Many efforts have been made to increase the number of women in the local mining industry, from laws, proposed white papers and internal policies to name a few.  Although the reported “stretch targets, to double the amount of women in mining by 2025”, might not be attained, many women have reached higher ground and seized opportunities in mining.    

Locally, women owned, conference company, Pinpoint Stewards aims to highlight the recurring challenges faced by women in mining but more importantly focus on their ability to succeed and bring about change at a faster pace.  The annual Women & Leadership in Mining conference will be hosted on 28 & 29 August at the NH Collection, Sandton. 

Organiser, Sudhira Sewsunker says:  “Women across the sector will approach the speaker podium with a conscious drive to impact more women to lead in their respective fields, amid many challenges.”  This positive movement is echoed in the theme for this year’s conference: Safeguarding and encouraging the future progress of women to reach for higher ground. 

Pinpoint Stewards, together with their media partners, have set out to profile women in SA mining and ensure equal reporting of women leading in mining and give a glimpse of how these change-makers are impacting the mining sector.

Speakers at this year’s conference boasts women, who have not only climbed the ladder in mining but have created a vision for other women to follow.  Speaking on the opportunities and challenges in doubling the percentage of women in mining will be Dr Adwoa Boaduo Issaka, Unit Manager Safety at Goldfields.  Dr Issaka achieved a historic milestone as the first female mining engineer in South Africa to earn a Doctorate in the field, breaking barriers as the first black South African woman to do so.

Nozipho Dlamini, Mine Manager, Thungela Resources will be leaning in to overcoming age-old barriers stereotyping, pay gaps, lack of career advancement, adaptation of workplaces, imposter syndrome, etc. She was the 2022 President of South African Colliery Managers Association, an industry association for more than 400 managers in coal mines in the country. The first woman to hold this position in the organization’s history. 

The 1st female mine overseer at Cullinan diamond mine, Ofentse Debete, from Goldfields who will speak on why women deserve the corner office and share her journey to being a successful leader in Mining.     

Not forgetting mental health as a barrier and enabler for women in sustainable mining, will be addressed by Nandi Sibanyoni, Executive Head, SHE, Anglo American- Kumba Iron Ore, she is recognised as a 2023 Safety Hero for women in mining by the Mineral Council of South Africa. 

Three women in mining chairpersons will unite their expertise to give useful and practical insight into the composition of women in mining forums and committees, to achieve change and support women at the mine, during a panel discussion. They include: Hendrietta Sarile, Environmental Coordinator: Systems and Compliance Exploration, Ivanplats, Cynthia Muvhango, Mine Engineer, Foskor PTY Ltd and Mpho Nyarela, WIM Chairperson Limpopo RTF Exco Member, Palabora Mining Company.

Other speakers profiled previously who will also present at this conference include: Nomvula Ngcobo, Engineering Manager – Asset & Maintenance Management, Central – Randfontein, HARMONY GOLD MINING COMPANY LTD, Kristell Holtzhausen, Previous Company Secretary, African Rainbow Minerals LTD, Ferrous Division (Assmang), Mpho Nyarela, WIM Chairperson Limpopo RTF Exco Member, PALABORA MINING COMPANY and Bontle Mtshengu, Founder & Co-Owner , QUANTUM LEAP SMART ENGINEERING,

To show their commitment towards empowering more women, Pinpoint Stewards annually sponsor 20 post-graduate students to attend the two day conference for free, to meet a mentor, job shadowing opportunity or a career in mining.  Pinpoint Stewards will also be donating a percentage of the proceeds to beneficiaries WiMSA and Lighthouse Baby Shelter. 

Sponsors, exhibitors and partners are encouraged to contact info@pinpointstewards.co.za or register online www.pinpointstewards.co.za.   Priority registration discounts will apply for organisations booking before 1 July.

Be part of the annual platform where women meet with one goal in mind, to Develop, Unite and Empower – It’s DUE!

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