EXXARO CELEBRATES THE POWER OF WOMEN FOR

WOMEN’S MONTH

How does a leading mining company celebrate Women’s Month? We gather together to create special events that aim to celebrate and elevate “Women in Mining”. While each event was filled with fun and festive activities, they also highlighted Exxaro’s commitment to empowering women by sharing the many possibilities for women to build, grow, and empower themselves and each other.

Matla celebrated with healthy treats and tips

To celebrate their Women in Mining, Matla hosted a morning of festivities and treats in their multipurpose hall. A large number of women, both employees and contractors, were greeted with welcome packs containing fruit, water, Energade and a healthy bottled smoothie. In keeping with the healthy theme, every woman walked away with a special Women’s Day gift pack comprising an exercise mat, gym bag and gym towel.

Cennergi hosted a Women’s Dialogue Workshop

Cennergi, in partnership with the Bedford Women Forum, hosted a Women’s Dialogue Workshop on Women’s Day at the Msobomvu Community Hall. Over 100 women and girls attended. Guests included stakeholders actively promoting women’s development like members of the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA), Hope Factory, Zakwantu Projects and Services, the Department of Economic Development, Environmental Affairs and Tourism and many more. In her keynote speech Dr Vuyolwethu Nkohla unpacked the critical role that women play in community development and sustainability and encouraged young women not to let their circumstances detract from their future. A special moment came when Lakhiwe Mtana, a 15-year-old beneficiary of one of Amakhala Emoyeni Socio-Economic Development programmes (Adopt a Learner Programme), rendered a poem she wrote in isiXhosa – a reflection of how she takes pride in who she is as a black female.

Grootegeluk shared women’s stories and successes

On 25 August Grootegeluk held its “Women in Mining” celebration at Yarona Hall where they celebrated the incredible women at Grootegeluk, and offered tips and tools to empower and motivate women to be the best version of themselves at work. Amanda Dambuza, the keynote speaker and author of “Therefore I Rose” and “Baked in Pain”, shared her story about how she rose above her circumstances to become a globally celebrated businesswoman and humanitarian. Among the many Exxaro stories shared was that of Emminah Fikile Valoyi, the first woman to be appointed Foreman at In-Pit Crusher. She spoke about the challenges she faced in being accepted and how she overcame these through hard work. Annamare Wolmarans, Information Management Manager, spoke to the importance of mindfulness. She shared that in a high-intensity environment, managing your feelings and focusing on mindfulness can help reduce stress and anxiety. The women in attendance contributed to the festivities by dancing and networking with each other throughout the day.