The debate about whether women “belong” in mining is something of the past and a renewed drive by women-owned business Pinpoint Stewards to profile leaders who have contributed in shaping the mining sector, is eye-opening. Progress, however demands a collective effort from all stakeholders, especially to maximize local leadership.
The 4th Annual Women and Leadership in Mining conference, taking place on 27 & 28 August 2025, at the Indaba Hotel in Fourways, will address critical topics, strategies and solutions towards women empowerment and gender equality and how mining companies can plan for the next five years, which is also the theme for this year’s conference.
Pinpoint Stewards’ co-owner, Ankia Roux, explains that: “This year’s theme will align with industry research, and the diverse line-up of speakers at this year’s conference proves that South Africa is not lacking in women with a will to lead and that there are still many untapped opportunities. Collaboration is key and as organisers we are deliberate to open communication lines between men, women, government entities and private sector to not only co-exist towards a common goal but expand opportunities.”
The notable speakers who will share their strategies include our first male speaker, Dr Bogosi Moagi, Executive Group Health Services, IMPLATS, who will address the critical topic of Health and Safety by taking a look at eradicating harassment, bullying and victimization in mining.
Nosipho Damasane, Chair, RBCT, the first woman in the world to run a port, will be digging deeper into inclusion: addressing the “Missing Middle” to retain women in mining. She is also the author of five leadership books and delegates will stand a chance to win a copy at the conference.
Babsie Crane, VP: Chrome and Base Metals, SIBANYE STILLWATER, wanted to become an accountant but with her Engineering background she has not looked back a day. Addressing how to build the next generation of mining talent in South Africa with enabling technology and policies will be the focus of her presentation.
Nkanyezi Luthuli, Group Procurement, Team Lead, GLENCORE Operations SA, Ferroalloys Division, will look at opportunities for women in mine procurement. She led digital procurement transformation projects and source to contract at Barloworld Equipment and Glencore. She was also awarded the 2023 Glencore Inspirational and Phenomenal Women Award and 2024 WIM UK’s Top 100 Global Inspirational Women in Mining.
Kutlwano Takadi, Head: Transformation, Regulatory & WIM KUMBA IRON ORE will evaluate the statistics of women at board level in mining and why are we still behind? and focussing her talk on intensifying the uptake of women in mining through regulatory reforms (internal policies and strategies). She played a pivotal role in the launch of maternity PPE, -bags and lactation rooms at Kumba to enhance workplace inclusivity and support for women. Graduated Cum Laude for both her Postgraduate Diploma and MBA.
Dr Urishanie Govender, Chief Sustainability Officer, HARMONY GOLD MINING COMPANY LTD, has a career spanning over 30 years as Director and Senior Executive in varying organisations. She will evaluate the statistics of women at all levels in mining, and the roadmap ahead. She holds a PhD Business Leadership and Master of Chemistry and Master of Business Leadership (MBL – cum laude).
Other notable speakers include: Nakedi Leah Memela, Principal Engineer: Asset Management, SERITI, Bontle Mtshengu, GM Mining Aftermarket Support, CUMMINS SOUTH AFRICA. Lufuno Mbedzi, Project Manager, VALTERRA PLATINUM MINE, Marcia Mashigwane, Mine Geologist – Magnetite Projects, FOSKOR, Maleka Mohulatsi, Senior Project Manager, WOOD, Dr Gustav Gous, Certified Speaking Professional & Leadership Coach, Dr Annamare Wolmarans, Founder, ATLEGA INSTITUTE, Mark Grobbelaar, Founder, INpowered. Find out more about these speakers here.
To be part of the solution in closing the gap, Pinpoint Stewards each year sponsors 10 post-graduate students to attend the conference to find a mentor, job shadowing opportunity or career in mining. Current women empowerment partners include WOOD and IMPLATS and opportunities for industry stakeholders to invest are still available.
Mining companies are encouraged to register before 19 July for huge discounted rates. This is part of their efforts to ensure more women are given the opportunity to attend this year’s conference during Women’s Month.
How to participate
Enquire, become a women empowerment partner or host a table, contact info@pinpointstwards.co.za or register online at https://pinpointstewards.co.za/
