“Women and Leadership is one of the key aspects to drive change,” says Ankia Roux, organiser of the Pinpoint Steward’s annual Women & Leadership in Mining conference taking place on 28 & 29 August at the NH Collection, Sandton.
“Without women being represented at all levels of the mine, true change is not possible, but with current opportunities for women, laws, internal guidelines and policy changes, more barriers are being overcome,” she adds.
The theme for this year’s conference is: Safeguarding and encouraging the future progress of women to reach for higher ground.
The impressive line-up of women speaking at this year’s conference is proof that women are, for the first time, moving into positions that were previously not attainable – and they are soaring.
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.
Joining the amazing line-up of speakers is the 1st female mine overseer at Cullinan diamond mine, Ofentse Debete, from Goldfields who will speak on why women deserve the corner office and 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. Nandi 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.
Potential sponsors, exhibitors and partners are encouraged to contact info@pinpointstewards.co.za to register before 1 July for discounted rates.
