
Pure Business Analyst, Business because I had also been a vic�m of this topic under discussion, he advised that
Systems Analyst and Tester, fraud on more than one occasion, and I did not come close to qualifying to
Product Owner, Project Manager so I had be�er understanding of what speak to/ ques�on what was being
and Scrum Master, and recently it meant to have authen�cated discussed. This was not something
Applica�on Development Manager collec�ons implemented. that in�mated me, I instead took a
and IM Solu�on Analyst. stance to listen and listen some more,
There are not many women in the gather facts rather than opinions and
I describe my career as industry industry, what inspired you to work in emo�ons, and came back to the same
agnos�c and this can be seen in the the mining industry? table to confidently present those and
flexibility I’ve had to change roles asked that we all engaged in the next
and most importantly, how I have I had been looking at the Global steps. The project that this related to
not been tunneled into a specific transi�on of the Mining industry into was successfully enabled, working in
industry. For the most part, this can the Digital era and knew that it was close collabora�on with the same
be a�ribute to the Business something that I would want to senior colleague at the �me, and have
Consul�ng Prac�ce and Consul�ng challenge myself with and be a part of. taken ownership of the
Skills Programme that I had the I have an apprecia�on of the implementa�on of the next phases of
privilege of joining at an early stage func�onal skills I’ve acquired over the this project.
of my career. years and was very keen on applying
them to high-tech industries such as Outside of work, are you involved in
Tell us more about your role. Mining, that have also especially been any woman empowerment projects?
My role currently is centred around dominated by men. With this
the onboarding of Digital Solu�ons understanding, I also had an idea on Not currently, but I used to take part in
at the Mine and ensuring that the how I could apply my skills so that they WIL ini�a�ves through the BMF
Mine’s IM Infrastructure is set up are complimentary to what the chapter; and was also part of a lady’s
and enabled for the successful industry was already experiencing. ministry in Alex where we held various
implementa�on of these projects, sessions of skills and knowledge
including future IM and Digital What are some of the key transfer, arranging trainings on
ini�a�ves. I’m also responsible for learnings, both personally and videography, edi�ng and other
coordina�ng and suppor�ng the professionally? func�onal skills that they could easily
design and development of BU implement in the ministry, and be
specific requirements into viable One of my key learnings comes from empowered to implement outside of
solu�ons, working in collabora�on the understanding that there is power the ministry as well.
with Architecture, Infrastructure, in being connected – hence I associate
Vendor Partners, and SME’s, in strongly with the terms ‘rela�onships’ What is your personal mantra in life?
bringing value to the Mine through and ‘collabora�on’. I’ve learned that
these solu�ons. people thrive when they feel In the words of Maya Angelou, “If
connected; be it with a higher force or you don’t like something, change
Included in my scope of work is the their natural surroundings. This it. If you can’t change it, change
monitoring of departmental KPI’s learning has helped me priori�se your a�tude”.
to ensure that IM at the BU is building and maintaining healthy,
con�nuously improving and progressive rela�onships. What advice would you give to a
progressing in running opera�ons young girl si�ng at home and
and providing the needed support Looking back to where you started, considering entering the industry?
to the Belfast Coal Business. where do you see yourself in the next
5 years? “The only constant in life is change,
What is the most memorable project so be adaptable and open to
you have worked on during your I’m working on establishing myself as a evolving through keeping abreast
career? change agent, so I see myself with changes happening in the
It would have to be the industry-wide suppor�ng businesses in high-tech world around you and the industry
requirement to deliver authen�cated industries with their digital where you believe that you can
collec�ons at the banks, to prevent transforma�ons, under my own brand create a posi�ve impact.”
debit order fraud that had been
rampant.

Women in Mining Magazine • August 2021 18

Women in Business Network www.awomeninmining.com

YWBN Women in Mining Magazine • August 2021

19

WOMEN IN MINING EXXARO www.awomeninmining.com

Young Women Business Network (YWBN)

Nthabeleng Likotsi

Managing Director of YWBN CFI

Young Women in Business Network transforma�on of the boardrooms, Analysis of the market reveals that
Co-opera�ve Financial Ins�tu�on financial inclusion, lending to small convergence of banking services with
(YWBN CFI) is a broad based women and medium-sized businesses, unconven�onal distribu�on/delivery
empowerment company, owned, providing services to townships and methods provides a door opening for a
controlled and managed by majority rural areas, procuring goods and new player to enter the Mutual Bank
women. YWBN CFI is a deposit taking services from black and women- sector and service the needs of the
financial co-opera�ve registered in owned companies and changing the unbanked, underserved and unseen
December 2015 in terms of the Co- racial and gender composi�on of the segment. Accordingly, YWBN Mutual
Opera�ves Banks Act 40 of 2007. A staff and management of banks and Bank has set its focus on this
week or so a�er receiving the license financial Ins�tu�ons” convergence to bridge barriers to
to operate as a CFI, we were offered an financial inclusion such as
opportunity to partner with one of the South Africa has one of the world’s inappropriate products and services,
companies listed on the JSE to fund most sophis�cated financial-service distance from financial ins�tu�ons,
SMMEs to the tune of R100 million, industries. However, there is a psychological fear of the tradi�onal
unfortunately for us we couldn’t significant gap between the banked financial ins�tu�ons and poor
because the legisla�on we were (these are those that have access to communica�on about services and
governed under had restric�ons as we mainstream products such as cheque, products.
could only offer our products to the savings accounts, mortgage loans,
members of the Young Women in vehicle finance loans, etc.) and the The YWBN team together with its
Business Network, therea�er we lost unbanked or underbanked (these are consultants (S�ll Waters, Brand New
other opportuni�es presented to us. those shunned by tradi�onal banking Harvest and TGR A�orneys) that have
sector, are without banking products worked �relessly over the past 4 years,
On the 15th June 2018 YWBN CFI at depository ins�tu�ons, are not fully are honoured and pleased to
embarked on a march from the Union par�cipa�ng in the financial announce that on 9 March 2021,
Building to the South African Reserve mainstream, rely on fringe financial YWBN CFI received authorisa�on from
Bank (SARB) to submit an applica�on sector to service their needs, and are a the South African Reserve Bank’s
for authorisa�on to establish a Mutual boon to alterna�ve financial services Pruden�al Authority (PA) for the
Bank in terms of sec�on 10 of the sector). establishment of a mutual bank, in
Mutual Banks Act 124 of 1993. In a terms of sec�on 11(1) of the Mutual
country like ours that has seen the It is es�mated that South Africa’s big Banks Act. The PA regulates financial
financial sector dominated by male five tradi�onal banks are si�ng with ins�tu�ons and market infrastructures
and what used to be the big four, and customer bases between 7 million and to promote and enhance their safety
now 5 commercial banks, diversity in 10 million. Contrast this with the and soundness, and support financial
terms of women ownership and number of unbanked and stability.
par�cipa�on is needed to make the underbanked consumers, es�mated at This means that the PA found YWBN
sector more representa�ve of the around 11 million. Despite the number CFI to be fit and proper to establish a
country’s demographics. Currently, of unbanked and underbanked Mutual Bank. It also means the PA
ownership of the SA Financial Sector is consumers outstripping the banked, found the applica�on and business
not reflec�ve of the country’s the mainstream financial services case by YWBN CFI to be premised on
demographics, with black women the industry has, for the past 25 years, sound ground, sustainable and
most underrepresented. largely dismissed unbanked and mee�ng pruden�al legisla�ve
underbanked requirements prescribed by the
The above fact is be�er summed up Mutual Banks Act.
Mr. Kuben Naidoo, The Registrar of market, except where serving these
Banks, who said: “While the sector is customers, helped financial YWBN CFI is the first WOMEN group to
more diverse today, too li�le progress ins�tu�ons fulfil statutory and
has been made in cri�cal areas of regulatory obliga�ons. With the SA be granted authorisa�on to register a
transforma�on. It (transforma�on) popula�on made up largely of women,
encompasses the need for black and it is clear that it is them that are largely Mutual Bank, thus giving the en�ty the
women equity /par�cipa�on and excluded from mainstream banking
ownership of financial ins�tu�ons, and thus le� vulnerable to exposure, opportunity to set a benchmark for
exploita�on and fraud by
unscrupulous and unregulated black women par�cipa�on and
financial service providers. YWBN
deems this inconsistent, and these are ownership of the financial sector. This
the inconsistencies that YWBN Mutual
Bank seeks to address through women is important and a significant step to
par�cipa�on and ownership of the
sector. de-racializing the financial sector and

turning it into one that reflects the

country’s demographics and work for

ALL South Africans, par�cularly black

women

20 Women in Mining Magazine • August 2021

WOMEN IN MINING -INESXPXIRAARTOION www.awomeninmining.com

Much about YWBN Mutual Bank is Nthabeleng Likotsi, the founder of cooperative Young Women in
already unusual - Business Network (YWBN), will be the first woman to own a mutual bank
in South Africa after being approved by the South Africa Reserve Bank
• It is the first CFI to submit an
application to graduate to a Mutual Women in Mining Magazine • August 2021
Bank;

• It will be South Africa’s first
‘majority’ black women owned
bank;

• It will be the first bank in South
Africa’s history that will actually be
seized with addressing and
bringing into focus the financial
needs of the unbanked,
underbanked and underserved
segment of society; and

• For the first time in South African
history, blacks, regardless of
gender, young people have an
opportunity to lead in the bank of
their own.

