Creating value through strategic procurement 

As Komatsu Mining procurement officer, Khanyisa Makhubela plays a vital role in ensuring the business has the goods and services it needs to operate efficiently. Her responsibilities span strategic sourcing, supplier management, contract negotiation, cost optimisation, supply chain efficiency and risk management, while ensuring procurement activities comply with the company's governance, ethical standards and regulatory requirements. Through responsible procurement practices, she helps deliver quality materials and services that support operational excellence.

Born in Malamulele, in Limpopo, Makhubela has built her career on a commitment to continuous learning. She holds a Diploma in Business Management and a qualification in Supply Chain Management, complemented by professional courses in areas such as strategic supplier sourcing, practical purchasing, strategic communication and advanced Excel. She is currently studying towards the CIPS Level 4 Diploma to further strengthen her expertise in procurement and supply chain management.

Makhubela describes her leadership style as collaborative, inclusive and results-oriented. She believes in creating an environment where people feel valued, respected and encouraged to contribute ideas, while promoting clear communication, accountability and continuous development. By building trust and mutual respect, she aims to develop high-performing teams that drive innovation and deliver value to the business.

Among her proudest achievements is the progress she has made within the procurement profession after being given an opportunity by a woman leader who recognised her potential. That experience reinforced her belief in creating opportunities for others and demonstrated the importance of resilience, determination and hard work. She hopes her journey will encourage other women to pursue ambitious goals with confidence.

Guided by a philosophy of leading with integrity, purpose and compassion, Makhubela believes success is most meaningful when it creates opportunities for others. Her message to women leaders is to trust their abilities, embrace continuous learning and never underestimate the value of their voice. She believes that by supporting and mentoring one another, women can help build a stronger, more inclusive mining industry and business community.

Championing a culture of safety in mining

As Komatsu Mining senior environment, health and safety manager, Reneilwe Phasha is committed to creating workplaces where people can perform their jobs safely and confidently. She advises and supports the business in protecting employees, contractors and visitors from harm, while ensuring compliance with occupational health, safety and environmental legislation. Her responsibilities include developing safety policies, conducting risk assessments and fostering a proactive safety culture across the organisation.

Born in Tsimanyane Village in Limpopo's Sekhukhune district, Phasha holds a Bachelor's degree in Environmental Health. Her technical expertise, combined with a strong commitment to continuous professional growth, has enabled her to build a successful career in one of mining's most critical disciplines.

Phasha describes her leadership style as collaborative, supportive and results-driven. She believes effective leadership is built on open communication, clear expectations and empowering team members to take ownership of their work. By promoting accountability, continuous improvement and an inclusive working environment, she strives to create a culture where employees feel respected, motivated and confident to contribute ideas.

Among her proudest achievements is her continued professional development, which she attributes to a strong work ethic and a determination to keep learning. She also values her ability to communicate and collaborate effectively across all levels of the organisation, particularly while working in the mining sector's traditionally male-dominated environment.

Inspired by former US First Lady Michelle Obama, whose advocacy for education, leadership and public service she greatly admires, Phasha believes in living with purpose, integrity and a commitment to lifelong growth. She views every challenge as an opportunity to learn and believes success is built through hard work, discipline and perseverance, while maintaining a healthy balance between family, personal wellbeing and work. Her message to women leaders is to lead with courage, confidence and integrity, while mentoring and uplifting the next generation of women in business.

Driving operational excellence through leadership

Komatsu Mining maintenance planning and administration manager Tarishma Somaru leads the team supporting the company's underground mining operations. Among her many responsibilities, she continuously improves and develops her team to support safe and productive operations.

An Industrial Engineering graduate from UNISA, Somaru has also completed training in leadership, Six Sigma and maintenance planning.

She believes in leading by example, promoting accountability, open communication and continuous improvement while encouraging her team to think independently and solve problems proactively.

Somaru is particularly proud of progressing into a management role at a young age while continuing her studies. Inspired by former PepsiCo CEO Indra Nooyi, she believes success is defined by daily choices and integrity.

Her message to women leaders is to trust their abilities, continue learning and never underestimate the value of their voice.

Building high-performing teams in mining

As PMO manager at Komatsu Mining, Tiffany Lombard leads a team of programme and project managers responsible for delivering machine build and strategic projects across the business. She ensures projects are completed safely, efficiently and on schedule while delivering value to customers.

Lombard holds a Diploma in Project Management, several professional certifications and has completed a Management Development Programme through GIBS and Komatsu. She believes continuous learning is key to effective leadership.

Describing her management style as collaborative, empowering and results-driven, Lombard encourages open communication, teamwork and continuous development. She believes successful projects are achieved through collective effort rather than individual accomplishment.

While proud of leading a high-performing team, Lombard says her greatest achievement is balancing a rewarding career with family life and serving as a role model for her daughters.

Her advice to women leaders is to believe in their abilities, embrace opportunities outside their comfort zones and continue supporting one another to build stronger businesses and communities.

Empowering people through servant leadership

As human resources manager at Komatsu Mining, Sizeni Nkosi partners with business leaders to strengthen employee relations, workforce planning, talent management, organisational effectiveness and employee engagement. Her work focuses on helping both employees and the business achieve sustainable success.

Nkosi holds a Diploma in Human Resources Management, a Certificate in Labour Law, an Advanced Diploma in Business Management and has completed a Management Development Programme.

She describes her leadership style as servant leadership, believing leaders should enable people to perform at their best while promoting accountability, collaboration and long-term business outcomes.

Nkosi considers her greatest achievement to be her ongoing commitment to personal growth and lifelong learning. Inspired by motivational speaker Nick Vujicic, she believes mindset shapes success and encourages women leaders to be intentional about their development, seek feedback and surround themselves with people who challenge and inspire them.