Currently, women make up 15% of the mining industry in South Africa. In its commitment to realising gender diversity and inclusion in the mining industry and acknowledging the critical role women play in the sector, the Minerals Council Women in Mining Leadership Forum (WiMLF) runs a campaign to celebrate women who make a notable contribution to the South African mining sector through the annual Women in Mining (WiM) Heroes celebrations.
Due to its unpredictable nature, the use of machinery, heavy tools, and mobile haulage to extract and transport materials, mining presents numerous safety risks, particularly for women. Understandably, safety is a critical aspect of the mining process. Therefore, in 2023, WiMLF sought to celebrate women who have made a remarkable contribution to making mining safer in their respective organisations.
The Minerals Council Women in Mining Leadership Forum (WiMLF) is delighted to announce this year’s WiM Safety Heroes and wishes to thank these Safety Heroes for the important contribution they have made to safer workplaces for all and especially women in their organisations and the industry.
Congratulations to the 10 Minerals Council Women in Mining 2023 Safety Heroes

Charmaine Matlou
Northam Platinum Holdings

Emma Motlhasedi
Anglo American Amandelbult

Juvena Naidoo
South32 Wessels Mine

Keele Letsipa
Exxaro Resources

Mariska Bolton
Glencore Eastern Chrome Mine

Nandi Sibanyoni
Kumba Iron Ore

Ouma Mogale
Kumba Iron Ore

Pelonomi Gae
Assmang

Yogen Chetty
South32

Zanele Madinane
Hillside South32