YWBN Mutual Bank will not only be
seized with addressing the financial
needs of the unbanked and
underserved sector of the
population but also raise innovation
and competition in the financial
sector, bringing the needs of the
“unseen” segment to greater focus
and thus helping propel the
industry to greater heights, albeit
the inclusive way.

YWBN is excited about receiving
authorisation from the Prudential
Authority for the establishment of
YWBN Mutual Bank. The year
ahead will focus on capital raising
towards the establishment of the
bank, setting up infrastructure,
regulatory compliance subject to
the approval of the PA and followed
by the commercial launch of YWBN
Mutual Bank.

History has taught us that where
the needs for the unbanked are
ignored, financial inclusion will
remain a dream deferred. Also,
South Africa’s unemployment rate,
which is already high, would
continue to rise. Thus, we have a
perfect storm and an opportunity to
address the two challenges and are
glad to be in the forefront to lead
the transformation.

Africans you’ve been asking for a
majority Black Women Owned
Bank, here it is “YWBN Mutual
Bank”, hope you’ll be prepared to
buy shares when we call on you to
do so.

We are the ones we have been
waiting for

21

www.awomeninmining.com WOMEN IN MINING INSPIRATION

Miss South Africa 2021
Top 30

Meet the Miss South Africa Top 30 Andile Mazibuko (23) comes from eMabedlane in
vying for the title of Miss South Ulundi, Kwa-Zulu Natal, and is a final year homoeopathy
Africa 2021 and vote for your
student at the Durban University of Technology. In her
favourite to make the Top 10. spare time, she enjoys writing in her journal, reading,
listening to music, dancing, going on solo-dates and
The Top 30 is an impressive and
diverse group. Among them are two improving her make-up skills.
medical doctors, an attorney, a Voting No: 1
commercial pilot, an environmental
specialist as well as models, Ané Oosthuysen (23) is from Vanderbijlpark, Gauteng,
graduates and students. Some and is currently working as an assistant teacher at a
have started their own businesses primary school while also studying for her PGCE
while others run charitable teaching qualification. She also has a BA degree in
organisations. psychology and sociology and honours degrees in
psychology and medical sociology from North-West
University
Voting No: 2

There is also the first transgender Bianca Bezuidenhout (22) hails from Strand in Cape
woman – Lehlogonolo Machaba Town, has a Bachelor of Arts degree in marketing
from North West – to openly enter
the Miss South Africa pageant. communications and is currently completing her honours
in media studies. She is also a dance instructor as well
Three have entered before – they as a business owner of her own swimwear company
are Miss South Africa Kgothatso called She Succeeds.
Dithebe who was Top 5 in 2019; Voting No: 3
Olin Shae de la Cruz who believes
this year will be third time lucky Catherine Groenewald (23) is from Constantia in Cape
(she placed Top 15 in 2020 and Top Town and is in her final year of a B Com visual
26 in 2017) and Catherine
Groenewald who was Top 30 in communications degree, majoring in graphic design. She
2019. is also a barre fitness instructor and full-time model with
Topco Models. During lockdown she started an online
The 30 contestants come from business called Delish Bakery.
around the country – Gauteng has Voting No: 4
12 contenders (with four from
Pretoria), followed by the Western Cheneil Hartzenberg (24) comes from Meredale,
Cape with seven; KwaZulu Natal Johannesburg in Gauteng, and is a commercial pilot and
with four; the Eastern Cape with
three and the Free State with two, senior flight instructor in a managerial role at a flight
while North West and Limpopo school. She completed a digital marketing course with
each have one entrant.
UCT online last year and is currently studying for her
For the next few weeks, they will be airline transport pilot licence.
out to impress this year's Top 30 Voting No: 5
and Top 10 judges who are all
former Miss South Africa title Danielle Marais (24), hails from Randburg in
holders with Bokang Montjane- Johannesburg and has a B Com Honours Degree Cum
Tshabalala (2010) and Liesl Laurie Laude in entrepreneurship and marketing management.
(2015), who judged last year, being She is a brand manager across 14 African countries and
joined by first-time judges Melinda
Bam (2011) and Tamaryn Green the CEO and founder of the charity, Walk in Freedom.
(2018). She likes to draw, read, hike and spend time with people.

Voting No: 6

Women in Mining Magazine • August 2021 22

www.awomeninmining.com WOMEN IN MINING | MISS-SA2021

Jeanni Mulder Eloïse van der Westhuizen (26) comes from
Panorama, Cape Town in the Western Cape. She holds

a B Com Management Science degree from the
University of Stellenbosch and has an Honours degree in
logistics/supply chain management. She completed both

degrees Cum Laude and is a business intelligence
analyst and part-time model at Twenty Model
Management.
Voting No: 7

Ferini Dayal (26) is from Kensington South,
Johannesburg, and has a biomedical sciences degree,
majoring in physiology, and a Bachelors of Medicine and

Surgery degree - both from the University of
Witwatersrand. After a two-year internship at Chris Hani
Baragwanath Hospital, she is now a community service

doctor in Vosloorus at Thelle Mogoerane Hospital.
Voting No: 8

Itumeleng Baloyi (23) comes from Seshego in Limpopo
and is a full-time student completing her B

Tech/advanced diploma in project management at the
Cape Peninsula University of Technology. She is also a

part time junior site manager at an engineering,
company as well as a digital creator and freelance
model. She loves seafood and her grandmother’s

morogo.
Voting No: 9

Jamie Cloete (23) lives in Edgemead, Cape Town. She
has a Bachelor of Social Science degree from UCT and
an Honours degree in environmental and geographical
studies from the University of Stellenbosch. She would

love to meet Barbara Creecy, the Minister of
Environmental Affairs, to discuss environmental
challenges and how to create a sustainable difference to

combat the destruction of our natural heritage.
Voting No: 10

Jeanni Mulder (24) from Sea Point, Cape Town, is a full-
time model and describes herself as compassionate,
strong-willed and genuine. She credits her mom for
being her role model who has taught her to fight hard,

love deeply and never to be afraid of being passionate
about what makes you happy. In her spare time, she
loves to do anything artsy, watch TV and play Texas
Holdem Poker.
Voting No: 11

Kaylan Matthews (25) is from Gqeberha in the Eastern
Cape and is in her final year of a Bachelors in Human
Movement Science at the Nelson Mandela University.
She has a huge love for exercise and living a healthy,
wholesome lifestyle and wants to use her degree to

motivate people to accept themselves and learn to love
their bodies and fall in love with exercise and all its
benefits.
Voting No: 12

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24
Keashel van der Merwe (22) hails from Discovery,
Roodepoort in Gauteng, and is an independent make-up
artist. She enjoys reading books aimed at strengthening
the mind and emotional maturity as well as inspirational
material and says the best thing about South Africa is the

nature of the people, its diversity, the culture, the food
and the art.

Voting No: 13

Kgaketsang Mathobisa (22) comes from Bochabela,
Bloemfontein, and is a third-year student at the

University of the Free State pursuing a BA in integrated
organisational communication. In her spare time, when
she’s not catching up on her reading, she loves spending
time working on improving her make-up skills. Her aunt’s

signature lasagne is her favourite food.
Voting No: 14

Kgatlhiso Modisane (27) is from Dorandia, Pretoria is
Gauteng, and is an admitted attorney working in the
banking industry. She is also a part-time student,

studying for a qualification in taxation with the hopes of
becoming a registered tax practitioner. Her role model is

Chief Justice Mogoeng Mogoeng who, she says, has
truly inspired her to strive to be an ethical legal
professional.
Voting No: 15

Kgothatso Dithebe (26) comes from Centurion,
Pretoria, Gauteng. She is currently studying towards an

LLB law degree and also runs her own company that
deals with construction and the supply of goods and
services. In her spare time, she goes to the gym, plays
netball and loves trying out new recipes. She says her
single biggest achievement was buying her first property

this year.
Voting No: 16

Lalela Mswane (24) is from KwaSokhulu, Richards Bay
in KwaZulu-Natal, is a model and dancer and has a

