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Ndalamo Resources Champions Gender Equality in Mining

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Published: Thursday, 01 August 2024 09:32

Pretoria, Gauteng, South Africa — August 1, 2024 — As Women’s Month is commemorated this August, Ndalamo Resources (Ndalamo) highlights its commitment to fostering an inclusive and empowered workforce, particularly within the traditionally male-dominated mining industry.

At Ndalamo, gender equality is a core value. Among its employees, 48% are women, significantly higher than the industry average of 12% to 16% reported by the Minerals Council South Africa. In executive roles, 60% of Ndalamo's executives are women, far surpassing the global industry average of 14% for executive positions and 12.1% for C-suite roles, according to S&P Global. The Board reflects a commitment to gender parity, with 50% women representation, and the subsidiaries' Board has 75% women representation, a significant achievement compared to the global benchmark of 10.3% of board roles held by women, as reported by S&P Global.

Furthermore, a 2022 report by the Intergovernmental Forum on Mining, Minerals, Metals and Sustainable Development titled "A Gendered Analysis of Employment and Skills in the Large-Scale Mining Sector" states that only 19% of total employees in top management and senior management are women in South Africa, with professionally qualified and experienced specialists and mid-management consisting of 24% women. However, Ndalamo significantly exceeds this benchmark, with 39% of management positions held by women.

“Our commitment to gender equality is not just a goal but a core value at Ndalamo,” says Shammy Luvhengo, CEO of Ndalamo. “Our policies are intentional in exceeding industry benchmarks both globally and nationally, setting new standards through our core values of inclusivity and empowerment. By fostering a progressive environment and championing the advancement of women in the mining industry, we not only drive our success but also harness diverse perspectives and innovative approaches that are crucial for sustainable growth and an equitable future.”

A testament to Ndalamo’s dedication to women empowerment, the Geology Department at the North Block Complex (NBC) mining operations, led by Lydia Motedi, exemplifies the company's commitment to gender diversity. Under Motedi’s leadership, the department is powered by six dedicated professional and qualified women who challenge stereotypes and promote equal opportunities. With over 15 years of experience, Motedi has risen from a graduate position to head of the department, showcasing her relentless dedication and breaking barriers for women in mining.

“Strategically including women in the mining industry is crucial for growth and innovation. Historically, women have been overlooked for opportunities in this field. By highlighting the invaluable contributions of women, we aim to inspire and empower the next generation of female geologists. We must not let our surroundings determine our destiny. As women, we need to show up, speak up, and support each other to ensure our voices are heard and our impact is felt,” says Motedi.

Ndalamo’s dedication to gender diversity and empowerment extends beyond statistics. It’s about creating an environment where women can thrive and lead.