Raising the standard in corporate reporting

Harmony Gold Mining Company Limited’s head of reporting, Michelle Kriel plays a key role in producing high-quality corporate reporting for one of South Africa's leading gold mining companies. A Chartered Accountant (South Africa), she combines technical expertise with a collaborative leadership style to deliver reliable reporting that creates value for stakeholders.

Kriel maintains high standards for quality and delivery while creating opportunities for learning and professional growth. Her leadership is built on accountability, collaboration and developing people to achieve shared goals.

Among her proudest achievements is leading a cross-functional team that produced award-winning reports recognised for excellence in corporate reporting. She attributes this success to teamwork and a shared commitment to excellence.

Her philosophy is to lead with integrity, embrace lifelong learning and leave both people and processes stronger than she found them. This commitment guides her leadership approach.

Outside the workplace, Kriel would most like to meet science communicator Dr Chris Smith, better known as The Naked Scientist, whose ability she admires to make complex subjects accessible.

Her message to women leaders is to remain authentic and let their work speak for itself. She encourages women to be prepared, build credibility through consistent delivery and allow integrity to define success.

Embedding sustainability into mining

Harmony Gold Mining Company Limited (Harmony) senior sustainability manager Keitumetse Padima is helping position sustainability as a strategic driver of business success. She supports Harmony's processing and exploration operations by integrating environmental, social and governance (ESG) principles into business decision-making.

Padima holds an MBA, a Postgraduate Diploma in Business (General Management) from the Gordon Institute of Business Science, an honours degree in Environmental Science from Rhodes University and professional sustainability certifications.

She describes her leadership style as collaborative, purpose-driven and people-centred, combining strategic thinking with empathy to empower teams and deliver sustainable outcomes.

One of her proudest achievements is helping transform sustainability at Harmony from a compliance function into a strategic business enabler.

Inspired by former German Chancellor Angela Merkel, Padima believes sustainable progress comes from balancing environmental responsibility, social impact and business value.

Her advice to women leaders is to lead with confidence, stay true to their values, and never stop learning. Most importantly, to lift others as they rise.

Championing health and wellbeing in mining

Harmony Gold Mining Company Limited Executive: Health and Wellbeing Dr Tumi Legobye is helping redefine the role of health in the mining industry. She leads initiatives that integrate employee health and wellbeing into business strategy and operational performance, supporting Harmony's operations.

A qualified medical doctor with post-graduate qualifications, Legobye believes prioritising employee wellbeing is fundamental to building resilient organisations and sustainable business success.

Her leadership style is rooted in transformational leadership, inspiring people and creating lasting value. She considers her greatest professional achievement to be embedding health and wellbeing into business strategy, rather than treating it as a standalone function.

Legobye's philosophy is to live with integrity, purpose and compassion, believing success is measured not only by personal achievement but by the positive impact made on others.

She would most like to meet Oprah Winfrey, whose leadership and ability to inspire millions she admires.

Her message to women leaders is to lead with courage, integrity, empathy and excellence, creating inclusive workplaces, empowering others and leaving a legacy defined as much by people as by results.

As women in leadership, we have the privilege and responsibility to shape organisations, strengthen our economy, and inspire the next generation. Every challenge we overcome creates opportunities for those who will follow us.

Let us continue to lead with courage, integrity, empathy, and excellence. Leadership is not measured only by the results we achieve, but by the people we empower, the cultures we build, and the legacy we leave behind.

Women who are willing to lead with conviction, collaborate across industries, and champion innovation while remaining committed to inclusion and ethical leadership. When we support one another, celebrate each other’s successes, and open doors for emerging leaders, we create lasting change that extends far beyond our workplaces.

May we never underestimate the impact of our voices, our decisions, and our example. Together, we can build organisations that are more resilient, more compassionate, and more prosperous for all.

Here’s to leading with purpose, lifting others as we rise, and leaving a legacy that inspires generations of South African women to dream boldly and lead confidently.

Building financial resilience for the future

Harmony Gold Mining Company Limited senior treasury manager Mathabo Zandile Makhaya plays a key role in supporting the financial strength of one of South Africa's leading gold mining, processing and exploration companies. Her work helps ensure the effective management of the company's treasury function while contributing to its long-term sustainability and growth.

A Chartered Accountant (South Africa) and Certified Director, Makhaya has built an impressive academic and professional foundation. Her qualifications include a Bachelor of Commerce in Accounting, a Higher Diploma in Accountancy (CTA), a Postgraduate Diploma in General Management and the ACTSA Corporate Treasurer programme.

Makhaya describes her leadership style as transformational and people-centred. She believes in inspiring teams around a shared vision, fostering accountability and empowering individuals to reach their full potential. By developing people and encouraging collaboration, she aims to create high-performing teams that deliver lasting value.

One of her proudest career achievements was being named the overall winner of the SAICA Top 35-under-35 Awards in 2022, recognising her professional excellence and leadership.

Inspired by media entrepreneur Oprah Winfrey, Makhaya is guided by a philosophy of living a life of significance, striving to make a meaningful impact both professionally and personally.

Her message to women leaders is that they have a responsibility to create opportunities for others. By paving the way for more women and fostering environments where they can thrive, she believes today's leaders can help build a stronger, more inclusive future for the mining industry.

Leading with purpose and integrity

Harmony Gold Mining Company Limited executive: group company secretary Shela Mohatla plays a pivotal role in supporting sound corporate governance within one of South Africa's leading gold mining, processing and exploration companies. Her work helps ensure the organisation maintains strong governance practices while supporting effective decision-making at the highest level.

Mohatla brings extensive academic and professional expertise to the role. She holds an MBA, a Postgraduate Diploma in Corporate Law, a Bachelor of Administration in International Relations, is a Fellow of the Chartered Governance Institute of Southern Africa (FCG), a Certified Director, and has completed a Programme in Management Development.

She describes her leadership style as one that empowers people, fosters collaboration and values diverse perspectives. By encouraging teamwork and decisive action, she believes organisations are better equipped to achieve shared goals and deliver sustainable success.

While proud of her professional accomplishments, Mohatla considers her greatest achievement to be her daughter, whom she describes as her "true North".

Rather than aspiring to meet one particular individual, she says she values engaging with people whose experiences and contributions offer fresh perspectives and inspiration.

Guided by the belief that "there are no shortcuts to places worth going", Mohatla approaches leadership with determination, integrity and a commitment to continuous growth.

Her advice to women leaders is to trust their abilities, embrace challenges and seize opportunities, even before they feel completely ready. She believes confidence is built through action, and that stepping beyond one's comfort zone is often the first step towards meaningful leadership.