With just under two months to go until women’s month in South Africa, the Annual Women & Leadership in Mining Conference will be back to profile women who have contributed to re-shaping the mining sector. Taking place on 27 and 28 August 2025 at the Indaba Hotel, Johannesburg, the 4th edition of the event will ensure that women’s month ends on a high.
The Annual Women & Leadership in Mining Conference in session. All images supplied by Pinpoint Stewards
Pinpoint Stewards’ vision and mission to profile South African mining leaders at all levels and roles, is what makes this annual platform unique. The podium is not just reserved for c-suite or well-known individuals; it includes women in various roles and at different levels. This approach adds to the scope and variety of speakers each year, ensuring well-rounded leadership input.
Ankia Roux, co-founder of Pinpoint Stewards, a women-owned business says, “Since its inception the Mineral and Petroleum Resources Development Act (MPRDA) has had the biggest impact in terms of enabling women to enter the mining sector. Although not perfect, as viewed by critics, the legislation has forced transformation, specifically to the equity figures of women entering the mining sector. Progress is clear in the number of women filling respective roles as seen by the ever changing line-up of speakers at the conference.”
“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 notable women will provide insights, solutions and key strategies.
Some of the speakers include:
- Bontle Mtshengu, GM Mining Aftermarket Support, Cummins South Africa on the subject of, “Transforming the culture of women and men in coexisting and embracing change”.
- Nakedi Leah Memela, principal engineer, Asset Management, Seriti, will discuss “managing assets, time and your career while influencing positive change in your place of work”.
- Lufuno Mbedzi, project manager, Valterra Platinum Mine, will look at where to start in entering the mineral value chain. She will discuss ways in which to equip women with bankable business plans, access to funding, clear market access and business skills.
- Maleka Mohulatsi, senior project manager, Wood will supply tips to map a career path.
- Marcia Mashigwane, mine geologist, Magnetite Projects, FOSKOR will share how to help other women rise – regardless of their backgrounds.
Other notable speakers include 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 South Africa, Ferroalloys Division; Kutlwano Takadi, head: Transformation, Regulatory & WiM Kumba Iron Ore; Dr Urishanie Govender, chief sustainability officer, Harmony Gold Mining Company ltd.
Expert guest speakers include: Dr Gustav Gous, certified speaking professional and leadership coach will be speaking on self-leadership vs team-leadership; Dr Annamare Wolmarans, founder, Atlega Institute moderating the open forum discussion, “Setting boundaries for mental strength, GBV – harassment, bullying and victimisation and bridging the pay gap”; Mark Grobbelaar, founder, INpowered will share knowledge and a skill that can help one in a threatening situation.
To enable more women to attend the conference and expand team engagements, delegates are encouraged to register before 23 July for huge discounts. Conference partners to date include Wood and Implats, who are showing their supporting to empower more women.
To be part of the solution (in closing the gap), Pinpoint Stewards invites 10 post-graduate students annually to attend the conference to find a mentor and negotiate job shadowing opportunities for a career in mining. With delegate and sponsor support, the organisers are also able to donate a percentage of profits to one of their beneficiaries.
Media partners supporting 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 for priority discounts, women’s month gift and express spa treatments and more. Register online on www.pinpointstewards.co.za or enquire at info@pinpointstewards.co.za
Source: supplied by Pinpoint Stewards