ZELMIA BOTHA BECOMES 4TH WOMAN TO HEAD SAIMM
Exxaro’s Zelmia Botha was recently appointed President of the South African Institute of Mining and Metallurgy (SAIMM) – and she’s just the fourth woman to head this 125-year-old organisation.
Zelmia is Principal Process Engineer, Projects at Exxaro Resources and says Exxaro’s dedication to women empowerment and overall Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DE&I) has helped make the appointment possible.
“It’s an honour to serve as SAIMM’s President, and I am looking forward to finding innovative solutions to empowering future generations to drive the SAIMM’s sustainability,” says Zelmia.
“We are proud of Zelmia’s appointment as it proves our DE&I strategy is working. Our dedication is reflected in our inclusive stakeholder structure and alignment to the 10 principles of the United Nations Global Compact (UNGC) of human rights, labour, the environment, and anti-corruption,” says Exxaro’s Acting Executive Head, Human Resources, Hemuna Bhola.
“Zelmia’s position at SAIMM will inspire women 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.
The SAIMM uses local and international links to disseminate knowledge source information regarding technological developments in the mining, metallurgical and related sectors. SAIMM’s key objective is to help engineers develop professionally and is guided by a professional code of ethics that ensures reciprocity with similar bodies around the globe.
This allows SAIMM to collaborate on global initiatives and influence policy affecting our industry, and to actively participate in promoting and meeting industry-related obligations to various communities and the environment.
The awards provide a platform to unearth and recognise inspirational and exciting leaders of tomorrow who are shaping the future of South Africa. The awards are open to those under 40 years of age.
RISING STAR REFILOE
IS A TOP 5 FINALIST
All of us at Exxaro congratulate Refiloe, who is our Manager: Domestic Markets.
Refiloe says she’s truly humbled to have been nominated to the semi-finals of the award. “The experience I’ve gained has been immeasurable. I’ve been able to reflect on the type of leader I’d like to be and it gave me an opportunity to reflect on the impact I have had on people in and outside the organisation.”
The TransUnion Rising Star Awards recognise, celebrate and connect young, talented people who have a capacity for achievement and success, and who contribute in an inspirational manner to the future of our nation. They are recognised for both their technical prowess and ability to “make things happen”.
The Rising Star Programme is establishing a living community of young African talent that will be mentored and provided with platforms for development and communication, enabling them to become role models, opinion leaders and an inspiration for future African talent.
DR LERATO KHUMALO APPOINTED VICECHAIR OF CLIMATE CHANGE TASK TEAM
Exxaro is fast becoming a leading voice for climate change. Dr Lerato Khumalo, Exxaro’s Climate Change Specialist, was recently elected vice-chair for the Industry Task Team on Climate Change (ITTCC), which aims to reduce South Africa’s carbon footprint.
As a voluntary, non-profit association, the ITTCC brings local energy-intensive companies like Exxaro, Sasol and Anglo American together to develop practical solutions for climate change mitigation while supporting South Africa’s gradual transition to a low-carbon, resource-efficient economy. The task team works closely with government departments, trade associations and social partners to achieve its goals.
Dr Khumalo said she is honoured to be part of the task team helping South Africa respond to climate change and transition to a low-carbon economy. “I look forward to adding value and working with the team to start the critical conversations our governments, businesses and citizens need to have to make this a reality,” she said.
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