Pinpoint Stewards’ 5th Annual Women and Leadership in Mining Conference, taking place on 1–2 September in Johannesburg, continues to set itself apart as the only mining conference committed to introducing 12 new voices to the podium each year in its 5th consecutive year.

Led by women-owned organisers, the conference is driven by a clear mission: to elevate and recognise women across all levels of the mining value chain as tangible evidence of the industry's ongoing transformation. Under the 2025 theme, “Develop, Unite, Empower,” the event will bring together industry leaders, emerging professionals, policymakers, and change-makers to shape the future of mining.

By amplifying fresh perspectives and creating opportunities for new leaders to be heard, the conference reinforces the importance of diversity, innovation, and collaboration in driving sustainable progress across the sector.

The conference features an extraordinary lineup of speakers who embody operational excellence and transformative leadership. Nandi Ziphethe, Senior Process Manager at Seriti Power, will share critical insights drawn from her remarkable career. Ziphethe has successfully steered complex mining operations for a decade as a General Manager and served as a pivotal board director. Her exceptional track record includes delivering a 4.5-year greenfield mine from initial start-up through to closure and full rehabilitation, all while maintaining an unblemished zero-harm, no lost-time injury record. Her presence emphasizes how strong governance and strategic decision-making directly translate into operational safety.

Addressing the critical social issues impacting the sector, Mbali Malinga, VP of Human Resources and HR Services for South African Operations at Sibanye-Stillwater, will dissect current workforce participation statistics for women at all levels of mining, challenging the industry to explore what more can be done to accelerate representation.

Complementing this operational view, Tebogo Leepile, Group Manager of Stakeholder Relations at Exxaro, will discuss addressing ESG with a gender lens to move beyond mere compliance toward true social value. Leepile, who architected Exxaro’s impactful social strategy, helped the company achieve a BBBEE Level 2 rating, and pioneered a shift from reactive crisis control to proactive, inclusive stakeholder relations.

The conference is aptly called Women AND Leadership in Mining bringing men into the room to influence a culture of co-existence.   Fred Arendse, President of the Junior Mining Council, will spotlight the gender pay gap, examining it as a persistent barrier that reflects deeply rooted occupational segregation and the motherhood penalty, which continues to result in up to 35% lower earnings for women.

Inclusive cultures require advocates across all genders, a topic that will be championed by Foyn Molete, Chief SHERQ Officer at Evander Gold Mine, and a Pan Africa Resources subsidiary. With over 20 years of SHEQ leadership spanning underground mining, smelters, and tailings retreatment, Molete brings a deeply rooted commitment to women's empowerment, a value shaped by his own upbringing. He has successfully implemented major ISO management systems while actively mentoring junior women into thriving leadership and specialist roles.

Attendees will also hear the inspiring journey of Mulalo Mudau, Pit Superintendent in Load & Haul mining operations and Founder of Masana Energy and Electrical. Mudau has risen from a general worker to a Pit Superintendent managing an operational team of over 160 people. In addition to her corporate success and her active mentorship of women into supervisory roles.

Additional speakers participating in the conference includes Rebecca Sebelebele, Chief Mine Planner, Goldfields; Nanji Sheni, Business Development Manager, MEAC Wood Group; Lebogang Makinita, Safety Officer, WCM Samancor; Dipalesa Lekhanya, Director, Trinity Naturals; Dr Khuthadzo Mudzanani, R & D Engineer, Mintek; Patience Nyatwa, Engineering Manager, Sedibeng Iron Ore.

The 5th Annual Women and Leadership in Mining Conference is an essential event for mining executives, HR professionals, SHERQ specialists, and stakeholders committed to shaping a sustainable, equitable, and high-performing future for mining.

Early bird registration closes on 30 June. Speak | Host a table | Register | Enquire email info@pinpointstewards.co.za or register online www.pinpointstewards.co.za