South Africa commemorates Women’s Month in August as a tribute to the more than 20,000 women who marched to the Union Buildings on the 9 August 1956 in protest against the extension of Pass Laws to women. More recently, on 1 August 2018, we saw the same courage and determination demonstrated when women again marched across the country to raise awareness around gender-based violence in an initiative called #totalshutdown.

Kolomela mine honoured Women’s month by hosting a women’s event with the theme “Power in Diversity”. This event held on 07 – 08 August 2018, offered the opportunity for women to share their experiences not only in the mining world but also in the business world and society in general.

Kolomela mine’s general manager, Masala Mutangwa, urged women to make their voices heard and their presence felt, and said, “I am pleased that in Kumba we have made great strides in women empowerment in the business. We are progressing well against our targets of women in mining and at management levels.”

A good example of this is the recent appointment of Mandlakazi Semane as the first female Plant Manager at Kolomela mine and only the second female in the Kolomela Leadership Team (KLT). He also mentioned that making space for women in business goes beyond a seat at the boardroom table. It means being constantly mindful of our actions and the words that we use and how these words can impact others.

Mr Masala also encouraged women to take a stand against violence and to speak up, be your sister’s keeper and not turn a blind eye when you see anyone who is violating or abusing women. This violence takes the form of physical as well as verbal abuse. Report such acts to ensure that appropriate action is taken against the perpetrators.

He further said the business can start by providing support and mentorship, and having strong role models. Women should look out for one another and support one another, not only in the month of August, but 365 days of the year. Women must extend a helping hand, be it in their workplace or in the community, this is one of the things that feeds the soul, and gives women a better sense of purpose. It is also a way for to thank the women who risked their lives and marched for our liberation.

At this celebration, Kolomela mine saw the attendance of various community female stakeholders, like the Mayor Maria Daniel and Councillor Estelle Poto to name but a few.