Empowering women researchers through immersion, inspiration, and appreciation

Michelle Pienaar 
Advanced orebody knowledge programme manager

Date and place of birth: 31 January, in Roodepoort, Gauteng
Education: BSc Honours; GDE; MMDP
Success is leading with integrity, embracing change and using your passion to uplift others while driving meaningful impact.
How do you stay motivated in environments that were not necessarily built for you? By keeping my purpose at the centre of everything I do. I draw strength from past breakthroughs, my support network and the knowledge that meaningful change often starts with those willing to go first.
Personal best achievement: Transitioned from working as an underground geologist to serving as the Programme Manager for Advanced Orebody Knowledge at the Mandela Mining Precinct. This transformation allowed me to merge science, innovation and leadership to influence the future of mining. 
Philosophy of life: Lead with purpose, remain grounded in integrity, and uplift others as you grow. 
Message for other women in mining: This industry needs your voice, your brilliance, and your resilience. You don’t need to fit a mould; you’re here to shape a new one. Your journey matters — not just for you, but for the generations of women who will follow in your footsteps. Keep showing up. 

Kamogelo Baloyi
Geoscience intern at CSIR

Date of birth: 12 November 
Education: BSc. Environmental and Life Sciences in Geography and Geology; BSc. (Hons) Geology; 
MSc. Geophysics
Success is learning as much as you can about your chosen purpose or whatever you do to achieve your maximum potential and contribution in this lifetime.
How do you stay motivated in environments that were not necessarily built for you? I remind myself that life is about growth and that I can, should and will grow in whichever environment life places me.
Personal best achievement: Winning a ‘best poster presentation’ award at a global geology conference (SEG) amongst hundreds of students and professionals.
Philosophy of life: If it has to or can be done, I can do it.
Message for other women in mining: The only limitations we have are those that we set for ourselves.  

Kgotlelelo Patience Teffo
Mining Engineering intern 

Date and place of birth: 2 January, in Limpopo
Education: Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Mining Engineering and Postgraduate Diploma in Project Management.
Success is pursuing passions and interests to make meaningful contributions to the world.
How do you stay motivated in environments that were not necessarily built for you? By staying focused on my longterm goals and viewing the challenges of the environment as fuel for growth.
Personal best achievement: Obtaining my blasting certificate in scheduled mines and volunteering to help others obtain theirs.
Philosophy of life: Love and care for yourself first so you can love and care for others. 

Bahloliwe Maphanga
Mining Engineering intern 

Date and place of birth: 27 October, in Limpopo
Education: Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Mining Engineering
Success is the result of clear vision, consistent effort, effective leadership and meaningful collaboration within a strong team.
How do you stay motivated in environments that were not necessarily built for you? Remembering why I started and who I am doing it for. 
Personal best achievement: Earning my Mining Engineering degree from the University of the Witwatersrand 
Philosophy of life: Progress over perfection, purpose over pressure, and impact over recognition. 
Message for other women in mining: Your voice matters, your presence is powerful and your dreams are valid. Sincere gratitude to the women paving the way in South Africa’s mining sector. 

Sivuyile Mbasa Mkhondweni
Geoscience intern 

Date and place of birth: 16 May, in KwaZulu Natal
Education: Bachelor of Science in Geology and Geography, Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Geology and a Master of Science in Geology.
Success is a result of persistence, not perfection.
How do you stay motivated in environments that were not necessarily built for you? My faith and support system keep me grounded. They help me stay motivated by giving me the strength to persevere.
Personal best achievement: Completing my Masters degree within a year 
Message for other women in mining: Never allow your circumstances and others to limit you, because you matter, what you bring and who you are matters.

Thato Radebe
Senior Project & Contracts Manager

Date and place of birth: 22 October, in Soweto
Education: National Diploma in Chemical Engineering, 
BCom Financial Management, Postgraduate Diploma in Project Management, Project Management Professional certification.
Success is running your own race to accomplish the goals you have set for yourself, at your own pace without comparing yourself with others. 
How do you stay motivated in environments that were not necessarily built for you? I remind myself that I am here to deliver value and quality in my work. And recognise that I possess a strong mind, skills, talents and capabilities. 
Personal best achievement: Successfully completing my last three qualifications while 
juggling a full-time job, marriage and family. 
Philosophy of life: To live a life of purpose: treat others with respect, empathy and compassion; pursue continuous growth through learning and unlearning; and leave a positive mark wherever I go.
Message for other women in mining: Your presence in this industry is not just a role—it’s a revolution. In an environment historically dominated by men, you are proof that excellence knows no gender. 

Yanga Mnyamana
Project Administrator for longevity of current mines and mechanised mining systems

Date and place of birth: 2 January, in Gqeberha
Education: Post Graduate Diploma in Project Management, BSc (Hons) Geography, BSc Environmental Geography
Success is the outcome of relentless attempts at excellence.
How do you stay motivated in environments that were not necessarily built for you? I remind myself that growth often happens in the most uncomfortable spaces. 
Personal best achievement: Having a good credit score in purpose, hope and faith, even when things feel uncertain.
Philosophy of life: Do to others what you want done unto you
Message for other women in mining: You belong here. Don’t shrink to fit outdated expectations

Ntombenkosi Dyosop
Science communications manager

Date and place of birth: 4 February, in Kariega, Eastern Cape
Education: MPhil: Strategic Communication Management, University of Pretoria
Success is discovering your purpose and walking in it.
How do you stay motivated in environments that were not necessarily built for you? Knowing that my presence here is paving the way for people like me and that whatever I do leaves a trail for them to walk on in future.
Personal best achievement: Obtaining my second Masters degree while working fulltime
Philosophy of life: Worrying is like a rocking chair. It gives you something to do but it doesn’t get you anywhere. 
Message for other women in mining: You rock! (Pun intended). Keep breaking those barriers.

enquiries@mandelaminingprecinct.org.za
https://mandelaminingprecinct.org.za/