Bachelor of Law degree from the University of Pretoria.
She describes herself as graceful, tenacious and

meticulous and says she would love to meet the Minister
of Employment and Labour, Thulas Nxesi, to discuss

ways of alleviating the growing unemployment problem.
Voting No: 17

Lehlogonolo Machaba (24), who comes from Oskraal,
Letlhabile in the North West, holds a diploma in fashion

design technology from the Tshwane University of
Technology. She works as a model booker at Invade
Models and is the founder and owner of the DeMollies
fashion brand. In her spare time, she volunteers at a
local LGBTQIA centre, helping young people complete

university and job applications.
Voting No: 18

Women in Mining Magazine • August 2021

www.awomeninmining.com WOMEN IN MINING | MISS-SA2021

Licalle Isaacs (22) is from Plumstead in Cape Town.
She graduated in hospitality management from the Cape

Peninsula University of Technology, where she is
currently doing her advanced diploma in events

management. She likes watching documentaries,
comedies and movies as well as trying out different
restaurants. Her favourite meal is a medium-rare steak
with mushroom sauce and a side of baked potato with

melted butter.
Voting No: 19

Lisanne Lazarus (25), from Amanzimtoti in KwaZulu
Natal is a PR and brand officer for a local radio station.
Her role models are Basetsana Khumalo, “because of
how she used the platform of Miss South Africa as the
springboard to the rest of her life” and Priyanka Chopra
Jonas, “a woman who grew up in a traditional home but

chose the unconventional route”. She says her guilty
pleasure is “ice cream at midnight”.
Voting No: 20

Mawusive Sibutha (24) lives in Bloemfontein in the Free
State, but is representing the Eastern Cape, where her
family live in Ntabankulu. She holds a Bachelor Degree
in Social Sciences and majored in psychology and

industrial psychology at the University of the Free State.
But, due to the high unemployment rate as a result of the

Covid-19 pandemic, she decided to tap into her artistic
side and start a picnic set-up business.
Voting No: 21

Moratwe Masima (24) is from Atholl, Sandton in
Gauteng, and is a qualified medical doctor doing her first

year of internship at Charlotte Maxeke Hospital. She is
an aspiring plastic and reconstructive surgeon who

would love to meet the Prime Minister of New Zealand,
Jacinda Arden as she is in awe of how she has handled

the global pandemic and how she always puts the
livelihood of her citizens first.
Voting No: 22

Olin-Shae De La Cruz (27) hails from Bryanston,
Sandton in Gauteng. After obtaining a higher certification

in journalism in, she went on to get a Bachelors in
Business Administration degree and in Media Operations

Management. She is the co-founder of a marketing
company called Swish EP, works as an account manager

for a media and advertising company and is a netball
coach on the weekends with Action Kidz South Africa.

Voting No: 23

Pearl Ntshehi (24) comes from Mamelodi and lives in
Centurion, Gauteng. She is a BCom Law and an LLB
graduate currently doing her BCom honours and hopes
to become an admitted legal practitioner. She says her
single biggest achievement was being the first female
president at her university, which moulded her to being

the young woman she is today.
Voting No: 24

25 Women in Mining Magazine • August 2021

www.awomeninmining.com WOMEN IN MINING | MISS-SA2021

Precious Mndalama (23) comes from Soshanguve,
Pretoria in Gauteng and is a third-year law student at
Unisa. She describes herself as ambitious, passionate
and fun and says her role model and person she would
most like to meet is Naomi Campbell, because she is a
very successful international model and activist who
contributes to, and participates in, social inequalities in

her own country as well as others.
Voting No: 25

Pumeza Zibi (24), comes from Heideveld, Cape Town in
the Western Cape and graduated with a BTech in Public

Relations Management from the Cape Peninsula
University of Technology. She says the one thing people

would be surprised to know about her is that she grew
up a huge Worldwide Wrestling Entertainment fan and

that her guilty pleasure is watching cat videos on
YouTube.

Voting No: 26

Savannah De Almeida (23) comes from Hillcrest,
Durban in KwaZulu-Natal, and is a social media and

digital marketing specialist. She says that beauty
pageants are more than just hair and makeup and
outward beauty and encourage women to embrace their
unique individuality and help them to become successful
businesswomen. The one thing she would like to change
about South Africa is to put an end to gender-based

violence.
Voting No: 27

Tiffany Francis (22) who comes from Mulbarton,
Johannesburg, is the owner of Tiffany K Models as well
as a professional model and fashion design student. Her
role models are her mom and late aunt, both of whom
tought her the value of having resillience and empathy.
Her ideal break would be a week in Italy with Frank
Sinatra playlists, beaches and eating pizza for days on
end and her guilty pleasure is cheesecake.
Voting No: 28

Tshegofatso Molefe (26), comes from Kestell in the
Free State but lives in Maritzburg in KwaZulu-Natal. She

holds an LLB degree from the University of KwaZulu-
Natal and has also completed one year of her Masters in
Advanced Criminal Justice. She is currently working as a

criminal law defence candidate attorney at Legal Aid
South Africa while waiting to be admitted as an attorney

of the High Court.
Voting No: 29

Savannah De Almeida Zimi Mabunzi (26) comes from eQonce (King William’s
Town), in the Eastern Cape and is a student at the
26
Nelson Mandela University in her final year of a BCom
Law degree. She says she has a huge passion for music

and would love to study it one day and make music of
her own. In her spare time, she loves to work out, sing

and cook and her favourite meal is
umphokoqo and umngqusho.
Voting No: 30

Women in Mining Magazine • August 2021

WWOMOEMNEINN IMNINMININGININGSP|IRAINTISOPNIRATION www.awomeninmining.com

Thabisile Phumo
Senior Vice President & Head of Stakeholder

Sibanye StillWater

Accredited public relations & Its been an unfortunate reality that The number of women working
communication specialist, women have been disadvantaged
with 16 years’ experience in in many economic areas from in the mining / energy sector is
corporate affairs environment in technical skills to leadership
the mining industry. roles. increasing significantly, do you

I am fortunate to be walking behind think governments are
women who have perhaps without
the recognition been in the changing adhering to the call for women
the narrative for women like me to
get opportunities to lead. empowerment and

In my 20 year career, I have Thabisile briefly elaborate on some transformation by creating more
of the challenges encountered, she
worked in diverse sectors within has this to say. opportunities for them? or it

the communication and “The biggest challenge has been was the combination of
exclusion not so much physical
stakeholder relations field focusing exclusion, but intellectual exclusion. women's persistence towards
This was combined with my own
on among others; executive public personal challenges in terms of how change.
to position in the environments I was
relations, reputation management, in and express my voice. Over the I joined the mining industry 20
years, I have had to get out of victim years ago and the change is
stakeholder relations, crisis mentally and appreciate that the only positive and commendable. Both
way to become part of the team is to government and the mining
communication,media relations, join the team, have a learning spirit industry must be commended for
and be open to the support that advocating the change but special
internal communications, brand comes from your colleagues. My acknowledgment for the women
biggest learning has been accepting who took the opportunities to
management, strategy that I don’t know everything, it is break the barriers and open the
okay to speak my truth but I need to industry up for more women to
development, fundraising and learn how to speak it so others can join. In my view, women are
hear it. Taking feedback was the already empowered, what they
information management. I have hardest when I still used my need are opportunities. This I say
personal lens; in time I learned that because we don’t have
also spend at least 8 years as a not everything is personal, it is qualifications that are tailored for
always about the big picture and women or men; the curriculum is
part-time lecturer/course facilitator collaboration is the magic key“. the same and when people qualify
they are at the same place; the
in corporate communications, distance is created by
opportunities that are opened up
corporate social responsibility and with no reservations for our male
counterparts but with added
stakeholder engagement. barriers put for women. The next
challenge is to look beyond the
I served in various industry roles numbers and create an inclusive
and have authored 3 life skills environment where everyone can
booklets and am the convener of thrive irrespective of gender by
the Inspired Connect Women`s removing all the systemic barriers.
Network.

I have worked in various roles in a
corporate affairs environment at
Anglo American, United Nations,
UNISA and CGE. I have also done
a lot of community project
development work in the resources
sector and in youth ministries. I am
passionate about personal
development with specific focus on
performance coaching and career
mentorship

27 Women in Mining Magazine • August 2021

WOMEN IN MINING INSPIRATION www.awomeninmining.com

The number of women in Any extramural activities
leadership positions is still outside your work?
significantly low compared to
that of men. I love writing and do a lot of that.
I am also involved in the
What are some of the Inspired Women`s Connect
misconceptions people have network. We are involved in
on women leadership in skills development and support
business? for women and charity in SA and
in partnership with other
There are many but the one that organizations in some countries
I know is that women have a low in the continent.
EQ and therefore lack the
mental strength to deal with the How has COVID-19 affected
complex situations and your work and yourself? and
environments. what advice would you like to
give to women in these field.
What are your daily
responsibilities and how do The biggest challenge has been
you think they have shaped the ability to engage
and molded you to be the stakeholders and our inability to
women you are today? deliver the programmes due to
the lockdown. COVID-19 has
My primary responsibilities are highlighted the extent of
relationships with stakeholders poverty, unemployment, the
and delivering on the state of our health services and
company`s social performance the added burden posed by
imperatives, and specifically COVID. Personally, I have lost
socio-economic programmes in family members, had to refocus
communities that host our on personal wellness and now
operations and where we appreciate the gift of surviving
historically used to source and thriving one day at a time.
labour from. This means I have
the privilege to deal with the
positive and the negative side of
the realities of South Africa and
to engage with people from all
walks of life who have their own
perceptions and expectations
around the mining industry. In
terms of how it has moulded me;
I think it has made me realise
that what I do matters and
therefore I have to do to the best
of my ability; I can thrive through
the noise and that opposition is
not always bad and can be
harnessed together with support
to deliver on the shared goal.

