From construction industry to GM in mining sector
More women are needed in the mining sector, says Makole Group junior coal mining company Black Royalty Minerals (BRM) GM in training Tshidi Tshola.
“Currently, it is still a male-dominated industry. Though there are more women entering the picture, in certain meetings, I [am] still . . . the only woman in a room full of men. On a good day, there are two or three women.”
Tshola, originally from the mining town of Welkom, in the Free State, joined Johannesburg-based Makole Group in 2013 as a junior project manager in its construction division. She was instantly drawn to mining when she joined the group and became aware of its mining division.
She transitioned to the group’s mining division last year and is undergoing an intense traineeship in the group chairperson’s office as BRM GM, dealing with various commodities such as coal, graphite, iron-ore, gold and manganese.
“The transition was quite challenging, as I had to learn about a whole new industry that I had never been exposed to before. It reminded me of my first day of employment in the construction industry. I had to learn about the different aspects of mining, such as geology, which was a completely foreign subject to me. However, I have come to embrace the sector and enjoy every minute in this new world.”
Her traineeship in the group chairperson’s office involves overseeing BRM’s managers and their subordinates, as well as labour content.
Tshola, 31, also has to be aware of everything taking place at BRM’s Chilwavhusiku colliery, in Bronkhorstspruit, east of Pretoria, in terms of health and safety, employees, production and quality, as well as deliveries to clients at any given time.
This involves ensuring that there are no hinderances to processes and workflow that may threaten targets, all employees return to their respective homes unharmed at the end of their shift, clients’ expectations are met to the best of BRM’s ability and its contracts are serviced effectively and honourably, she explains.
At Chilwavhusiku, BRM’s first colliery, which was launched last year, “we are mining and processing coal; however, my vision for the company has been broadened through its venturing into other minerals as well”.
BRM not only services the domestic market but is also involved in the export market. Tshola notes that her involvement in exports is one of the highlights of her traineeship so far, along with her work on a project in Limpopo.
“The playing field is quite tough, however, with no margin for error, owing to the high financial penalties that come with errors in the export market, compared with those in the domestic market.”
Though, “as clichéd as it sounds”, there is something new to learn every day, says Tshola, noting that she has transitioned into a more full-time role with regard to heading BRM.
She has faced numerous challenges while working in the mining industry, one being having to work harder than her male counterparts to prove her competence and that women also belong in the industry.
She highlights that some men still believe women have no place in the industry, as women allegedly cannot cope with the job’s pressure and the long working hours.
“But these perceptions are slowly changing. In addition to skilled and qualified individuals, every boardroom and organisation needs a woman’s touch through representation in the leadership structures, as women are builders and caring by nature.”
Overcoming these challenges is a work in progress and about understanding the principles of leadership.
“At times, I find myself having to discipline people (particularly men) who are much older than I am while finding the finesse to do so in a manner that is not embarrassing to the person being disciplined,” concludes Tshola.
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