According to legislation, studies and gender policies, women are being empowered to lead within mining, but do we know who they are and what these leaders have achieved?  It’s DUE - Develop, Unite and Empower is the theme of the annual Women and Leadership in Mining conference, dedicated to profile more women in South African mining, taking place on August 30 and 31, 2023, at the Indaba Hotel, in Fourways, in Johannesburg – the perfect end to women’s month.

“The panel of female speakers were all selected within the borders of South Africa to showcase local talent and leadership” says Pinpoint Stewards co-owner Ankia Roux.

“We don’t have to look across borders or internationally - we have our own pool of exceptional talent right here and last year’s conference was proof of that.”

This years’ conference will look at strategies to achieve the ambitious targets of doubling the amount of women in mining by 2025 as set out by Minerals Council South Africa and its members.  Pinpoint Stewards believe bringing women in the industry together will not only increase dialogue in how to reach the “stretch targets,” but also increase networking and pinpoint opportunities for women to excel and fill leadership gaps.       

A favourite quote of the owners of Pinpoint Stewards is a saying by Albert Einstein: “I am thankful for all of those who said no to me.  It’s because of them I’m doing it myself.” As a women-owned company, they are therefore grateful to the speakers, sponsors and media partners who have said yes! 

African Mining and Mining Weekly were first to join as media partners to ensure that the It’s DUE, Women and Leadership in Mining conference receives equal reporting, and spotlight women leaders in mining.  The media platforms will be featuring women leaders in mining in the weeks leading up to the conference to give notice to their journey and map a road for those who are aspiring to lead.

Here are just some of the speakers and topics delegates can look forward to: 

How to become a reliable leader in your relationships, planning, prioritisation, decision  making, and industry knowledge will be addressed by 100 Global Inspirational Women in Mining by WiM UK 2022 edition, Mogaleadi Seabela, Section Manager at Anglo American Kumba Iron Ore while Khutjo Ivy Lebelo, Senior Mining Engineer at De Beers Group's Venetia Mine will show leaders how to overcome barriers such as the lack of career advancement in the mining sector and how you can be part of the change.

The first woman to be appointed as GM Mining at Impala Platinum, Nonkululeko Mabuza, will speak on her journey as a woman in South African mining to GM. She is also the first woman elected to the council of the Association of Mine Managers of South Africa.

Dolly Masilela, Superintendent Mining at EXXARO will delve into what is mentorship and what it’s not and how to shape and uplift more women into leadership roles while taking ownership of your career and  transitioning from colleague to leader. 

Mbali Milanzi, Commercial Director at Tshepa Basadi Group, along with her business partner have built Tshepa Basadi from an EME with three employees to a sustainable high growth company with 70 employees in six years.  Milanzi is also supporting the conference as exhibition sponsor and will speak on advancing women representation by aligning project decisions in the interest of women and the impact it will have. She is passionate about improving the participation of women in the project management office within the mining industry. 

River Minerals (Pty) Ltd will also be showcasing their organisation at the conference and support women empowerment as exhibitor.

Other speaker organisations participating include: WiMSA, Overlooked Group, Glencore Alloys-Wonderkop Smelter, Salungano Group, Sibanye Stillwater and Ivanhoe Mines. We look forward to seeing these leaders profiled in the next edition of media releases.

Giving Back

The conference seeks to elevate the issue of GBV and mentorship and therefore a percentage of the profits for the conference will be donated to the Lighthouse Baby shelter and WiMSA respectively.

To register a group or for more information contact: info@pinpointstewards.co.za or follow us on LinkedIn. Early bird booking discount valid until 28 July - save R2 000 per delegate.