Women in Mining Magazine • August 2021 28

WOMEN IN MINING INSPIRATION www.awomeninmining.com

Geralda Wildschu�

Founder and CEO of Maisha Social Solu�ons

The founder and the CEO of My work as CEO of Maisha, Independent Director of
Maisha Social Solu�ons Pty Caledonia Mining Corpora�on Plc and Director of SAICA-ED
Ltd, a consultancy company are all focused on social change.
specializing in ESG factors and
offering a service to mostly Women have been disadvantaged in many economic areas
mining clients. I have worked from technical skills to leadership roles.
in the mining industry for 13
years and in several countries How can this narra�ve be changed?
in Africa, La�n America,
Women’s leadership capabili�es are o�en recognized and
Australia and Canada. I am a non-prac�cing Educa�onal celebrated but in roles that are deemed appropriate for us,
Psychologist and passionate about development work. . such as in the home, the church and the family. I believe we
I’ve worked in the non-profit sector as the Director of should make the decision of where and when we want to
Sel�elp Manenberg on the Cape Flats, working with lead and armour ourselves with the requirements for the
young children, families and adolescents struggling in a par�cular role, which may include skills, qualifica�ons, hard
community impacted by violence and drugs. I was a work, good nego�a�on skills, etc. I always believed that I
programme manager for Ashoka: Innovators for the could make more of a difference if I assumed leadership
Public, a Washington DC based organiza�on specializing roles and I had champions along the way who supported my
in Social Entrepreneurship and recognised for my work drive to lead.
of bringing psychosocial programmes into public
schools.

29 Women in Mining Magazine • August 2021

www.awomeninmining.com

Geralda Wildschu� - Community representa�ves

Challenges? Governments across the world are doing be�er to
increase women in leadership roles, although this is s�ll
The first challenge was internal – the insecurity and self- slow in many countries. In South Africa, I think
doubt that I had to overcome with the help of mentors government is pushing hard on the BBBEE and gender
and a lot of self-reflec�on. In the workplace it was being issue. Many mining companies have made commitments
challenged about my posi�on, role, skills and towards diversity and inclusivity and many are star�ng to
knowledge. I managed this by always being prepared, deliver on their commitments. I think companies,
delivering high quality work in �me or ahead of �me. I including mining and energy, are star�ng the see the
also learned to stand firm and confront any nega�ve and value in having gender diversity in leadership roles, i.e.
unfair remarks when I thought it was gender and race management, execu�ves and boards. I think women are
inspired. Having a thick skin helps! pushing hard too. Women are suppor�ng each other via
the “Women in Mining” networks opera�ng in many
Is Governments adhering to the call for women countries and through mentorship programmes
empowerment and transforma�on by crea�ng more
opportuni�es for them? or it is the combina�on of Congratula�ons on your appointment to a new posi�on.
women's persistance towards change.
As you are aware, the number of women in leadership
posi�ons is s�ll significantly low, compared to that of
their male counterpart.

Your new posi�on can rewrite misconcep�ons that
some people s�ll have about women leaders in
business. how does this make you feel?

I am proud of joining the Board of Caledonia Mining
Corpora�on Plc as an Independent Director. The rest of
the board acknowledges the contribu�on that I can
make and the company is commi�ed to diversity and
gender equality.

Women in Mining Magazine • August 2021 30

WOMEN IN MINING | INSPIRATION www.awomeninmining.com

What are your daily responsibili�es and how 31
have they moulded and shaped you to be the
woman you are today and in future?

As a member of the board, I will be working
with the rest of the board to drive the
future strategy of the company and support
the CEO and his execu�ve team. I will
specifically contribute to a strong
sustainability strategy and drive ESG
compliance and leadership in the company.
Caledonia is already doing a sterling job in
community development through
investment in the host communi�es,
community trust and employee benefit
scheme and I will assist in enhancing
performance.

Do you have any extramural ac�vi�es outside
your work?

Travel – before Covid-19 and lots of
reading. I am an outdoor person, so
gardening, hiking, swimming and mountain
walks are how I relax.

How has covid-19 affected your work and
yourself? and what advice would you like to
give to women who wish to be board members
someday?

Covid-19 has meant I travelled less for work
and for pleasure. For work where I do a lot
of community engagements for clients, I
had to work with my team at Maisha Social
Solu�ons on electronic techniques to
engage and collect data. I miss the
interac�on with communi�es and seeing
first-hand the innova�on and problem
solving in communi�es.

My advice to upcoming leaders is to believe
in yourself, study con�nuously (i.e. I believe
in life-long learning), get a mentor, seek
feedback from managers in the workplace,
both men and women, and be bold and
courageous by raising your hand for
opportuni�es.

Women in Mining Magazine • August 2021

www.awomeninmining.com

Young Geologist
making a difference

Valencia Malatji Valencia Malatji, born and raised in the Tjibeng
Geologist Village, Limpopo Province, RSA where she
matriculated from Serokolo high school in 2004. In
Recognizing young 2005, Valencia began her studies at the University of
women making difference Witwatersrand (“Wits”) comple�ng a degree in Geology,
in the industry, inspiring where she then graduated in 2009. During her �me at
Wits, Valencia received a Top Achievers Award for Sta�s�cs
and leading from the for Earth Scien�sts.
front.
She later completed a four-month internship at a pla�num mine
in Polokwane, a�er which she struggled to find employment
which resulted in her being unemployed for two years, but never
gave up hope. Eventually, a posi�on opened at another pla�num
mine in Limpopo where her knowledge and skills led her to grow
within the company becoming a Junior Geologist.

In 2018, Valencia joined Bauba at our Moeijelijk Chrome Mine,
where she was specifically trained in chrome mining and within
four months she was managing the Geology Department.
Currently, Valencia is a qualified geologist in her department
where she is now training other female workers in order to up-
skill them as Samplers and Geological Technicians. Valencia
would like to con�nue her studies by comple�ng her Honours in
Economic Geology and con�nue to bring on other female
graduates at our mine for training and up-skilling.

Valencia is an inspira�on to many women, especially in the
mining industry, and Bauba, is proud to have her in our team.

Women in Mining Magazine • August 2021 32

www.awomeninmining.com

Vato

Zo

SAF

Rough

Madagascan saphire

Seipati Mokhuoa

Founder & CEO of SAWIL

SAF

33 Women in Mining Magazine • August 2021

www.awomeninmining.com WOMEN IN MINING | INSPIRATION

Zo: Africa Jewellery Desiger

I am a geologist and a lapidary trainer. I believe that with appropriate training in assessing,
I have been working for 12 years as the head of valuing, cu�ng and polishing; gemstones can provide
lapidary and jewelry department of the Ins�tut a sustainable livelihood for women in gemstone
de Gemmologie de Madagascar. My role is bearing countries across the world. I recently
focused on capacity building, also on the completed my study to get a Masters in development
concep�on of all projects aiming to support, studies because I draw from my previous experience
develop the ASM sector in collabora�on with that technical skills should be complemented with
associa�ons of miners and gemstone development approach. Working with ASM
professionals. community requires deep understanding of different
aspects of human development in addi�on to
In 2015, I was amongst a team who delivered a technical capability. On one hand, ASM involves
training of trainers program for women in mining millions of people across the world and provides
in Ilakaka Madagascar. The project aimed to livelihood for millions of family but on the other hand
emancipate the posi�on of women in the ASM ac�vity is also a very destruc�ve ac�vity for the
sapphire business, to improve the income and environment, is not accountable economically and
sustainable impacts of sapphire fever especially might be source of social harm. For all thus reason, I
for women. This project was developed with the believe that ASM deserve to be reconsidered under
CSRM Australia and local volunteers and new perspec�ve and to reverse harms into sustainable
supported by the IM4DC. As a gemstone trainer posi�ve impacts.
specialist, my role was to iden�fy the training
program appropriate to the target, to develop
and deliver the courses and follow up the
progress of the targeted community. It was
fantas�c to see the empowerment of local
women who have had very few opportuni�es for
personal development but showed real talent for
jewelry making. The project demonstrates the
poten�al of marginalized community endowed
with a basic empowerment program which lead
them to be self-sufficient.
I was part of an economic empowerment program for

women in opal mining in Ethiopia, and later for a local

community of gemstones miners in Malawi. I was the

gemstone training specialist, and my main tasks were

to design a training program which was appropriate

for each woman, deliver the training and strengthen

the associa�on of women in the opal market.

