Precious Ramushu is a Blasting Technician at Leeuwpan Mine. 

She started her career as a graduate intern, where she gained hands on experience in mining and blasting operations. She holds a BTech in Mining Engineering from the University of Johannesburg.

“My journey has been both rewarding and challenging as a woman in mining,” she reflects. “It has been about learning, acquiring new skills and overcoming stereotypes while constantly proving my capabilities in an industry where women remain underrepresented in technical roles.” Despite these obstacles, she has firmly established herself as a competent mining professional. Over the years, she has had the privilege of working with leaders who actively support and empower women, reinforcing her belief in mentorship and inclusivity. 

“Mining can be a tough environment, but I believe through mentorship and advocating for more women development opportunities we can all thrive,” she says. By breaking barriers and supporting others, she hopes to contribute to a more inclusive and diverse mining sector where women are empowered to take on key roles and drive meaningful change.

Born and raised in Delmas, Thokozile Mahlangu is a mother and dedicated mining professional, who has carved her path in the industry with determination and unwavering commitment. Her current role is Dispatch Mining Scheduler at Leeuwpan Mine. With a keen interest in business and finance, she armed herself with various qualifications from Boston Business College such as Financial Management, Procurement and Supply Chain Management and Business Management.

For young women aspiring to enter the mining sector, Mahlangu offers a simple yet powerful message: “Study hard, love and respect yourself, and follow your dreams.” Her journey exemplifies the rewards of perseverance and an unwavering commitment to growth.

As we celebrate the contributions of women in mining, Mahlangu stands as an inspiration, a woman who has embraced every challenge, turned opportunities into stepping stones, and continues to pave the way for future generations in the industry.

Gertrude Mahlanya is a Grade Control Observer at Matla Mine. She has always had a strong interest in engineering and science. This saw her study towards a BTech in Geology through the Tshwane University of Technology. 

She is deeply passionate about geology and her aspirations extend beyond her current position. She sees herself rising through the ranks and progressing to senior roles where she will grow to lead teams and contribute to the development of geological projects. To ensure that she remains on par with industry trends, she is currently pursuing a Postgraduate Diploma in Geology.

“Women in the mining [industry] must develop a strong sense of resilience and adaptability, which will enable them to thrive in challenging situations in this industry”.

Nomasonto Kanye is an Electrician at Matla Mine. She was born in eMbalenhle in Mpumalanga, where she attended her primary and secondary schooling before going to Gert Sibande College to study Electrical Engineering. In 2015 she applied for a learnership opportunity at Exxaro. 

Kanye qualified as an artisan in 2019 and has since become an invaluable member of her team. “I must say being part of Exxaro is the best thing that could have happened to my career. The professional growth has been amazing, and I’ve learnt that your future is in your own hands. If you want to improve, you must be willing to knock on various doors as the information won’t always come to you. You need to be proactive and go for what you want”.

Khanyisa Shivambu is a passionate and ambitious Junior Mine Surveyor at Belfast Coal.  She has a strong background in mine surveying, project management and geospatial analysis. She holds a National Diploma in Mine Surveying and a BTech in Mineral Resource Management from the University of Johannesburg.

“Being a woman in mining has its own challenges, but it’s also critical to see how one can turn those into opportunities. I chose to learn various lessons from every aspect of the journey. I take pride in breaking barriers and proving that women can excel in technical roles. I am driven by a commitment to innovation and efficiency improvements in the industry”.

Bontle Maaga is a Mining Engineer at Belfast Mine. She is a dedicated and highly skilled mining professional with expertise spanning across various facets of mining, including project management, mine planning and operations optimisation. She holds a BEng in Mining Engineering from the University of Pretoria.

Her journey started through the Professional in Training Programme (PIT). It provided her with hands on mining experience and allowed her to obtain the Underground Blasting Ticket and Mine Manager’s Certificate of Competency, solidifying her standing as a well-rounded professional in mining engineering.

Bontle’s experience has given her a unique perspective on the importance of gender diversity in mining, and she is passionate about inspiring and mentoring young women who aspire to join the industry, “I envision myself as a change-maker in the sector, driving both innovation and inclusion,” she reflects.

Mathilda Opperman is a Laboratory Assistant at Grootegeluk Mine. She is originally from Cape Town and is currently in her final year towards a Chemical Engineering qualification at Best Performer College.

Opperman believes that the support structure to fit the needs of females has improved tremendously over time and she is very proud of being a woman in mining. “As we celebrate International Woman’s Day, it is important to remember the women who came before us and broke the barriers that were meant to limit us. As women and future female leaders, my plea is that we keep the momentum. Let us keep pushing to make sure that those to follow us don’t start from ground zero,” she says.

Rebone Mahasha is a PlaterWelder at Grootegeluk Mine. She hails from Polokwane and studied Mechanical Engineering at Lephalale TVET College. 

Her journey with Exxaro started through an apprenticeship programme that was aimed at attracting and capacitating females with a technical aptitude with the necessary skills to thrive in the mining industry. After she completed the programme and qualified as a welder, she was permanently absorbed as an artisan in June 2018.  

“My message to other women out there is to always be willing to learn because nothing is impossible in life. One can accomplish anything they put their minds to and don’t be too hard on yourself. Run your own race, at your own pace, in your own lane and set goals for yourself to accomplish,” she asserts.