Intrigued by mining’s ability to add value to South Africa’s economy, 32-year-old Thokozani Masina decided to study mining engineering. “Mining is one of the industries that enhance our economy as a country, which means it is crucial. This is why I decided to do mining,” he says. Thokozani, from of Fernie in Mpumalanga, commenced his mining engineering studies at the University of Johannesburg in 2019 and later obtained his blasting certificate.

Despite a four-year struggle to secure employment, he remained resolute. His determination led him to an internship at Gugulethu. “I got the opportunity last year, and it was an absolute relief because I was at home not doing anything. This opportunity is grooming me and giving me direction in life,” he remarks. His short-term goal of becoming a blaster, a miner pit supervisor, or a pit foreman, and his long-term aspiration is becoming a mine manager.