Women’s Day is an opportunity to reflect on the successes achieved

Women’s Day is an opportunity to celebrate the achievements of women in different sectors of society, says Deputy Minister of State Nonceba Mhlauli.

“Women’s Day is a time to reflect on the progress we have made towards gender equality. It is also a time to acknowledge the challenges that still exist. It is a day to celebrate the achievements of women in various sectors, including mining, which has historically been dominated by men,” the deputy minister said.

Mhlauli was speaking at the Sishen Women in Mining Women’s Day Indaba event held at the Sishen mine in Kathu, in the Northern Cape.

In her speech on Thursday, she said women were an integral part of the mining industry, making a significant contribution to its growth and development.

“Despite numerous obstacles, they have proven that with equal opportunities, women can excel and lead in any field.

“Today, we pay tribute to you as pioneers and reaffirm our commitment to creating an inclusive environment where women can thrive. The journey of women in mining has not been easy. They face challenges such as gender discrimination, unequal pay, limited opportunities for career advancement, lack of supportive policies and a gender-sensitive work environment,” she explained.

She added that these barriers not only “hinder our professional development, but also impact the overall productivity and innovation in the sector.”

While much progress has been made, much remains to be done.

“A democratic constitution removed legal barriers that were intended to prevent women from participating in the economy, particularly in mining. An example is the South African Minerals Act of 1991, which prohibited women from working underground.

“Since then, new regulations, policies and guidelines governing the sector have actively encouraged the employment of women in the mining industry under democratic rule. However, it is important to note that too few women continue to work in the mining sector, with women making up just over 12% of the workforce,” the deputy minister said.

She called for increased participation of women in the economy and mining, adding that the South African government has consistently made efforts to promote gender equality.

“Through the Mining Charter, we have worked to transform the mining industry, promoting equal access to the sector and increasing representation for historically disadvantaged South Africans, including women. To unlock the continued potential of women in mining, we must unlock growth in the sector.

“South Africa has exceptional metal and mineral resources. The world’s largest reserves of platinum group metals and manganese, and the second and third largest reserves of chromium and gold, are located in South Africa.”

Mining is central to the South African economy and will contribute about 6.2% of gross domestic product in 2023, up from 7.3% in 2022.

“Mining continues to account for a significant portion, around 60%, of total merchandise exports. In addition, South African miners employ around 458,000 people, which is a significant contributor to overall employment,” she said. SAnews.gov.za