The South African Institute of Mining and Metallurgy (SAIMM) has appointed coal and heavy minerals miner Exxaro Resources commissioning manager Zelmia Botha as president of the institute. She is the fourth woman to head the 125-year-old organisation since its inception in 1894.

The SAIMM has local and international links that are aimed at disseminating knowledge and assisting members to source information regarding technological developments in the mining, metallurgical and related sectors.

The overarching objective is to ensure that engineers remain relevant and are able to continue developing professionally as they progress in their respective careers, the institute says.

The SAIMM members are also guided by a professional code of ethics that ensures reciprocity with similar bodies around the globe. This allows the institute to collaborate on global initiatives and to influence policy that directly affects the industry.

The SAIMM also actively participates in promoting and meeting industry-related obligations to various communities and the environment, which is consistent with its constitution, it points out.

“It is my honour to serve as the SAIMM’s president. This is a role that would not be possible without Exxaro’s dedication to women empowerment and overall diversity, equity and inclusion. I believe my role is to find innovative solutions, pertaining to the empowerment of the minority and future generations to drive the SAIMMs sustainability,” says Botha.

“Zelmia’s role at the SAIMM enshrines great responsibility and casts a spotlight on Exxaro’s commitment to equality. Exxaro, as a diversified mining and renewable energy solutions company, prides itself in fostering growth and empowerment opportunities for leaders like Zelmia,” comments Exxaro Resources human resources executive head Vanisha Balgobind.

“Our dedication is reflected through our inclusive stakeholder structure as we remain aligned to the ten principles of the United Nations Global Compact of human rights, labour, the environment and anti-corruption. Appointments such as Zelmia’s make Exxaro proud as it proves that our diversity, equity and inclusion strategy is working,” she says.

Further, Botha's position at the SAIMM will inspire women to continue to seek opportunities in the mining sector and occupy leadership positions.

“As it stands, women only make up 20% of engineers in South Africa,” she says.