Sasol leads gender transformation in mining

Second Quarter 2020 News & events

Caroline Shirindza is one of the very few female general managers in South Africa’s mining industry. Her journey to the top has been challenging, but can be seen as a beacon of light for younger generations of women who choose to follow in her footsteps.

Shirindza grew up in Phalaborwa, where she was exposed to the realities of mining. She saw the benefits of the industry − job creation, economic development and innovation − but also the many challenges, particularly noting the low level of women participation. For Shirindza, transformation of the industry is more than just about achieving gender parity, but also about ensuring that nobody is left behind as the industry evolves. This entails supporting and upskilling employees as the sector moves toward digitalisation and the adoption of new technologies.

Recalling her early experience in mining, she says women did not even have their own change rooms. Starting as a miner at Anglo American’s Goedhoop coal fields she progressed through the ranks and eventually joined Sasol Mining as business planning manager, then mine manager, then vice president of Sasol Mining. She recently took over the reins at the Bosjesspruit Colliery in Secunda as general manager. She also serves on the Sasol Women in Mining Forum as sponsor, culture ambassador, coach and mentor to young women.

Her advice to women is to believe in their competencies. She also emphasises the importance of professionalism. “We need brilliant young minds to come into the industry to help us develop innovative, efficient processes and technologies,” she concludes.

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