As the production manager at high-grade anthracite producer Zululand Anthracite Colliery (ZAC), Mmakeng Tabane aims to “break barriers” in the traditionally male-dominated mining industry while demonstrating that women can add significant value.

She has set clear goals for the mining operations she manages, including ensuring a safe working environment, which directly impacts on daily production targets, and boosts workforce confidence and pride.

Tabane aims to foster teamwork at ZAC, thus promoting collaboration and a clear understanding among team members, which she says is crucial for operational success.

She says implementing cost-saving measures is also critical to embed a cost-conscious mindset throughout the organisation, noting that every expenditure must be justified and necessary.

Navigating a male-dominated industry, Tabane acknowledges that she has faced gender bias, self-doubt and the challenge of balancing work-life responsibilities.

“If you set your mind to something you like, you can do it and achieve it. Attitude towards how you handle and deal with things is also important.”

According to Tabane, having a positive attitude and determination can make a huge difference in achieving set goals. She highlights the importance of having a growth mindset and believing in yourself, even when faced with challenges or setbacks.

“With the right attitude and mindset, anything is possible. Remember that success is not just about reaching the end goal, but also about the journey and the lessons learned along the way,” she says.

While the mining industry has made strides toward gender inclusivity since she started her career in 2014, Tabane asserts that more work needs to be done to fully achieve this goal.

To assist in raising awareness of the difficulties that women in the industry face, and the value they bring, she advocates for increased visibility of women in the industry through organisations such as Women in Mining South Africa, along with more workshops dedicated to women.

“Women need to support and encourage one another, and seeing other women break boundaries is incredibly empowering.”

Meanwhile, Tabane has leveraged her experience managing underground and opencast mining operations to contribute significantly to women in mining initiatives at ZAC.

Through her involvement in these projects, she aims to ensure that women are recognised and celebrated within the company, consequently fostering an environment that encourages future women leaders to develop an interest in the mining industry.

Tabane says mentoring current graduates has been a fulfilling aspect of her role, and she hopes to inspire and empower the next generation of women in mining.

Championing Women
“ZAC has integrated inclusivity into its core values, which it periodically revisits to ensure that these values remain relevant and effective; it is committed to fostering the involvement of women in leadership roles,” says ZAC human resources manager Enoch Malope.

The company has identified appropriate affirmative action measures to be implemented to assist in achieving its employment equity objectives.

“This is done in accordance with our commitment to ensure that suitably qualified employees from designated groups have equal opportunities and are equitably represented at all occupational levels in our workforce,” says Malope.

Further, as part of its aim to support women in science, technology, engineering and mathematics, along with parent company mining investment firm Menar, ZAC engages with tertiary education institutions to provide possible job shadowing and vacation work for students who are top performers from designated groups.

Top-performing employees from designated groups are also identified within ZAC, and management considers the suitability of implementing promotions where appropriate, the company reports.

“The company has also undertaken several measures to ensure an inclusive environment for all employees,” says Malope.

This includes providing diversity and inclusion training for all employees, from executives to front-line staff, along with creating safe spaces by prioritising safety and comfort, particularly for marginalised groups, to ensure a secure working environment for everyone.

Malope notes that leaders at ZAC play a crucial role in setting the tone for an inclusive culture; therefore, the company ensures inclusive leadership, which assists in driving initiatives that promote equity and respect at all levels.

“Through these measures, ZAC aims to create a diverse and inclusive workplace and pave the way for more equitable opportunities in the mining industry,” he concludes.