Year on year Pinpoint Stewards profiles women in SA mining from junior- middle- to executive positions. This is imperative to demonstrate that while in the past, women were mainly appointed in administrative roles this is slowly changing but, more can be done to include women in c-suites positions and more diverse roles moving forward in changing current statistics.
Ankia Roux, co-owner, Pinpoint Stewards says: “The diversity of women in mining can be seen in the line-up of selected speakers and this is encouraging. At past conferences, women voiced that they are eager to step into leadership positions but sometimes lack confidence or sound mentorship opportunities. The conference has seen women walk away committed to overcome their individual challenges, whether it’s a skills gaps or just a mind-shift. More women are taking control of their careers, by confronting whatever is holding them back in reaching that next level.”
She added: “Although the conference is called Women and Leadership in Mining, male leadership is welcome. Top male leaders have been invited over the years and this year we will have our first male industry speakers, Dr Bogosi Moagi, Executive Group Health Services, IMPLATS.”
The influential line-up of speakers include:
Nakedi Leah Memela, Principal Engineer: Asset Management, Seriti, will present on managing assets, time and your career while influencing positive change in the place of work. She holds an Honours BSc in Electrical Engineering with University of the Witwatersrand, Electrical Government Certificate of Competency for Mines and Works Completed Management Excellence and a General Management Programme with Gordon Institute of Business Sciences.
Lufuno Mbedzi, Project Manager, Valterra Platinum Mine will pinpoint, where to start in entering the mineral value chain. Sharing tips on quipping women with bankable business plans, access to funding, clear market entry options and information to business skills. Lufuno believes in changing consistently to remain relevant in a dynamic environment.
Bontle Mtshengu, GM Mining Aftermarket Support, Cummins South Africa will tackle, transforming the culture of women and men in coexisting and embracing change.
Bontle is a Mechanical Engineer by profession and senior leader with over 23 years in mining. She holds a Government Certificate of Competency (GCC) mines and currently pursuing a MBA.
Marcia Mashigwane, Mine Geologist – Magnetite Projects, Foskor will spotlight, how to help other women rise – regardless of their background. Marcia’s accolades included: leading two geological audits, ensuring compliance and improving data integrity for better decision-making.
Developed a geological project enhancing mine planning through improved data accuracy and efficiency. Advocated for extended maternity leave (3 to 4 months), resulting in a more inclusive workplace.
Maleka Mohulatsi, Senior Project Manager, Wood, will be addressing, mapping your career path. Maleka’s accomplishments include delivered complex conceptual, pre-feasibility, and feasibility studies across diamond and platinum sectors, with capital values ranging from hundreds of millions to several billion Rands.
Appointed as the first female Section Engineer at a major ore processing plant, where she led multidisciplinary teams, and successfully executed the operation’s first 24-hour annual plant shutdown. SME Development for the inclusion and development of small to medium-sized enterprises on various projects, contributing to the advancement of local procurement objectives.
Other notable speakers include: Nosipho Damasane, Chair, RBCT, Dr Urishanie Govender, Chief Sustainability Officer, HARMONY GOLD MINING COMPANY LTD; Babsie Crane, VP: Chrome and Base Metals, SIBANYE STILLWATER; Nkanyezi Luthuli; Group Procurement Team Lead, GLENCORE OPERATIONS SA, Ferroalloys Division; Kutlwano Takadi, Head: Transformation, Regulatory & WIM KUMBA IRON ORE; Dr Gustav Gous, Certified Speaking Professional & Leadership Coach, Dr Annamare Wolmarans, Founder, ATLEGA INSTITUTE, and Mark Grobbelaar, Founder, INpowered.
To be part of the solution, (in closing the gap), Pinpoint Stewards each year invites 10 post-graduate students to attend the conference to find a mentor, job shadowing opportunity, or career in mining. With support from Women Empowerment Partners such as WOOD, more women are included and the organisers are also able to donate a percentage of profits to one of their beneficiaries – view online at www.pinpointstewards.co.za
How to participate: Registrations are open! Contact info@pinpointstwards.co.za or register online www.pinpointstewards.co.za