34 Women in Mining Magazine • August 2021

WOMEN IN MINING | INSPIRATION www.awomeninmining.com

Winner of Inaugural AWIMA

Jewellery Design

Competition Announced

The Association of Women in The winner was selected from a “I am honored that my “Lady Aya”
Mining Africa (AWIMA) is proud to highly compelling pool of seventy design was selected for the AWIMA
announce the winning design submissions from around the Jewellery design
continent.
of its inaugural AWIMA Jewellery competition. This competition gave
Design Competition. The submissions were judged me the opportunity to stay in touch
based on originality and ability to with my motherland by
The contest, a component of the eloquently capture the spirit and
essence of both the competition sharing my creativity as an African
AWIMA Jewellery Project theme; “A Symbol of solidarity that female jewellery designer living in
unifies and honors Women in the diaspora. It is a
supported by the World mining in Africa” and AWIMA’s
mandate of promoting women-led privilege to contribute to the great
Bank’s Extractives Global supply chains in the mining, gem work being done to celebrate the
Programmatic Support (EGPS) and jewellery industries. resilience and courage of
Trust Fund, provides a one-of-a-
kind women in mining in Africa,” said
Ngone Sagne.
platform for celebrating the
resilience of African women in “Lady Aya in all her glory The AWIMA Jewellery Project,
mining while using innovative ideas completely embodies the African carried out in partnership with Levin
to woman in the jewellery and mining Sources, is part of the EGPS
ecosystem” said Ms. Lotanna Emergency relief response for
partner with African women Amina Egwuatu; Creative Director artisanal and small-scale mining
designers and jewelers. of Mina Stones and one of the communities impacted by
judges of the competition.
“Women in Africa are dominant COVID-19. This response provides
consumers of jewellery and The winning design will be short-term and medium-term
powerful players in the jewellery produced using responsibly assistance to international,
sourced African gemstones and
value chain. However, there are metals, mined, designed and regional, national and local
many challenges that discourage produced by African women. It will organizations engaged in artisanal
or limit their participation .We are be sold locally and internationally. and small-scale mining.
excited to create a platform to The winner will have the unique
illustrate the excellence of our opportunity to work with AWIMA to https://www.worldbank.org/en/prog
continent’s creativity in jewellery oversee the production of their rams/egps/brief/emergency-relief-
making and celebrate the brilliantly design. response-for-artisanal-and-small-
gifted women involved.” Said scale-mining-communities-
Georgette Barnes-Sakyi- Addo; impacted-by-covid-19
President of AWIMA.
Lady AYA
The winning design; “Lady Aya”
was made by Ngone Sagne - a Brooch design rendering
Senegalese Jeweller. Ms Sagne`s
design was not only the unanimous Fine jewellery piece
selection of the panel of judges, it
also received 750/1000 Yellow gold combined with
white gold and colored gemstones
the majority ( 580) of the 2300 votes Metal and gems responsibley sourced
from the public to win the “’People’s from women owned mines sites in
Choice Award”. Africa.

Drawing and handpain�ng for AWIMA
jewelley design compe��on Matched
with a removable and fashionable
necklace, the brooch is conver�ble in
pendant

35 Women in Mining Magazine • August 2021

WOMEN IN MINING | INSPIRATION www.awomeninmining.com

Mining Executive

Meagan was born and Challenges?
raised in the Eastern
Cape, as a small town girl The nature of mining is that it takes
she always had aspira�ons to leave place in ‘remote’ loca�ons far
home, study and build a career removed from the big city, family
that would allow her to make her and friends. As a young lady, this
family proud. “I have always loved was quite an adjustment and o�en
to learn and valued the importance lead me to ques�on my career
of an educa�on.” She obtained her choice as I felt I was missing out on
BSc. Engineering degree in Mining life and the things young graduates
at the University of the get to experience when working in
Witwatersrand and later a large corporate based in the
completed an MBA at the Gordon typical urban environment.
Ins�tute of Business Science.
Similarly, in many of the places I
“I have a passion for travel and travelled to or worked at, the
experiencing new cultures, I enjoy facili�es were not yet fully
engaging with people and learning equipped to accommodate
through the experiences and females and made it difficult at
stories of others.I have a great �mes to carry out my job or
respect and admira�on for the accompany my male counter-
mining industry and wish to parts on field work.
promote the industry to young
people so they may par�cipate and However, I always managed to Meagan van den Berg
contribute to its success for many embrace the situa�on and ensured
years to come.” I did not shy away from a par�cular Executive Southern Africa
assignment or task but rather
Your current career choice? sought ways to make it possible for AECI
me to par�cipate. Something as
I have always had an interest in simple as going home in a dirty more encouraging is how their
engineering and the STEM related overall without a shower ensured presence in these posi�ons has
fields, I a�ended a technical high that I was always able to carry out been celebrated and embraced by
school which further sparked my my du�es and demonstrate my their male counterparts. The more
interest to pursue a career in competence and dedica�on to the ladies who ac�vely par�cipate and
Engineering. In my matric year, I job. climb the ladder within these
started looking for bursary industries, the more ‘barriers’ will
opportuni�es and came across the These challenges led me to reflect be broken down and the more
field of Mining Engineering and understand my own goals and accessible the industry will become
through a De Beers Bursary fund. I career aspira�ons, they kept me to future genera�ons.
did a bit of research and was focused and determined to make
a�racted to the diversity of skills sure I succeed and contribute to More awareness and exposure to
and wide range of disciplines the the diversifica�on and STEM related fields for girl learners
degree would expose me to. Time improvement of the accessibility to is required in primary and
spent at various opera�ons during the industry for other young ladies. secondary educa�on ins�tu�ons;
vaca�on work further contributed a�er school intern opportuni�es
to my enthusiasm to join an Transforma�on agenda and more ac�ve mentorship
industry which I believed and have programs would further encourage
since confirmed, would afford me It has been great to witness the young ladies to enter the industry.
the opportunity to meet and work transforma�on within the industry
with amazing people and offer and how ladies have been
con�nuous learning and growth on appointed in senior roles within
my career journey. companies;

36 Women in Mining Magazine • August 2021

www.awomeninmining.com WOMEN IN MINING | INSPIRATION

Misconcep�ons on women’s Achievements over the years? Business during pandemic?
leadership?
Reflec�ng on my journey so far, The most difficult challenge during
I believe the most common and one of the proudest moments was COVID was to keep the
fatally flawed belief is that women being awarded a “Sales Award” at engagement levels high between
are too emo�onal, naturally the AECI Annual Sales Day in 2013, my team and customers alike.
‘maternal’ and therefore too so� for rolling over a significant supply Remote working, virtual mee�ngs
for business. Women offer a contract with one of the company’s affected the ways we interacted
different leadership style and biggest customers whilst serving as and at �mes it felt like the team
perspec�ve which is in no way Regional Manager in the Narrow was disconnected and lacking
inferior to that of our male Reef segment. The recogni�on energy; learning how to keep
counterparts, we have the ability provided affirma�on of my myself and the team mo�vated
to be firm whilst encouraging technical, business and leadership was important to keep the
teamwork and collabora�on. Due abili�es and mo�vated me to business going.
to our own journey of learning how con�nue on my career path.
to juggle the roles of wife, mother Remote working blurred the lines
and employee; women leaders in A significant milestone was when I between home and work life, o�en
my experience are effec�ve in was appointed as the first female involving early starts with back to
promo�ng a healthy work-life Regional Manager in the back mee�ngs un�l late into the
balance for their employees which company’s 100 year history, I was evening, this contributed to the
fosters innova�on and produc�vity so proud of my own achievement feeling of being fa�gued and
at the workplace. but more proud of the progressive disengaged. Se�ng boundaries
company I was working for that and rules to ensure the ‘work – life’
Your responsibili�es? enabled me to navigate my career balance could con�nue was
without any barriers or prejudice necessary for my own mental
In my role, my biggest towards my gender. health and well-being but more
responsibility is to provide importantly to ensure the
guidance and support for my My most remarkable achievement sustainability of the new working
employees to ensure they are able was my appointment to the model.
to carry out their du�es. As a Execu�ve Team in 2020, as
leader, your behavior and a�tude Execu�ve for Southern Africa. The Advice for other women
creates the reality of your appointment represents the
subordinates’ work environment. It company’s, in par�cular my The most valuable piece of advice I
has taught me to be very mindful manager Edwin Ludick and the can offer is: “Do not expect to be
of the energy levels and message I Boards’ confidence in my ability treated differently.” As a woman,
project, my behaviors have a direct and their support of a truly diverse believe you are capable and equal
effect on my team. As a leader you management team. to your male counterparts, be
need to create a posi�ve outlook, humble and willing to learn and
high energy levels and a ‘safe; most importantly, grab any
environment where your opportunity that comes your way.
employees feel supported and
protected at all �mes.

