Deputy Minister visits Moab Khotsong to see women shaping mining
Phumzile Mgcina visited Harmony Gold’s Moab Khotsong mine as Women’s Month ended, highlighting the growing role of women in mining
Women’s Month ended with Deputy Minister of Mineral and Petroleum Resources Phumzile Mgcina visiting Harmony Gold’s Moab Khotsong mine in Klerksdorp, where she met women working across different roles in the operation.
Mgcina said the visit was not inspired by Section 54 safety stoppage or a mining incident, but was an opportunity to understand how the mine operates and see the contribution women are making underground.
“Since we are closing Women’s Month, we had lots of meetings, conferences, programmes that speak to women in mining so I said as we are closing this Women’s Month, I must go underground and experience what they are experiencing everyday. We really appreciate the team from Harmony for taking us through,” said Mgcina.
She added that she was particularly encouraged by the women she met during the visit and the range of responsibilities they hold within the mine.
“I found women who are leading very strategic positions, I found women who are leading underground teams and I found women who are part of the decision makers. It’s very inspiring, I also want to appreciate the team for taking us through, but also applause the work that they are doing and they must continue doing so in terms of safety, they are compliance and we understand that mining for the longest time had challenges when it comes to safety,” she said.
Dr Mashego Mashego, executive director of Harmony Gold Mine, said the visit gave the Deputy Minister an opportunity to gain first-hand insight into underground mining and engage with different stakeholders.
“From where we are standing, it was a visit that basically expose the minister to the work of mining underground, whereby she met different stakeholders. What for me stood out was basically partnership that we have between ourselves and the regulator,” said Mashego.
Mgcina also acknowledged the progress made in transforming the mining industry, particularly in creating opportunities for women.
She thanked women in mining for continuing to push for greater opportunities and participation in the sector, while reaffirming government’s role in supporting a more inclusive mining industry.
“As government, we are here to support you in terms of our regulations, our guidelines. We want to make sure that the space in mining is conducive for women,” she said.
