With August being women’s month, Mining News caught up with a few mining ladies from coal producer Exxaro. In this three-part feature, the successful women answer questions about working in the industry.
Precious Ramushu


Eugenia Ndzendze
As a digital value chain lead, Ndzendze is responsible for the development and sustainable implementation of a digital strategy at Leeuwpan mine. Here are her responses:How did your career start in the industry?
I was exposed to mining industry at a very young age since I grew up in Rustenburg. I got a bursary from Kumba Resources in my matric year and studied Metallurgical Engineering at Wits then worked for Kumba Iron Ore. Has this always been your career choice? I have always wanted to be in mining, but the idea of digital in mining back in the days was a bit far-fetched. I am a believer in continuous improvement and innovation. I’m glad it has landed me in a position where I can be a disruptor in the industry. What are some of the challenges you’ve faced in your career? The biggest challenge has been resistance to change. The industry is slow in adopting some of the basics that have improved other industries like lean in manufacturing. The second challenge is, the industry is stuck in hierarchical organisations which at times restrict innovative thinking. The third challenge is mining operations are mostly located in remote areas making it a challenge to support a family-oriented lifestyle. Do you think these challenges were unique to you as a woman? I think most challenges are experienced by most skilled young people, but I think it becomes even more challenging for women as some of the perceptions still exist that mining is a men’s world with such intensity that women cannot take. What did you do to overcome the challenges? I’m an extreme extrovert, so keeping quite or holding back is not natural for me. I grew assertiveness qualities over time and how to communicate disagreement in a way that leads to change. I have had good mentors who helped me navigate the various phases of my career and the various cultures at the time. You cannot succeed alone so you have to be open to people so they can know and take interest, and you have to show up yourself with the commitment and drive to overcome/navigate the challenge. What motivated you to keep going in difficult times? I’m a bit stubborn, that helped. I also try to not take things personal, and assume people don’t know better, the sooner they understand things get better. How are you received by your male colleagues? I think male colleagues receive me well, they just sometimes get surprised by my assertiveness and most of them praise it. What do you think female representation South Africa’s mining industry currently? Representation of women in the industry is still low, especially higher positions in technical functions. What do you think needs to change to create more opportunities for women in the industry? A lot of work needs to be done to groom and prepare women in leadership roles. Companies need to actively set up mentorship and sponsorship programmes to help women in career growth. Any advice for a young woman wanting to pursue a similar career path as you? Go for it, find someone you look up to for mentorship, find an influential person to be your sponsor. Work smart and always remain assertive to what you believe. Want to read more about women in mining? Read Inside Mining’s Women in Mining SIP.