Bongiwe Mabusela Equity In Mining is Everyone’s Responsibility

A South African Woman Breaking Barriers for Minority Groups in Mining Sector

Bongiwe Mabusela, the Director of South Africa’s Department of Mineral Resources and Energy (DMRE)- believes that embracing inclusivity and diversity in the mining sector would help to optimize value accrued from mine treasures in the region.

For over a decade now, Mabusela has been championing liberalization of the mining sector to involve startups, new entrants, and Small and Medium Enterprises (SMMEs). Her strategic role influxes deescalating tensions between mines and communities.

Her drive has been the conviction that SMMEs are the core of any economy and that they should be allowed to play an active part in economic growth.

Through her position as the director of DMRE, which is the body mandated to transform and develop the mining and energy sectors in South Africa, Mabusela has undertaken initiatives to ensure minority groups have access to mining licenses through the B-BBEE accreditation, a Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment certification in South Africa,

According to Mabusela, “Women are part of the ecosystem, and we need to rethink our inclusive strategy to enable their growth.”

In particular, she is known for her efforts in agitating for the involvement of women in activities within the mining ecosystem. For her, the participation of women should go beyond having them take up jobs in mining but rather empowering them to become business owners in the industry.

Leaders of industry and government should be facilitating the inclusion of women in the mainstream economy, where companies’ spend should look at how many local, women-owned companies are participating

She reiterated this during the DRC Mining Week held in Lubumbashi in June, stating that governments and leaders should put measures in place to promote the inclusivity of all people.

“Leaders of industry and government should be facilitating the inclusion of women in the mainstream economy, where companies’ spend should look at how many local, women-owned companies are participating,” she noted during a panel discussion that brought together Women in Mining across the region.

“We need an inclusive business model that works for all indigenous people across Africa.”

Her appeal came on the back of multiple reports indicating that most women in Africa’s mining sectors work in the extraction stage of artisanal and small-scale mining sites that are known for low wages and poor working conditions.

Though the recent outlook has established a slight increase in the number of women in the industry, major players in the mining sectorsMabusela being one of them- are still pushing for more measures to ensure a diversified and more competitive mining industry.

H.E Bridgette Motsepe, an extraordinary force in Africa. With unyielding determination and an indomitable spirit, she has shattered stereotypes and blazed a trail in the mining industry, becoming a beacon of hope for women worldwide.

She is the Chairman and Founder of Mmakau Mining Company, which has interests in gold, platinum, coal, and chrome mines. Her boldness knows no bounds. With diverse interests spanning gold, platinum, coal, and chrome mines.

Beyond her monumental achievements, H.E Motsepe assumes the prestigious role of Ambassador of Economic Development for the Pan-African Parliament in South Africa. Her commitment to fostering economic growth and prosperity across the continent amplifies her impact on a global scale. Over the years, Mmakau has grown to be a reputable company in terms of innovations, shift to sustainable mining culture, and contribution to the socioeconomic well-being of the mining communities.

In addition, she has held key administrative positions, including the President of the South African Mining Development Agency (SAMDA) and Vice Chairperson of the