Xolile Dikobe

Position: Komatsu Mining Technologies senior procurement officer
Main activity of company: Original-equipment manufacturer of underground mining equipment
Date and place of birth: September 25 − Natal Spruit Hospital, Gauteng.
Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in supply chain management
• Post graduate diploma in drafting and interpretation of contracts
• Senior leadership certification 
• Postgraduate qualification in business analytics.
• I am committed to continuous growth and in the future, I intend to pursue a Master’s in business law, with a focus on commercial transactions, company law, commercial contracts and intellectual property. This specialisation will equip me with the advanced legal and commercial expertise needed to drive greater impact within an international organisation, strengthening my ability to support Komatsu’s global supply chain strategic business objectives.

Management style: I am results-driven and focused on delivering tangible value that supports our operational and strategic goals. My leadership style balances high performance expectations with genuine support. By balancing high standards with empathy and support, I aim to cultivate an engaged, resilient procurement function that consistently delivers strategic value to the business. Lastly, I believe that open, candid dialogue is essential to building high-performing teams. I welcome difficult conversations, viewing them not as conflicts, but as pathways to greater transparency, trust and shared understanding. This mindset helps create an environment where issues are addressed constructively and where no obstacles are allowed to persist unspoken.
Personal best achievement: A career highlight has been leading a dynamic procurement team in an international organisation at the forefront of the mining industry globally. I also got an opportunity to spearhead the strategy to implement local procurement in line with the Mining Charter, collaborating with the Komatsu transformation team and our customers. This effort represented a fundamental shift in our procurement model. It required us to critically assess and decentralise our approach, establish a robust database of qualified local suppliers, and identify set-aside commodities for local sourcing across both products and services. This shift not only strengthened compliance and supplier diversity but also positioned me as part of the delegation reporting our progress to customers, showcasing our commitment to creating shared value and driving meaningful change in the supply chain.
Person you would most like to meet: Dr Nombasa Tsengwa, former CEO of Exxaro Resources. As one of the most respected black women leaders in mining, she has demonstrated that it is possible to drive both commercial excellence and meaningful transformation in this industry. Meeting Dr Tsengwa would be an opportunity to learn firsthand about building resilience, championing inclusion, and driving performance in large-scale mining operations. 
Philosophy of life: Where you start should never define where you can go. I believe in leading with purpose, uplifting others as I grow, and staying committed to continuous learning, no matter how far I advance.
Message for other women leaders in the South African business community: Never underestimate the power of your voice and the impact of your example. Lead boldly, lift as you rise, and never let circumstances limit your vision. Together, we are shaping a more inclusive and dynamic future in South Africa.

Naniekie Kekana

Position: I am a millwright at Komatsu Mining Technologies. We manufacture equipment for the underground mining sector.
Main activity of company: My working hours are spent on the manufacturing floor where I am responsible for conducting the required planned maintenance on mechanical and electrical equipment to ensure smooth, efficient operation of the plant and machinery. I also perform fault finding, services and repairs on mechanical and electrical equipment. Doing my tasks safely, is my top priority.
Date and place of birth: December 25, 1988, at Jubile Hospital in Hammanskraal
Education: I received a diploma in electrical engineering from Tshwane South College in 2023.
Management style: Although I do not manage a team, I manage multiple tasks, prioritising them effectively while working within a team environment. 
Personal best achievement: Graduating and obtaining my diploma in electrical engineering.
Person you would most like to meet: Dr Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka. Her leadership reflects the power of purpose, humility and vision – this has aspired me in my own journey.
Philosophy of life: To always be optimistic. Life has no inherent meaning, but we can create joy and meaning anyway.
Message for other women leaders in the South African business community: To all the remarkable women leading across boardrooms, startups, township businesses and in industry, your strength, vision and tenacity are not only shaping businesses but transforming South Africa’s future.

