Women-owned business Pinpoint Stewards will be hosting the 5th Annual Women & Leadership in Mining Conference on September 1 to September 2,  2026, as they aim to bring women across various mining disciplines and roles to collaborate beyond their own organisations.

Co-founder of the Level 2 B-BBEE company, Sudhira Sewsunker says: “A survey at the 2025 conference conducted with over 100 women gives a clear indication of the climate of women at the mine and shows where there is room for improvement, with the highest rating awarded to dialogue between women and men.”  Importantly, this is a Women AND Leadership conference – bringing men into the conversation while driving meaningful progress.

The survey also showed that 85% were of the view that stronger policies need to be in place against discrimination, sexual harassment and violence, with 83% of women in mining adamant there is still pay differences between men and women.  When asked if organisation are doing enough to recruit/train/develop women to stay  in mining only 52% said yes, with 48% answering no, showing a clear split and need for dire remedial action.

Surprisingly, the good news is that only 8% of women are considering leaving the mining sector due to work-life conflict.

Supporting Mining Charter transformation objectives, equity targets and policies, the conference intentionally included 12 structured case study presentations to encourage participants to continue building successful careers in the mining industry.

The 2026 speakers are confirmed three months in advance and profiled through media partners, creating visibility of SA Leaders who are focussed to implement change in the sector and they include:

•          Tebogo Leepile, Group Manager, Stakeholder Relations EXXARO

•          Rebecca Sebelebele, Chief Mine Planner, GOLDFIELDS

•          Nandi Ziphethe, Senior Process Manager, SERITI POWER

•          Nanji Sheni, Business Development Manager, MEAC WOOD GROUP

•          Mulalo Olga Mudau, Pit Superintendent Load & Haul Mining Operations, VALTERRA PLATINUM

•          Lebogang Makinita, Safety Officer, WCM SAMANCOR

•          Dipalesa Lekhanya, Director, TRINITY NATURALS

•          Dr Khuthadzo Mudzanani, R & D Engineer, MINTEK

•          Patience Nyatwa, Engineering Manager, SEDIBENG IRON ORE

Men included in this years’ dialogue include:

•          Fred Arendse, President, JUNIOR MINING COUNCIL

•          Foyn Molete, Chief SHERQ Officer, EVANDER GOLD MINE (PAN AFRICA RESOURCES SUBSIDIARY)

A two-day structured agenda with case studies from industry to benchmark and improve your women empowerment and gender equality targets. Register online www.pinpointstewards.co.za or email info@pinpointstewards.co.za to enquire or become a Women Empowerment Partner and host a table.