Edited by Sharyn Macnamara
Leading up to the Pinpoint Stewards’ annual Women & Leadership in Mining Conference on 28 and 29 August in Sandton, high-achieving women in mining share their leadership advice with women currently in mining and those considering a career in mining.
Cynthia Muvhango, mine engineer at Foskor. Supplied by Pinpoint Stewards
“With perseverance these women have stayed the course in mining, despite the challenges faced as a minority group in the sector. They are able to look back and be proud of what they have achieved not only for themselves but those they lead or inspire,” says Ankia Roux, co-owner of Pinpoint Stewards, together with Sudhira Sewsunker.
Four of the 11 speakers due to present at the conference shared their insights and leadership tips with African Mining, incorporating Mining Mirror.
Show humility and compassion
Cynthia Muvhango, mine engineer at Foskor says, “I have always been passionate about earth science in general, so when it came time to select a course to study at university the answer seemed logical to me. I studied towards a Geology degree which could have led me to a career in academia, but I was blessed with an opportunity to get a bursary and work exposure in a mine.”
She adds that the constant variation that comes with mining operations and the ability to continuously learn with each new challenge, is what she enjoys most about her current position.
For Muvhango, leading with humility and compassion is most important in her role – this would be her leadership advice for anybody in a position of power.
When asked what she would like to see change in the industry, her response was, “Silo-thinking mentality and gate keeping within the industry. Allow people who are interested and have the aptitude to mine, to do so and learn as much as they possibly can without stereotypical thoughts driving the narrative.”
Dr Adwoa Boaduo Issaka, unit manager Safety at Goldfields. Supplied by Pinpoint Stewards
Ensure a stable succession plan
Dr Adwoa Boaduo Issaka, unit manager Safety at Goldfields, advises, “Ensure that your team is so capable and confident that you are no longer needed.”
Issaka says that she chose a career in mining because she wanted to contribute to making a positive difference in the lives of people. She explains, “I am passionate about the significant impact that mining can have on communities, and I wanted to be part of that positive change.” She notes that contributing towards safe mining at a mine that has such a positive economic impact on the lives of so many people is incredibly rewarding. On the technical side she enjoys the “deep end nature” of her work, “It is very challenging and brings new and abundant learnings every day.”
“To me, leadership is like captaining a vessel, such as a ship. It should be selfless and focused on making both the initiative and the people involved in it thrive. I always say that with or without the leader, the ship must sail. In fact, it should sail even better without its leader.” Her leadership tip to aspiring mining trailblazers is, “As a leader, you should ensure that your team is so capable and confident, that you are no longer needed.”
Issaka would like to see the South African mining sector become more technologically advanced, focusing on working smarter rather than harder. “By integrating AI and machine learning, we can leverage our workforce’s skills more effectively, moving people from the workface to control rooms where they can strategise and innovate, while letting machines handle the physical work. I believe that this shift will make mines safer, improve efficiency, and create a more skilled and gender-diverse workforce. Additionally, it could unlock mineral resources that are currently too difficult, dangerous, or uneconomic to mine.”
Hendrietta Sarile, environmental coordinator: Systems and Compliance Exploration at Ivanplats. Supplied by Pinpoint Stewards
Lead with purpose, leaving no one behind
Hendrietta Sarile, environmental coordinator: Systems and Compliance Exploration at Ivanplats chose to work in mining as she was born in a mining town and grew up understanding its vital role in the lives of all. “Mining is one industry in need of the most transformation, and I want to be part of that transition. I thrive in this challenging environment and absolutely believe that when done right, mining has the potential to change the world for the better.”
Her leadership tip is to lead with a purpose. She explains, “As Toni Morrison wisely said, ‘Make a difference about something other than yourselves’. When we lead with purpose, we commit to leaving no one behind, ensuring that every voice is heard and valued.”
She adds, “Every day, I have the opportunity to influence others to do the right thing for our planet and future generations. As a geologist, my love and concern for the well-being of the planet and the people who inherit the planet led me to where I am now – the environmental leadership space. My transition was fuelled by my profound connection to both humanity and the natural world – a desire to bridge the gap between process and preservation.”
She concurs with Issaka, adding that it is her hope to see future systems adoption revolutionising mining processes, enabling hybrid work arrangements, flexibility and more family-friendly rosters, making mining adaptable and less old-school. “As a woman in mining, I advocate for a culture of sisterhood – I would like to see more solidarity among women in the mining industry, acknowledging that we are a minority here.”
Nomvula Ngcobo, engineering manager: Asset & Maintenance Management at Harmony Gold. Supplied by Pinpoint Stewards
Lead oneself before leading others
Nomvula Ngcobo, engineering manager: Asset & Maintenance Management at Harmony Gold, says she chose a career in mining because she enjoyed mathematics and science at school. “I believed that I would excel and enjoy working in a technical and innovative environment.” The dynamic nature of mining is what she enjoys most in her career choice – “It is not routine and boring. There are numerous opportunities to be creative.” Afterall, it involves working with people.
Ngcobo, too, would like to see the mining sector undergo transformation by changing the environment to require less hard labour through the implementation of advanced technology. “Achieving this transformation will make the mining industry attractive and easy for women to thrive.”
She concludes that leadership starts with leading oneself, before leading others.
Source: Supplied by Pinpoint Stewards
Other speakers at the conference include:
Meet these women and your peers at one of the biggest gathering of women in industry and share experiences and discuss strategies to ensure more women are included within the sector. Contact the organisers on info@pinpointstewards.co.za. Register online before 1 August for reserved seating and women’s month welcome gift for you and your team. For more information go to www.pinpointstewards.co.za |