Lebohang breaks stereotypes to build a future in mining

Lebohang Masango, one of the trainees from Khanye’s skills development programme

Lebohang Masango (27) from Zithobeni, Bronkhorstspruit, is charting a promising career path in the mining industry, defying gender stereotypes and embracing growth opportunities. She applied for Khanye’s ADT training programme after struggling to find work. “I was sitting at home doing nothing, so I decided to try my luck,” she says. The training not only taught her to operate mining equipment, but it also gave her invaluable industry exposure. “It’s been an eye-opener,” she says.

Lebohang quickly adapted despite initially finding the ADT intimidating because of its size. “As time went by, my confidence grew, and I started believing in myself more to a point where I enjoyed being inside the machine,” says Lebohang. She aims to further her career, with hopes of becoming an assistant diesel mechanic and eventually an artisan. Lebohang challenges stereotypes and believes women should not be limited in their career choices. “Women can also work in male-dominated industries. We should take advantage of opportunities the mining industry has created for us,” she concludes.