37 Women in Mining Magazine • August 2021

www.awomeninmining.com WOMEN IN MINING | INSPIRATION

Sustainability Integration

Voted as the 1st runner up Young Minds Africa programme, Packs of my career choice
in the 2020 UN Global has been to be a scien�st who
Compact, Sustainable solves complex issues that • Believing in myself and in my ability
Development Goals Pioneer contribute to improving society. to solve problems. Although I have
Compe��on. Itumeleng has Contribu�ng to society beyond the transi�oned into a new career field the
been recognized in leading mine fence. unique skills, knowledge and networks
sustainability innova�on and I had acquired, posi�oned me to think
promo�ng collabora�on that differently and to bring value to my
creates be�er livelihoods for team.
host communi�es. Her interest
in Sustainability was sparked • The ability to work well with
when she was chosen to different people, ethnicity, rank or
par�cipate in the Brightest discipline. Knowing how to win and
Young Mind Africa Programme influence people as served me well.
in 2017.
• Ability to adapt very quickly to
At the �me, Itumeleng was change and to be comfortable with a
decision even though you do not know
working as a Mine Dewatering all the facts. This was a bit hard for me
in the beginning given my training as a
Hydrogeologist part of Anglo scien�st, who wants to either prove or
disprove a hypothesis.
America’s Flagship graduate
• My love for learning, being curious
programme. Her work as a Projects and constantly asking for feedback on
my performance.
Hydrogeologist gave her extensive Itumeleng Mogatusi-Sekgota
work experience in Mine (Pr. Sci. Nat) Advice to young girls
dewatering,
Sustainability Integra�on I will say what Lupita Nyong’o’s said
when she accepted her Oscar Award
Slope depressuriza�on and mine Specialist for best suppor�ng actress “No ma�er
where you are from your dreams are
water management. Hydrogeology valid”.

provided her the opportunity to All you can do is to give your absolute
best at everything you do and that will
work in different commodi�es and Upon her return to South Africa pay off by leading you to great
opportuni�es. Find out what problem
to travel in South Africa and work she became the SDG 6 Ambassador you want to solve in the world and
focus on that.
abroad. She spent about 2 years which states: "Ensure availability
South Africa is too small for you, the
working in the Andes Mountain and sustainable management of world is wai�ng to see your greatness,
aim high, aim to study abroad. Truly
Range in Chile, Los Bronces Mine, water and sanita�on for all." She you are the master of your fate and do
not let anyone tell you that you cannot
this is where she learnt to speak has since joined the Anglo do anything because everything, is
figureoutable.
Spanish. American's Group Sustainability

Integra�on Team as a Sustainability
Although Itumeleng enjoyed Integra�on Specialist. Her role is

being one of the few females in focused suppor�ng local and

a male dominated field and interna�onal mining sites on

being challenged by complex planning and implementa�on of
groundwater issues she was the Sustainable Mine Plan. The
faced with in the mining plan seeks to posi�on Anglo
American as a leader in
opera�ons. Her passion for sustainability and sets long-term
sustainability issues which was (10+ years), ambi�ous targets
ignited by Brightest across a range of sustainability

issues including water.

38 Women in Mining Magazine • August 2021

WOMEN IN MINING | INSPIRATION www.awomeninmining.com

Rumisha Motilal Women in Mining Magazine • August 2021

39

WOMEN IN MINING | INSPIRATION www.awomeninmining.com

RENOWNED BUSINESS BUILDER

Rumisha Motilal

General Manager for Gilbarco Veeder-Root, Rumisha In the book, Mo�lal depicts her journey in the male
Mo�lal celebrated Interna�onal Women’s Day by dominated industry as that of Li�le Red Riding Hood ‘’to
launching her book �tled Women at Work: My Journey me, being female in the male-dominated environment
into the Macho World. She was surrounded by her family and was like the story of Li�le Red Riding Hood. Nobody talks
friends including her Husband Nishan Mo�lal and her three about how dark it was inside the wolf. There is no
children Taneel, Eshalia and Bovanna Mo�lal. men�on of fears, doubts and silence Red Riding Hood
faced’’ she wrote in chapter 2.
The book highlights her career challenges as a Senior Manager

in a male dominated Rumisha Motilal Taking a moment to
industry. ‘’There was a reflect and look to the
company I previously future, Mo�lal’s ideal
worked for where I was future for women in
regarded as a female the mining sector
experiment, since I was includes a balanced
the first woman of industry, where mining
colour on the organisa�ons have
management team. successfully achieved
Not only that, but I was gender parity. She
told that If I wanted to would also like to see
be taken seriously, I women take strides to
should not dress like a develop themselves
poppie’’ She said in an and occupy leadership
interview with us. She roles.
tells WIM that the
inspira�on behind the Rumisha’s accolades
book came from her include being voted
personal encounters one of the Top 100
with junior staff in that global Inspira�onal
organisa�on, who Women in Mining by
faced similar challenges WIMSA UK in 2020 and
regarding gender she was also a finalist
discrimina�on in the of 2019 Women in
workplace. ‘’ They Engineering Women of
encouraged me to not Stature.
resign.

This was a�er I resigned four �mes. It was in that Amongst her many accolades, she is also a wife and a
moment when I realised I am not alone in this.’’ She mother of three. When asked how she manages to
began documen�ng her experiences in an effort to maintain a healthy work-life balance, she described
create a self-help book for other women, one she ‘’Work-life balance’’ as a myth. She strongly believes that
wished she had when she was naviga�ng through her it is priori�sing what you can, and from there a balance
career. can be established.

“Her go to mantra which she recites every day,“
some�mes on a trampoline with her children is IF
ITS TO BE, ITS UP TO ME!

Women at Work is currently number 15 Globally
on Amazon’s New Releases.

40 Women in Mining Magazine • August 2021

WOMEN IN MINING | INSPIRATION www.awomeninmining.com

Zaheera Soomar

Four ways in which successful women can have it all without doing it
all.

MBA alumna Zaheera Soomar believes that women can have it all – a
successful professional life and a happy family – but it takes plenty of
organisa�onal thinking, managerial exper�se and making �me to
watch the odd reality cooking TV show, of course.

Zaheera Soomar has always stood out. In the male-
dominated world of mining, oil and gas, and consul�ng,
where women (and especially a woman of colour wearing
a hijab) are not common, she has been con�nually
mo�vated to achieve great things.

Not yet 40 and with three children, she has several
academic qualifica�ons and published ar�cles under her
belt, she's worked in over 25 different countries – some in
execu�ve posi�ons – and has launched her own
consultancy firm. She is currently the Global Head of
Educa�on: Socio-Economic Development at Anglo
American, overseeing projects in 10 countries.

"You can have it all, but it does
not mean you have to do it all,"
says Zaheera when asked how she
manages everything. She has four

pointers for other women:

Define what success is to you Be clear on what you want to achieve
Zaheera believes that every woman should professionally
decide for herself what success means to her. Zaheera credits her �me as an MBA student at
This means se�ng goals for yourself and not the UCT GSB with giving direc�on to her career.
allowing yourself to be measured according to It was during this �me that she realised that she
other people's expecta�ons. "Don't shy away did not only want to be good at her job but
from asking for help or le�ng others do the wanted to make more of a posi�ve impact. "I
non-essen�al tasks like cooking and cleaning," didn't only want to focus on helping corporates
she advises. As the main breadwinner in her improve on their bo�om line, I wanted to make
family, she is well aware of the guilt that many a difference." This led her to look for roles with
women feel when they have to assign some of more social development and sustainability
care-giving responsibili�es to other people. emphasis, giving her deeper professional
This is why she consciously makes �me for her sa�sfac�on as well.
children every day.
The programme also helped her to grow
"Helping my kids shape up to be good, personally as well as to develop a network of
respec�ul adults is up there on my priority list. contacts she depends upon to this day. "When I
I definitely aim for quality over quan�ty," says began the MBA, I was at the start of my
Zaheera. "One of the things I ask my kids is leadership journey, figuring out what it means
what they would like me to focus my �me on to be a female leader, a woman of colour in a
when I am with them. They get to decide and very male dominated environment."
this makes the �me more valuable to them as
well."

