Mining operation Impala Rustenburg aims to unlock the value of diversity, with its gender equality policies implemented across not only its operations, but also in community initiatives, enterprise and supplier development programmes, bursaries, internships and youth development initiatives.
This enables the company to be a “catalyst for change”, internally and outside business and industry, to influence society at large, says Impala Rustenburg CEO Mark Munroe, adding that gender equality has the power to positively influence transformation in South African society at large.
“As an employer of choice and one of the largest employers in the North West province, Impala Rustenburg views gender transformation not just as a legal and moral obligation, but rather as a necessary change that strengthens our business through the diversity of perspectives offered by an inclusive team,” he says.
The company aims to ensure a gender-diverse representation of companies that benefit from various procurement opportunities and from Impala’s Enterprise and Supplier Development Programme.
“At a youth development level, Impala’s many programmes are designed to ensure that young women are given priority and, in 2021, Impala introduced a new addition to its bursary programme – the special Future Woman in Mining Bursary, which is awarded to the top achieving girl from the local mine community schools. This year, 11 of the 18 bursaries were awarded to young women,” Munroe says.
Further, internally, women occupy senior leadership positions throughout the organisation, including those traditionally occupied by men.
“Women are highly valued within Impala for their leadership qualities, skills and perspectives,” he points out, noting that Impala has implemented a diversity and inclusion strategy, and policies and procedures that fundamentally drive these critical areas.
Driven from the highest level, Impala has adopted a care and growth leadership philosophy, implemented mentoring and retention programmes and is fast-tracking women growth and succession, as well as establishing forums to break barriers and lead change.”