South African Business 2020 edition

SPECIAL INTERVIEW FEATURE
Women are
succeeding in mining
Thabile Makgala, Executive: Mining at Impala Platinum,
reflects on the role of women in this challenging sector.
Thabile Makgala
Did you encounter obstacles on your mining career path?
I encountered numerous obstacles while navigating my mining career path.
As the first female mining engineering graduate at Goldfields Kloof and
Driefontein division (now Sibanye Gold), I soon realised that the industry had
not adequately prepared itself to accept women in mining. The industry
was not ready. The response to women’s needs (infrastructure, personal
protective clothing and policies) was slow and very little was in place to
address women’s issues. Regardless of impeccable qualifications, solid work
ethic and the achievement of production targets, my abilities would continue
to be questioned and tested.
Is the environment more conducive to women progressing?
It is encouraging to witness so many women succeed in an industry that has
largely been developed for and by our male counterparts. Although there have
been positive steps taken to make the current environment more conducive
for women, more deliberate and proactive action is still required.
BIOGRAPHY
Thabile is the Executive: Mining
at Implats, and chairperson of
Women in Mining South Africa
(WiMSA). In 2018, she was selected
as one of the “Top 100 Global
Inspirational Women in Mining”
by Women in Mining UK. Thabile
has a Master’s degree in business
administration from the University
of Stellenbosch Business School
and a Bachelor of Science degree
in Mining Engineering (Cum
laude) from the University of the
Witwatersrand.
What should be prioritised to empower women?
Women and men should hold equal representation in the workplace, and
mining companies should prioritise and advocate for diversity, inclusion,
parity and greater recognition of female leadership within their organisations.
Is mining a transformed industry, or is it transforming?
The mining industry is transforming, and legislation has been instrumental
in driving this transformation. I sincerely hope that 10 years from now the
fundamental elements such as empowering, caring, showing respect,
connecting and growing our female talent would have been achieved.
I hope that the conversation about women, parity and inclusion would
have advanced, and that the industry would have made a concerted effort
to transform, without the need for legislation.
What innovation will be beneficial to the mining industry?
Data and the analytics will prove to be the competitive advantage for
mines of the future. Converting conventional mining practices to lower-risk
mechanisation and automation is key for the sustainability of the South African
mining industry.
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SOUTH AFRICAN BUSINESS 2020