Proving it is never too late to learn

Joga Peba, Khanye ADT trainee

Inspired by a close friend who completed matric at the age of 60, Joga Peba (50) set out to prove that it is never too late to learn. Joga from Elandsfontein farm received ADT training at Khanye through the mine’s community skills development programme. Living close to the mine sparked her curiosity about the industry. “Hearing the sound of the mining equipment always made me wonder what was happening behind the scenes; I’ve always been curious about the processes involved and how minerals are extracted,” she says.

Joga says the training gave her a deeper understanding of how a mine operates. She learned the significance of complying with mining laws and the crucial role of safety in the workplace. “Initially, I only knew the basics of safety, but through this training programme, I’ve learned about critical safety rules we often take for granted, such as fire prevention,” Joga explains. She added that the opportunity at Khanye inspired her to continue her education.

The first time Joga operated an ADT, she did not struggle, as it reminded her of her grandfather’s tractor, which she used to drive across the cornfields as a teenager. “I learned how to drive using my grandfather’s tractor, which had a trailer. My grandfather was strict and expected me to pay attention to detail and work hard,” she says. Joga aspires to also attain a certificate in excavator operating and hopes to transfer her skills to others someday.