41 Women in Mining Magazine • August 2021

WOMEN IN MINING | INSPIRATION www.awomeninmining.com

Be an authen�c leader and encourage other women to Zaheera Soomar
rise. Like many working women, Zaheera has stories of
being mistaken for a tea lady, having to endure verbal and
some�mes more overt acts of discrimina�on and sexual
harassment. But she has not allowed anyone to push her
around or make her sit at the back of the boardroom, even
when she was the only woman around the boardroom
table. "I speak my truth and I will call them out. This is why
I am personally commi�ed to helping women thrive in the
workplace and in their careers. Despite the number of
things going on in my life, I dedicate a por�on of it to
mentoring women, helping them develop skills and
assis�ng them to overcome challenges and ul�mately
reach their goals."

Find your balance
Zaheera is a devout Muslim, devo�ng �me every day to
prayer, reflec�on and reading the Qur'an. "It keeps me
grounded and focused." The reflec�on and medita�on
part of her religious prac�ce influences her values and
ethical approach to life as well, giving her busy life balance
and meaning. She acknowledges that without it she finds
it difficult to fall asleep at night.

Not that there is much �me for sleep! She sleeps only four
to five hours a night as it is, occasionally making �me for
mindless reality TV shows to help her unwind. Her life is
full, especially now that she has started a PhD in Business
Administra�on focusing on responsible business
management. "It is about defining what the most
important and essen�al things are in your life and ge�ng
those done as well as possible. It does not always look
pre�y, but it does get done!"

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42

www.awomeninmining.com WOMEN IN MINING | INSPIRATION

Dineo Phaladi
Operational Manager

Anglo American

Dineo is a young Women in Mining. She is a I must admit, a�er my first underground exposure,
daughter, a sister, a wife, and a manager at a I wanted to be in Mining Technical Services. But I
mul�billion dollar organisa�on. I regard myself as a thought, who will run the mines if I, as a qualified
feminist ad passionate about the growth of women mining engineer hides at Mining Technical
in the industry. Services? I saw us, as graduates, preferring the less
intense jobs because it is easier and less stressful.
Its been an unfortunate reality that women have But no one has ever been great by being average,
been disadvantaged in many economic areas from the path less followed. When I entered this role, I
technical skills to leadership roles. knew that I must make it for the whole female
“race”. I didn’t want to be an example of how
What made you change the narra�ve by being in women don’t make it in mining leadership roles, I
leadership par�cularly in this field of choice? wanted to be an example of why women SHOULD
be in leadership roles in mining. I thought its �me
for an overhaul, for mining to take a new turn, to be
run by young graduates.

45 Women in Mining Magazine • August 2021

www.awomeninmining.com WOMEN IN MINING | INSPIRATION

Challenges encountered in your career journey? General misconcep�ons on women leadership

I think stereotyping must be the greatest challenge My least favourite one, is the so called “Queen Bee
that I faced in my career. Entering this industry, syndrome”, that women in leadership roles deprive
there is the old guard, which is very protec�ve of other women opportuni�es. It could be that
“how things are done around here”. I watch as how perhaps I haven’t experienced it, but I think women
my male counterparts get away with certain actually do li� up other women. In my workplace, I
behaviours, while I, on the other hand, would never am supported by fellow women.
be forgiven for them. However, I am luckily that the
company culture has been very deliberate and Daily responsibili�es and how have they shaped
unapologe�c about their black female strategy. and moulded you to be the women you are today?
They have created an ecosystem that enables black
females in leadership to thrive. The number one responsibility is safety above all,
then delivering on the strategic ambi�ons of the
Any other work challenge, I always make sure I mine. Ge�ng a balance between safety, opera�ons
show up, not only for myself, but for the female and strategy have unlocked drive, strengths, and
“race”. I take no mee�ng to chance, every perseverance that I didn’t know I had. My job
opportunity I get to impress, I do so. I have learnt makes me nervous and excited at the same �me,
that people remember your work long a�er you are which is m favourite feeling because they’re usually
gone. Whatever you do, there will be conversa�ons followed by a feeling of euphoria. I can’t wait to
in your absence. You cannot control the wake up everyday to see some of the work my
conversa�ons, but you can drive them to be only teams and I do come into frui�on. It has boosted
posi�ve. I always say, “Only good PR about me”. SO my confidence, that I can do whatever I set my
I ac�vely manage myself and how I show up at mind towards.
work.
Any extramural ac�vi�es outside your work?
The number of women working in the mining /
energy sector is increasing significantly, do you Yes, I do! I play tennis with my husband on
think governments are adhering to the call for weekends. I also cycle, I enjoy watching F1 and
women empowerment and transforma�on by once in a long while, go on hikes with my friends. I
crea�ng more opportuni�es for them? or it was also enjoy reading and have a reading club. Lastly, I
the combina�on of women's persistence towards am also trying to stay in academia by wri�ng
change. opinion pieces.

I think it was due to ar�cles like this that elevate the How has covid-19 affected you & your work?
voices of women. These ar�cles give us a pla�orm Any advice for women in these field.
to celebrate female milestones, to inspire and be
inspired. We should never underes�mate them. My work was not greatly affected, I worked from
Government has done its part, however, I found home for a li�le while then went back full �me.
that the more women speak, there more someone My advice to women, show up as the best of
listens. We start dying the day are silent about version yourself. You are competent and capable.
issues that ma�er. Its almost like the companies are The world has been wai�ng for your leadership.:
now compe�ng for female PR, which is good for us. “Phakamani bafazi, ixesha lifikile!”
I think also, most women in leadership roles have
showed up, they have proven themselves as equal
players and thus removed the percep�ons that
women can’t lead.

44 Women in Mining Magazine • August 2021

WOMEN IN MINING | INSPIRATION www.awomeninmining.com

Bukiwe is a qualified
Geologist and holds an
MBA from Imperial
College London. She
joined Nedbank CIB in
2012 a�er 13 years in the
mining industry. She
joined Nedbank as a
Principal in Technical
Prac�ces, suppor�ng the
Mining and Resources
team in reviewing
technical aspects of
financings. Currently, her
role entails structuring
and implementa�ons of
transac�ons.

Bukiwe Pantshi – Principal:
Resource Finance,
Nedbank Corporate and Investment Banking.

Igrew up in Cala and moved to In my current role I enjoy being Challenges in your career
Johannesburg to study at Wits part of providing financial solu�ons journey?
University. As an Anglo to people and companies wan�ng

American bursar, a�er gradua�ng to grow in the mining sector. The main challenge is a struggle to
from Wits University I started my
be heard, to be treated as an equal
career as a geologist in what used
Changing the narrative to male counterparts be it in how
to be called Kleinkopje Colliery.
people engage with you or in
Before joining Nedbank I spent 13
Back then, when I was making a remunera�on. Women are always
years in the mining industry in decision about a career path, there expected to step up the

various roles spanning from a was a drive to increase numbers of asser�veness in order to be

Project Geologist at Randgold black bursars into careers in mining no�ced and recognised.

Resources, a role as a

Geosta�s�cian at Impala Pla�num and that is how I ended up in

in Rustenburg, Chief Geologist at mining. I was impressed by mining Women’s presents increasing?

Sentula Mining establishing the companies’ commitment to this
company’s footprint in the SADC ini�a�ve. To me that was an I believe mining companies are
region. In 2012, I joined Nedbank’s indica�on that there is effort to stepping up in ensuring inclusion of
Mining Finance team in a Technical include the disadvantaged women in their structures and
Specialist role and developed to a popula�on that were previously availing sponsorship opportuni�es
Principal Transactor, whose role is excluded or not well represented that clearly target more women.
to originate, structure and execute at professional levels in the mining Transforma�on targets set by the
government should be used as a
finance solu�ons for mining industry.
guideline
companies.

45 Women in Mining Magazine • August 2021

www.awomeninmining.com WOMEN IN MINING | INSPIRATION

and it is the responsibility of Daily responsibilities? Advice for women?
mining companies to do their Find a mentor earlier on, as early
utmost best, be�er than the My role entails communica�ng as high school. If you are privileged
government guidelines, to correct to be in urban or rural areas that
gender and racial employment with clients on their funding needs have mentorship structures, the
dispari�es. moment you get an idea of a career
and managing exis�ng that interests you, look for groups
We should not forget the value that offer mentorship or career
added by universi�es that produce transac�ons. As a mining specialist, guidance. With the right support
geologists, engineers and all other and guidance, you will develop
skill sets required in the mining keeping up with my client’s informed expecta�ons of your
industry. Our universi�es are doing career journey and will manage
a good job in ensuring the country opera�onal performance, challenges be�er.
has qualified technical people. The
next step to address the shortage commodity markets is key as Bukiwe Pantshi – Principal:
of skills that is much talked about is Resource Finance,
by ensuring universi�es produce servicing of debt facili�es solely Nedbank Corporate and
graduates that are fit for purpose, Investment Banking
and not produce unemployable depends on these two elements. I
graduates. There must be
collabora�on between the am always on the lookout for
mining/energy sector and ter�ary
ins�tu�ons. funding opportuni�es as part of my

The investment banking sector is role as an originator. Stakeholder
also absorbing a lot of technical
skills for their specialised financing rela�onship management is also a
streams such as mining, energy,
and infrastructure. This should be key part of my role as we work with
encouraged and supported with
the relevant skills base from other banks, legal counsels, and
ter�ary ins�tu�ons as the SADC
region requires bankers with a technical consultants in our
technical know-how.
transac�ons.

