WeeklySA_AdminPROSPECTS: Yet figures show that they are still under-represented and widely outnumbered by their male counterparts…
By Priscilla Malinga
The 2022 South African mining statistics reveal that women make up 18 percent of the mining workforce – a situation that has reflected a slight improvement since then.
The figures, compiled by the Mining Qualifications Authority, also reveal that most of the women – comprising 26 percent – were employed as semi-skilled personnel and discretionary decision-makers, followed by unskilled and defined decision-makers. Worse, a mere one percent occupied positions in the upper echelons of management.
These statistics demonstrate that women continue to be underrepresented in core mining positions and the fact that much still has to be done to boost their numbers. This scenario is despite efforts implemented by the Mining Charter to improve women’s representation in mining, not only in general, but also in management positions. A fortnight ago, Electra Mining Africa 2024 wrapped up its activities at the Nasrec Expo Centre, near Soweto, having created a successful platform for 100 exhibitors to showcase products geared at the mining industry. But, looking for female exhibitors was tantamount to looking for a needle in a haystack.
As Southern Africa’s largest trade show for mining, electrical, automation, manufacturing, power, and transport, the event offers a strategic platform for cutting-edge innovations to industry players wishing to explore the latest technologies and solutions across multiple sectors.
While a small number of women are involved in the mining industry still leaves much to be desired and remains a daunting challenge, it was exciting to chance upon an odd black woman – one of the few, off course – among the large grouping of males participating in the industry, presenting a formidable presence of her own and as an equal.
No doubt, mining industry entrepreneur Lerato Mogaki represents a small group of women quietly making their mark in the industry. Her presence is reflective of the changing times, demonstrating steady progress for an industry that historically has notoriously been the preserve of males – almost exclusively white under the apartheid system, except in the lower ranks. Mogaki is fully conscious of the barriers that make it difficult for women to play a meaningful role in the industry, determined to change the narrative. She is the founder of Cooper and Cooper, a supply and distribution company which buys mining equipment from China to distribute to local buyers.
She acquired the company three years ago after it had been around for more than 100 years. Her products of interest are more on the lifting side.
“The lifting Industry has a lot of talented and competent women,” says Mogaki. “Most of the women have been in this industry for about 10, 20 and 25 years. She says these women are the key cornerstone of the industry, working behind the scenes and always in the forefront, occupying key leadership positions. “I have the benefit of being surrounded by such amazing women whilst learning from the male counterparts in the industry,” she adds.
“This year, we are particularly excited to showcase our Daesan units which are SABS approved”. Mogaki wants to inspire other black men and women who want to venture into her type of business by showing them it is possible black person to thrive in the industry. Learn from others; seek coaching and mentoring from people in the chosen field of interest, is the message she wants to convey to aspirant mining entrepreneurs.
Cooper and Cooper are leading players in the field of automotive construction and off-road entertainment and food-processing equipment and beverage, forestry and paper, manufacturing marine terminal, metals production, mining petroleum and gas, offshore transportation and rail utilities.
Michael Finburg, managing director at MetQ, a company that focuses mainly on processing equipment for mining and is looking to spread outside South Africa. He also believes exhibition is a great platform to grow a business as most buyers come there to see what else is new and to find other innovative ways to improve and expand their business. The Exhibition took place between September 2 and 6.
Since 1972, Electra Mining Africa has been a key platform for businesses in mining, electrical, automation, manufacturing, power, and transport to connect and grow. As the largest trade show in Southern Africa and one of the top three mining exhibitions globally, Electra Mining Africa continues to deliver results and attracted over 39 000 trade visitors this year.