Buyile Bakhangile Mavuso

I was born and raised in a small village called Ebuhleni, in the Kingdom of Eswatini. I’m proudly working for a global mining equipment company called Komatsu, where I serve as a mining specialist.
Education: O Level, certificate in fashion and interior designing, diploma in business communicating, blasting certificate, diploma in safety (COSMOC 1 and 2), Strata control Level 1 and 2 and mine overseer certificate
My responsibilities:

• Assist customers in ensuring optimal productivity and effective use of our underground mining equipment
• Analyse operational performance at section level to identify improvement areas and optimise mining processes
• Coach and mentor shift bosses and miners on underground mining techniques and safety practices
• Communicate critical feedback, operational insights and improvement recommendations to engineers and upper management

Personal best achievement: One of the most defining moments of my life came from an extremely painful and traumatic experience. I am a survivor of rape. From that dark moment, however, came my greatest blessing: my baby. My baby became the reason I found the strength to rebuild my life and also gave me purpose, drive, and a reason to fight for a better future.
Professional achievement: One of my proudest moments was being nominated as both employee of the month and employee of the year within just three months of joining Komatsu. It was a clear acknowledgment of my work ethic, dedication and ability to adapt quickly and make an impact.
Women leaders in the South African coal industry: To the women underground, in the pits, in the boardrooms and at the fringes of a field that was not built with us in mind: you are pioneers. You walk into spaces not always made for you and you do not just show up, you hold your ground.
To every woman in mining who has ever been underestimated, overlooked, or overworked: you belong here. You are more than enough. And your strength is carving tunnels of opportunity for the women who will come after you. Do not just mine the earth. Claim your worth.
Management style: Mining environments are tough, but so am I. I have faced resistance, stereotypes, and had to constantly prove my worth but I turned these obstacles into motivation. I use emotional intelligence, strategic thinking and my technical knowledge to command respect and drive impact. I also prioritise mentorship and advocacy for women coming up behind me.
My management style reflects my values: resilience, integrity, inclusivity, and results. As a woman in mining, I carry the responsibility not only to lead effectively but to pave the way for others. I remain committed to excellence, empowering my team and shaping a safer, stronger, and more diverse mining industry.
The person I would like to meet: I would like to meet Bridgette Radebe, South African Women in Mining Association president, Mmakau Mining founder, chairperson and CEO, and South African Mining Development Association president. One of the first black female mine owners who is active in community-driven mining initiatives.
Philosophy of life: I believe that where you come from does not define where you are going. As a woman in mining, I have learned that strength is not always about muscles or machines, it is about the courage to show up in places where few expect you to be. This industry has taught me that grit, resilience, and purpose can break even the hardest rock. I stand tall not just as a professional, but as a voice for every woman who has ever been told you do not have belong here. Hey, I do belong and so do many others.
Message for other leaders in South African business community: Your presence is power. Your journey is a blueprint. Keep building. Keep rising. Keep leading with courage and purpose. Because, when you lead, you do more than shift coal – you shift culture.

Lerato Mmapula Lefifi

Position: Electrical product engineer
Main activity of company: Manufactures mining, construction, forestry and orginal-equipment manufacturer of underground mining equipment.
Date and place of birth: May 7, 1990. Lefiso, a village on the outskirts of Mpumalanga
Education: Bachelor of Technology in electrical engineering
Management style: Transformational − I inspire and motivate team members to achieve a shared vision through innovation and support.
Personal best achievement: I completed a certificate of compliance on a part time basis. 
Person you would most like to meet: Trevor Noah. He is literally the funniest  comedian.
Philosophy of life: Live in the present moment and cherish every experience.
Message for other women leaders in the South African business community: To my fellow women leaders in the local business community, keep pushing the boundaries, breaking barriers and inspiring others. Your resilience, talent and dedication are paving the way for future generations. Let us continue to support and uplift each other. Together, we can drive meaningful change and shape a better future for the next generation.  

https://www.komatsu.co.za/