Through this role, I have developed
to be a good communicator and
listener, which is key to building
rela�onships, be it for business or
personal purposes.

Women leadership Positive achievements?

Anecdotally, many women are Throughout my career, I have been
passed for senior leadership roles part of high performing teams. In a
mainly due to family compe��ve mining finance world,
responsibili�es that come with winning a mandate and execu�ng
raising children. it successfully is always an
achievement.In 2008, my Master’s
thesis was published in the South
African Journal of Geology, outside
work that was my personal best.
Recently at Nedbank, I was
awarded a Top Achiever award for
the Investment Banking Division.

Women are availing themselves for Impact of current pandemic?
opportuni�es that challenge and
prepare them for senior roles. They Now that I work from home, the
are qualified, have fi�ng importance of communica�on
leadership styles and with the right cannot be overemphasized. Our
support structure at work and roles require team or collabora�on
home, can be impac�ul leaders. structures and crea�ng a home
working space that allows
Some of the ini�a�ves that can be seamless communica�on channels
has made the change of work site
undertaken to achieve this is easier. With respect to family and
personal space, at the beginning of
through purpose-driven lockdown in 2020, my hours were
unbalanced in favour of work. Over
recruitment and management �me I have improved in strictly
dedica�ng working hours to work
development programmes and at some point focussing on my
home life.
targe�ng young women and role

modelling and mentoring by

women like myself in the sector.

Women in Mining Magazine • August 2021 46

WOMEN IN MINING | INSPIRATIONAL www.awomeninmining.com

Women taking the lead

Ijoined SRK Consul�ng’s water Franciska Lake, Partner What challenges have you
team in 2001, a�er obtaining a and Principal Environmental encountered in your career
BSc Honours degree in Zoology Scientist, SRK Consulting journey and how did you
with a focus on water quality. overcome them?
Most of my work at SRK, has been With this kind of support,
in the mining sector, an industry I from both colleagues and To be honest, most of the
was familiar with as I had clients, I was also able to challenges I have experienced in
exposure to the industry through feel more confident, and to my career have not really been
my family. related to gender. They are
support other young challenges that both women and
It was not necessarily the mining professional women who men face in finding their feet in
related work that a�racted me to were joining the company. industry. For instance, learning is
SRK; I was mostly interested in the an ongoing process for any
water and environmental work as I SRK is an important professional but early in a career
considered SRK to be a pioneer in stakeholder in the mining most people feel some level of
that field. It was an interes�ng doubt about their ability to meet
�me to join this field, as South sector, and it has been work expecta�ons. This is why a
Africa was developing new encouraging to see how suppor�ve workplace is so vital for
environmental laws. It has only many women are attracted to everyone’s growth; a mentor is
become more exci�ng, evolving our business and who really your most important asset,
into the environmental, social and successfully build their alongside your willingness to learn
governance (ESG) field that is so something new every day.
cri�cal to business and careers here.
sustainability today. It is also crucial to be open to this
support, and to appreciate the
As you know, it has been an input and feedback that managers
unfortunate reality that women and colleagues are prepared to
have been disadvantaged in give you. No-one is expected to
many economic areas from know everything all the �me; it is
technical skills to leadership roles. more valuable to be curious in
What made you change the your approach rather than
narra�ve by being in the mining defensive about your knowledge.
sector?
The number of women working in
Joining SRK at the beginning of my the mining / energy sector is
career was a very fortunate step increasing significantly, do you
for me, as I have been able to think government is adhering to
contribute to the mining industry the call for women empowerment
while receiving support from my and transforma�on by crea�ng
colleagues and the business more opportuni�es for women
generally. I have always priori�sed
developing my technical skills, as It is difficult to comment on what
these are the founda�on of what government is achieving, but I do
you can achieve in your everyday know that companies like SRK are
work. It is always challenging to showing what can be achieved in
ini�ally apply your university the private sector when
educa�on to the workplace, but I opportuni�es are equally
had access to remarkable people available. We are seeing rising
who helped guide me as I numbers of women among our
developed my prac�cal skills. professional and leadership staff,
adding significant value while
transforming our gender profile.

47 Women in Mining Magazine • August 2021

www.awomeninmining.com WOMEN IN MINING | INSPIRATION

The key to transforma�on is to What are your daily It has been very important to have
empower girls at an early age with responsibili�es and how do you the space to be a mother, where I
quality educa�on and the think they have shaped and could spend �me with my family
knowledge of their poten�al. moulded you to be the women while not losing touch with my
you are today? career. Especially when my
The number of women in children were very young, I knew I
leadership posi�ons is s�ll Consul�ng work is really about wanted to spend as much �me
significantly low compared to finding and implemen�ng with them as possible – and to
that of men. What are some of solu�ons for a variety of balance the demands of family
the misconcep�ons people have stakeholders, and this is what and work.
on women leadership and in makes me passionate about
business? environmental management. This How has covid-19 affected your
work involves a variety of ac�vi�es work and yourself?
Fortunately, I have not felt barriers such as technical studies and
to advancement during my career; reviews, but I par�cularly enjoy SRK has managed a fairly smooth
rather, I was more concerned interac�ng with clients to transi�on to online working, as we
about feeling confident in my own understand their businesses and were already doing this to some
ability before I assumed the added the challenges they are trying to extent before the outbreak of the
responsibili�es of leadership. solve. Covid-19 pandemic. Like everyone,
Every career should be driven by we’ve realised that there are many
personal choice and preference; Most of our work is heavily driven things that don’t need to be done
for instance, I tend to priori�se the by deadlines, so being organised is face-to-face. In a strange way, the
impact that my work can have on a vital part of making every minute online interac�on has for me
the environment, communi�es count. Using our �me in the most created opportuni�es to get to
and client’s success. I also wanted valuable way also includes know some people even be�er –
a family, and so this came before suppor�ng colleagues in the team, outside of the distrac�ons and
taking on any senior leadership especially younger staff with less larger groups that o�en exist at
roles. SRK recognises the need for experience. work.
work-life balance, and encourages
women to stay close to their What are some of your posi�ve Certainly, online working has
professions when raising a family. achievements since the start of allowed me to be more produc�ve
This allowed me to work part-�me your career? in many ways, as I spend less �me
and to return to full-�me work travelling to see clients on site.
later. I am very glad to have found a The danger, of course, is not
career direc�on that is so fulfilling; knowing when to stop working –
SRK invited me to become a there has never been a day that I which can be a real risk and needs
partner in the business about four did not look forward to my work. to be carefully managed. The big
years ago, which is rewarding and This enthusiasm is built on being down-side to online working is
no doubt sends a posi�ve signal to passionate about environmental missing out on the personal
younger women – indica�ng the and social issues, but has been interac�on, which I do enjoy and
opportuni�es that exist for nurtured constantly by the have missed during the pandemic.
everyone. However, my real construc�ve support and guidance
mo�va�on comes from the work I from managers and colleagues. There have been certain aspects of
do and the feedback I receive from The depth of experience among our work – such as engagement
clients and colleagues when a job the professionals at SRK – and with interested and affected
is well done. their willingness to share their par�es to a mining project –
knowledge – gave me a great where we have had to make
insight into my field of work, innova�ve changes.
including the future opportuni�es
that we were working to achieve.

48 Women in Mining Magazine • August 2021

WOMEN IN MINING | INSPIRATION www.awomeninmining.com

No longer able to meet in large Any advice to young women Advancement or promo�on into
numbers, we have had to seeking to pursue their leadership roles are posi�ve
arrange online mee�ngs that can career in these male steps, but you don’t always need
accommodate the numbers we dominant sectors? to make them your focus. They
are required to deal with. Cross- can come in �me as part of your
border travel restric�ons have Make sure that you choose a natural process of growth. I
also meant that our interna�onal field that you really enjoy, so that personally have great admira�on
work needs to be conducted in you can focus on what you do for women in leadership, but not
innova�ve ways. and gain fulfilment from that. everyone aspires to those roles.
Make every day count, and grasp It is more important to stay true
Luckily, I am the kind of person the opportuni�es that are to yourself and your own goals –
who is always up for a challenge, offered – especially when they which are guided by what makes
and have approached the new give you a chance to learn more. your life feel meaningful.
working environment in this way.
What is important is for us to
make sure that the way we work
can be con�nued sustainably into
the future.

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49 Women in Mining Magazine • August 2021

WOMEN IN MINING | INSPIRATIONAL www.awomeninmining.com

Yushanta Rungasammy 50

Director CMS, South Africa

Women in Mining Magazine • August 2021