What does the empowerment of women look like in the mining space?
How does balancing work and motherhood or taking care of your mental health fit into this picture?
It’s time to look at the diverse ways that our business units, women, and pioneers chose to celebrate
resilience and strength in the mining sector in honour of Women’s Day 2023.
Belfast Mine’s Women in Mining (WiM) Committee created an interactive celebration that enabled women to openly discuss key issues, like health, family and motherhood, under the theme, We are Blooming.
The event was held offsite at Will Chris Estate in Witbank. Guest speakers, from doctors to psychologists, were invited to give talks and support the Pioneers. A panel discussion facilitated by the Committee’s Chairperson, Pritched Mahlangu, and included employees from Belfast Mine, discussed issues effecting women in mining.
The discussions were especially informative for Pioneers who are still new to their careers, motherhood, and who find themselves struggling to balance their work life, family life and personal wellbeing.
“Women must make their voices heard in boardrooms and anywhere. I want you to know that we are capable beings in every aspect of life,” said People Ops Manager, Ilana Schwartz.
WiM Committee members from Matla and Leeuwpan also attended the event.
The conneXXion dressed up to the nines for their Women’s Month event – an unforgettable celebration that blended style and empowerment.
Mandima Nengovhela (Senior Specialist, ER and Compliance) gave an overview of Women in Mining at Exxaro, the Matla choir and Hlob’sile Mkhwanazi (Manager, Talent Planning) gave special performances.
Click image to view video
Click image to view video
Matla held an event to honour its WiM under the theme #EmbraceEquity. Matla’s Lerato Motlanthe and Sheila Ndlovu acted as MCs for the day.
“This day is about embracing the women who continue to lead the organisation with integrity. We need to remember that when one of us succeeds, we all succeed. We are planting a seed for our future generation of women,” said Tamara Qwatekana, Manager: Mining.
Speakers Lindiwe Dladla from MAC Cosmetics and Dr Thandeka Ngcongo from Orchid Medical Aesthetics acknowledged the heavy demands that are placed on women, while encouraging women to practice self-care. Guests were later entertained by Afro-Pop musician, Mduduzi, and given the opportunity to win prizes from MAC Cosmetics.
How has working in the mining industry empowered you and strengthened your character?
Zee Malaza, Superintendent: Plant, Grootegeluk, believes that working with cross-functional teams from different departments has given her the self-assurance to know that she is capable of leading.
“Getting exposure to and gaining an understanding of the value chain of the business has enhanced my technical skills and strengthened my professional capabilities.”
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