The rapid advancement of technology and modernisation is reshaping South Africa's historically labour-intensive mining sector. As the industry shifts from reliance on physical strength to a more modern operational landscape, women are being counted in. This technological evolution is removing traditional physical barriers for female professionals, creating broader opportunities for workforce transformation.

Against this backdrop, the Pinpoint Stewards 5th Annual Women & Leadership in Mining Conference, taking place on 1–2 September 2026 at the Indaba Hotel in Johannesburg, continues to serve as a catalyst for transformation and inclusivity under its Develop, Unite, Empower (It’s DUE) theme.

Driving Transformation and Elevating New Voices

A defining feature of the conference is its commitment to diversity and leadership development. Each year, the platform introduces 12 new South African voices to the stage, addressing leadership at all levels and encouraging greater collaboration between women and male leaders in the mining sector.

This year's keynote address will be delivered by Wilhemina Ngcobo, recently appointed Acting Managing Director of Rio Tinto | Richards Bay Minerals.

"One of the key highlights of this year's conference is our panel discussion on Women in Tech: Driving Excellence in Mining and Mentoring More Women in Technical Roles," says Sudhira Sewsunker, Co-founder of Pinpoint Stewards.  "Technology is not only making mining safer but is also creating greater opportunities for women to participate and lead within the industry."

The panel includes:  Dr Khuthadzo Mudzanani, R&D Engineer at Mintek, recipient of the Mintek APEX Young Researcher Award, the 2024 AWIMA Leadership Award, and a 2025/2026 NSTF-South32 Award nominee. As well as insights from Patience Nyatwa, Engineering Manager at Sedibeng Iron Ore, who improved plant availability by up to 12% through reliability engineering, delivered R40 million in infrastructure projects on time and within budget, and maintained zero major statutory audit findings under her MHSA 2.13.1 appointment.

Industry Leaders Share Practical Insights

The conference will feature case-study presentations from leading mining professionals addressing some of the industry's most pressing challenges and opportunities.

From the Ground Up: Shaping Corporate Narrative and Community Trust in Modern Mining
Vhontsia Ramashia, Group Manager: Corporate Affairs at Foskor, will explore stakeholder engagement, corporate social investment and social and labour plans, drawing on more than 25 years of experience in sustainability and community development.

Leadership Skills for Productivity
Rebecca Sebelebele, Chief Mine Planner at Gold Fields, will discuss the leadership capabilities required to maximise productivity in traditionally male-dominated environments. She is a certified Mining Manager and Senior Engineer with more than 14 years' experience across multiple commodities.

Safety and High-Performance Teams
Nandi Ziphethe, Senior Process Manager at Seriti Power, will present The Leader's Shadow: Building Safer, High-Performance Teams – One Conversation at a Time. With a decade of senior leadership experience, she successfully delivered a 4.5-year greenfield mine project from start-up to rehabilitation while maintaining a zero-harm, zero lost-time injury record.

Addressing ESG Through a Gender Lens
Tebogo Leepile, Group Manager: Stakeholder Relations at Exxaro, will examine how inclusive stakeholder engagement strengthens ESG performance. She played a key role in institutionalising Exxaro's social impact strategy and contributed to the company's achievement of a BBBEE Level 2 rating.

Tackling Deep-Seated Bias in Mining Teams
Nanji Sheni, Business Development Manager at MEAC Wood Group, will present Cultural Resistance at the Face: Tackling Deep-Seated Bias in Teams. She holds a Master's degree in Chemical Engineering from the University of Cape Town and achieved four promotions within five years.

Preferential Procurement for Women-Owned Businesses
Dipalesa Lekhanya, Director of Trinity Naturals, will discuss the importance of supplier diversity and women's economic participation. She has led transformational people strategies across South Africa's leading mining companies and serves as a board member and remuneration committee chairperson of the SIOC-CDT Trust Fund.

Identity and Resilience in Leadership
Mulalo Olga Mudau, Pit Superintendent for Load and Haul Mining Operations at Valterra Platinum, will present Leading Without Armour: A Journey Through Mining, Identity and Growth. Rising from general worker to leading a team of more than 160 employees, she is also the founder of Masana Energy and Electrical.

Expanding the Conversation

Responding to delegate feedback from last year's conference, the programme will also include two male perspectives:

Foyn Molete, Chief SHERQ Officer at Evander Gold Mine, a Pan African Resources subsidiary.

Fred Arendse, President of the Junior Mining Council.

The conference will also feature Lebogang Makinita, Safety Officer at WCM Samancor, presenting The Silent Struggle of Young Women Between Power and Politics. Having successfully acted in a Chief Safety Officer role across both plant and underground operations, she has demonstrated exceptional leadership while strengthening compliance with mine health and safety standards and fostering a stronger workplace safety culture.

Collaborative Industry Support

Demonstrating a shared commitment to advancing female leadership, Exxaro, MEAC Wood Group and Trinity Naturals have joined the conference as Empowerment Partners. Organisers are inviting additional companies to host a table and support the initiative to invest in current or upcoming leadership.

As a 100% women-owned company, Pinpoint Stewards has sponsored more than 80 young professionals over the past five years to attend its leadership conferences, providing access to mentorship, networking and career development opportunities.

For conference registration or sponsorship opportunities, email info@pinpointstewards.co.za.