Programme Director,
Members of the Board of AEMFC present here
CEO of AEMFC, Mr Lemogang Pitsoe and your executive committee
Group Executive: Corporate Services at CEF, Ms Zinhle Thupana
Ndlunkulu Thulisile Mahlangu of the SoGutjhe Royal House
Mine Manager, Mr Walter Seakamela
Chairperson of the new AEMFC WIM Forum, Ms Zinhle Manyathi
Distinguished Guests
All beautiful ladies that are present here

Sanibonani, Lotjhani, Dumelang, Molweni, Ndi matsheloni, Good morning, Goeie more 

Allow me to start by expressing our profound gratitude to the executive of the African Exploration Mining and Finance Corporation (AEMFC) for not only inviting us to participate in this important gathering, but for dedicating time and resources to celebrate and honour the women workers in the organisation.

Noting that tomorrow marks the last day of this August month during which our nation pays tribute to all women under the theme: “Celebrating 30 Years of Democracy Towards Women’s Development”, we urge you not to make this a once in a lifetime experience, but an ongoing initiative to empower women. This can only be done by developing and implementing strategic programmes to support women, eradicate gender discrimination, and safeguard the health and safety of women at mines. 

This event comes just a few days after the 2024 Women in Mining Indaba during which women from all corners of our nation came together to share valuable information on critical issues affecting women in the mining industry. It is encouraging that at that Indaba, delegates did not only assess progress made in addressing the challenges faced by women in the mining industry, but they came with well thought-out resolutions with clear timeframes, roles and responsibilities.

The launch of the AEMFC Women in Mining Forum is, therefore, a step in the right direction towards the development and empowerment of women in the organisation, thereby realising the resolutions of the 2024 WIM Indaba.

The Forum and the entire executive of AEMFC bear a collective responsibility to familiarise themselves with the action plan objectives as set out by the delegates at the WIM Indaba and ensure that initiatives are realised within the set timeframes.

There can be no denying that the South African mining industry has made tremendous strides in ensuring that women become active participants in the industry. However, the sector cannot be oblivious to the reality that the same women in the industry continue to experience challenges such as, insufficient Personal Protection Equipment (PPE), under representation in leadership roles, limited training and career development, inadequate facilities for women, and discrimination against pregnant and lactating women.

In cognisance of the reviewed Guideline on selection and provision of PPE for WIM to ensure that women are provided with PPE that is tailored for their needs and that the provided PPE does not inadvertently pose additional health and safety risks to the workers, at the Indaba, we implored on the delegates and the mining industry to ensure that women become actively involved in the production of quality PPE. In so doing, women will not participate in the industry as labours, but active participants in the entire value chain of the mining industry.  

State-owned companies, such as AEMFC, and other progressive mining companies have an obligation to do business with such women entrepreneurs for as along as they produce quality PPEs. Fact of the matter is that by investing in women owned businesses and providing women with equal opportunities in leadership roles and entrepreneurship, we will not only eradicate gender inequality, but significantly enhance the resilience of the South African economy and the sustainability of our mining industry.

Programme director, it is appalling that women in the mining industry continue to be discriminated against because of the stigma attached to pregnancy. This was a matter that was raised sharply at the Indaba with a number of proposed solutions put forward, including the provision of childcare services and proper breastfeeding facilities at workplace. It is within this context that we have tasked the WIM Advisory Committee to review and evaluate progress made in addressing these challenges, and based on the evaluation, develop an action plan to address the challenges.

For its part, the Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources (DMPR) has mandated the Chief Inspectorate responsible for occupational health and safety to rigorously the enforce the Mine Health and Safety Act (MHSA) and all measures put in place to safeguard the health and safety of all mineworkers, including, but not limited to, the Guidance Note for the management of Gender-Based Violance and Femicide (GBVF).

We have further called on the miners, including the AEMFC, to fully embrace and enforce the existing legislation framework and share best practices that will strengthen the collective efforts aimed at realising the goal of zero harm in the mining industry.

In closing, programme director, the DMPR wishes to express its unwavering support to the AEMFC in its endeavours to secure South Africa’s energy supply primarily through mining and supply of coal for electricity generation. We also extend our well wishes to the newly established AEMFC WIM Forum in the implementation of its strategic plans aimed at elevating women participation in strategic roles of the organisation, the mining industry and the South African mainstream economy.

I thank you.