Former laundry attendant Lindiwe now a Weighbridge Supervisor

Lindiwe Khumalo - Weighbridge Supervisor at Phalanndwa Extension

“As women and youth, we must grab every opportunity that comes our way. I worked hard to create my own path in the mining industry and it is one that I believe more young people and women, in particular, should follow,” states Lindiwe Khumalo (26), who was born and raised in Delmas and is Weighbridge Supervisor at Phalanndwa Extension.

She started working at the mine as a laundry attendant with a company called Two Mosquitos in 2017. She then had a child and went on maternity leave. In early 2018, she returned to the mine.

“On my return, I had a conversation with the General Manager at the time and asked him if I could work at the mine. I told the GM that I wanted to work in the Weighbridge Department. He asked why there specifically? I explained that it was because I found the weighbridge area the most interesting. He spoke with the Weighbridge Manager and arranged training for me to see if I could handle working at the Weighbridge,” Lindiwe recounts.

During her 6 months of training, she learned everything about how the weighbridge operates and what was required.  Lindiwe learnt that a weighbridge operator is responsible for monitoring all trucks entering and exiting mine property, with and without coal. They need to ensure that the working area and equipment are kept clean and safe at all times and in a good working condition. It is also crucial that the operator provides accurate daily, monthly and yearly reports for management.

In February 2019, she was officially appointed as a Weighbridge Operator. Then in 2021, Lindiwe was appointed as an Acting Weighbridge Supervisor for around three months and was finally appointed as a Weighbridge Supervisor in November 2021.

In her new role, she oversees the Weighbridge Operators thereby ensuring the weighbridges are operating optimally, that the reports are accurate and that everything reconciles when they are sent to the head office.

“Because of the job I hold I have a car now. My house looks much better, I can fit my family into it. I can further my studies, I have savings.,” Lindiwe states.