Knowing that sound leaders are in positions to prosper South Africa will not only give hope for the future but will bring an expectation of change. As this month highlights the contribution of women in industry, the 4th Annual Women & Leadership in Mining Conference on 27 and 28 August 2025 at the Indaba Hotel, Johannesburg, will profile those who have contributed to re-shaping the mining sector.
Speakers at the 3rd Annual Women & Leadership in Mining Conference in 2024, together with co-founders of Pinpoint Stewards, Sudhira Sewsunker and Ankia Roux. Supplied by Pinpoint Stewards
“Select and pinpoint people to entrust with your business goals” is the slogan of Pinpoint Stewards – a South African, women-owned business on a mission to highlight leaders who take responsibility in the roles they have been entrusted with.
What makes this annual platform unique, is that the organisers have set out to profile leaders in the country, at all levels and within all roles. The podium of speakers is therefore not reserved for only c-suite or well-known individuals, but includes women in various roles and at various levels – therefore adding to the scope and variety of speakers each year providing well-rounded leadership input and content.
Delivering the keynote address will be Deputy Minister, Hon Phumzile Mgcina, Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources (DMPR). The deputy minister’s attendance demonstrates the DMPR’s steadfast efforts in promoting the empowerment and equality of women in mining. Industry and government will be able to collaborate on future plans in overcoming common barriers.
Ankia Roux, co-founder of Pinpoint Stewards says, “Since its inception, the Mineral and Petroleum Resources Development Act (MPRDA) has had great impact in terms of enabling women to enter the mining sector. Although not perfect, as viewed by critics, the legislation has forced change, specifically impacting stats with regard to diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) for women entering the mining sector.”
Roux adds, “Progress is clear in the number of women filling respective fields and roles.”
“Empowering women over the next five years” is the theme for this year’s conference and best practice case studies will be presented by major mining houses and women leaders in the industry, providing insights, solutions and key strategies.
Speakers will cover topics such as:
- Statistics of women at all levels in mining – why are we still behind at board level?
- Opportunities for women in mine procurement
- Enabling technology and policies to build the next generation of mining talent
- Transforming culture – coexisting
- Where to start when entering the minerals value chain
- Discussing ways in which to equip women with bankable business plans, access to funding, clear market access and information regarding business skills, and more.
Speakers include:
- Bontle Mtshengu, GM Mining Aftermarket Support, Cummins South Africa
- Dr Bogosi Moagi, executive, Group Health Services, Implats
- Nosipho Damasane, chair, RBCT
- Babsie Crane, VP: Chrome and Base Metals, Sibanye-Stillwater
- Nkanyezi Luthuli, Group Procurement, team lead, Glencore Operations SA, Ferroalloys Division
- Kutlwano Takadi, head: Transformation, Regulatory and WiM Kumba Iron Ore
- Dr Urishanie Govender, chief sustainability officer, Harmony Gold Mining Company
- Nakedi Leah Memela, principal engineer: Asset Management, Seriti
- Lufuno Mbedzi, project manager, Valterra Platinum
- Maleka Mohulatsi, senior project manager, Wood
- Marcia Mashigwane, mine geologist – Magnetite Projects, Foskor
- Dr Annamare Wolmarans, founder – Altega Institute
- Dr Gustav Gous, certified speaking professional and leadership coach
Conference partners to date include Wood, Implats and Foskor – showing their support to empower women and ensuring they are exposed to women across the mining sector, not only from within their own company walls.
To be part of the solution, (in closing the gap) Pinpoint Stewards invites ten post-graduate students each year to attend the conference to find mentors, job shadowing opportunities and careers in mining. With delegates and sponsor support, the organisers are also able to donate a percentage of profits to a beneficiary.
Media partners, supporting the Pinpoint Stewards vision and mission in profiling SA’s Leadership, include African Mining, incorporating Mining Mirror; Mining Weekly and South African Business.
To host a table at the conference and support women empowerment, contact the organisers. Register online www.pinpointstewards.co.za or inquire at info@pinpointstewards.co.za.
Source: Supplied by Pinpoint Stewards