Women leading by example
Across every department from human resources to mine management and everything in between, Canyon Coal has many highly competent, dedicated and driven women who are working tirelessly to ensure that the company achieves its growth and sustainability targets.
Women can make invaluable contributions to any industry and mining is no exception, says Dineo Maphutha, who was appointed as Human Resources Manager at Canyon Coal on 1 April 2019.
“I have a long history of working in the mining sector, and strongly encourage more women to enter the industry because of the exciting career opportunities it provides,” she states.
Dineo believes that for women to achieve full integration into the sector, mining companies need to implement programmes that empower more women in mining from a coaching and/or mentorship perspective and stress the need to eradicate all forms of barriers to entry for females in the mining environment.
She adds that programmes that emphasise diversity as a catalyst for transformational leadership in mining and embrace emotional intelligence as a vital quality for women in leadership positions are also required. Dineo points out that Canyon is consistently evaluating its programmes to empower women.
Her qualifications in educational psychology and human resources (HR) helped Dineo understand the psychological and sociological aspects of human behaviour. These she utilises to resolve grievances and foster better relationships in the work place.
The role of Human Resources Manager is multifaceted and includes the design and implementation of HR strategy for the Canyon Coal Group; ensuring delivery of the HR strategy and following up on agreed departmental action plans to ensure implementation.
It also entails formulating and implementing HR policies; programmes and strategies supporting the company and business objectives and developing as well as administering the remuneration and benefits programmes.
Other responsibilities include the development and administration of talent and acquisition processes; training and development; talent and performance management and development and implementation of employee relations policies and programmes .
Dineo is also responsible for leading and conducting wage negotiations and the formulation, implementation and monitoring of Canyon’s social and labour plans.
Moreover, she explains that human resources management primary focus is on providing a motivational work environment in which employees choose success.
“The most rewarding part of my job is being able to provide support for the company’s business strategy by assisting Canyon employees, wherever possible, to grow and develop in order to achieve their goals and those of the company,” Dineo states.
Vanessa Thani has not let her humble beginnings of being born in the small, impoverished village of Metsi, in Bushbuckridge, Mpumalanga, to deter her from achieving great things as she continues to rise through the ranks at Canyon Coal. She was born to a working-class family of eight siblings of whom she’s the sixth.
She has gained extensive industry experience through working in different positions in the mining sector including a weighbridge clerk, miner shift leader and a drill and blast supervisor. In 2017 Vanessa joined Canyon Coal as a health and safety officer and a year later was elevated to acting Mine Manager at both Singani and Hakhano.
On May 1, 2019, Canyon officially appointed Vanessa as Mine Manager at Singani and Hakhano, which is an exceptional achievement because she had to receive special permission from the Department of Mineral Resources (DMR). She describes this as her “ultimate career highlight to date”.
“To be a mine manager of more than one mine requires special approval from the DMR so I was delighted when I was informed of their decision. I am very appreciative to Canyon for believing in me and for giving me this great honour,” Vanessa enthuses.
Reporting directly to Hakhano and Singani collieries’ general manager Goodman Mazibuko, Vanessa now has 338 employees, including contractors under her leadership.
“I am responsible for the overall management of the mine and play a direct role in developing and implementing the business’s goals, such as ensuring that mine production targets are met. As a mine manager, I also need to ensure that the mine is in compliance with all regulations and most importantly that the health and safety of all our employees is taken care of,” elaborates Vanessa.
Additionally, Vanessa notes that in reality women still comprise a small portion of the mining industry, broadly speaking. She points out that the situation is improving and there are now a number of very senior, successful women in mining.
“As a mother, I hope to inspire young people, and girls in particular, to follow my path. Nothing comes easy in life, but if women are determined and are provided with meaningful support to succeed, nothing can stop them!”
