Exxaro’s Nombasa Tsengwa awarded most influential woman award

Nombasa Tsengwa, the Executive Head of Coal Operations at Exxaro Resources, recently received the title of SADC’s Most Influential Woman in Business and Government, highlighting the growing recognition of women in the mining industry. In a recent interview with CNBC Africa, Tsengwa shared her views on the importance of recognizing women in leadership roles within the mining sector, the challenges faced, and the progress made towards gender equality in the industry. Tsengwa emphasized the significance of acknowledging women's contributions to the mining industry to inspire future generations and break stereotypes. She noted that while women in the mining industry are still underrepresented, there has been significant progress in recent years. Tsengwa highlighted that Exxaro Resources is leading the way with 17% of women in the company and 33% in top management roles. She discussed the importance of women taking on roles in production and working their way up the ranks to become mine managers, emphasizing that there are no shortcuts to success in the industry. Tsengwa shared her personal journey, including being demoted to a general manager role in production to gain experience and improve her presence in the boardroom. Despite facing challenges, Tsengwa emphasized the importance of respect, acknowledgment, and learning from the experienced miners she works with underground. Tsengwa's story reflects the changing landscape of the mining industry in South Africa, where women are increasingly taking on leadership roles and challenging stereotypes. Her accomplishments serve as a testament to the potential for women to excel in traditionally male-dominated industries, paving the way for a more diverse and inclusive workforce.