This Women’s Month, Redpath Africa Limited celebrates the women whose dedication, technical expertise and commitment to excellence are strengthening every aspect of its mining operations, from engineering and logistics to workplace wellbeing
Mining is often associated with heavy machinery, engineering and underground operations, but behind every successful project is a diverse team of professionals whose contributions keep operations running safely and efficiently.
This Women’s Month, Redpath African Limited is recognising three women whose careers demonstrate that success in mining is built through commitment, continuous learning and a willingness to embrace opportunity.
Working across engineering, drilling and blasting, stores management and operational support, they represent the growing diversity of careers available within the mining industry while highlighting the important role women continue to play across every level of the organisation.
A global culture of professionalism
Their stories also reflect many of the values that define Redpath’s global culture of professionalism, dependability, innovation, determination and an unwavering commitment to safety. These qualities are central to the company’s brand identity and approach to every project.
For Johanna Seema, a Charmec Operator on the Redpath Decline Project, mining represented an opportunity to begin an entirely new career. Having transitioned from another industry, she was encouraged by seeing women receive the same opportunities as their male colleagues and has embraced every opportunity to learn.
Over four years, she has progressed from general labourer to operating specialised underground equipment responsible for charging blast holes safely and efficiently. “I arrived knowing nothing about mining. Now I am one of the female operators on the project, and I still want to keep learning,” says Johanna.
Significant industry change
She believes the industry has changed significantly during her career, with more women joining mining operations and taking on increasingly technical roles. Johanna’s advice to young women is simple: “Do not be afraid of the mining industry, keep learning and believe that anything is possible if you set your mind to it.”
Not every contribution to a successful mining operation happens underground. For Marcia Hlungwane and Rose Pheto, both Changehouse Attendants, creating a clean, organised and welcoming environment plays an important role in supporting the wellbeing of every employee.
Marcia says maintaining high housekeeping standards while ensuring facilities remain safe and hygienic gives her a strong sense of purpose. “When employees thank me for keeping the facilities clean and comfortable, I know my work has made a positive difference.”
Contributing to the wellbeing of others
Rose shares a similar perspective. “I wanted a career where I could contribute to the wellbeing of others,” she explains. “Knowing my work helps create a clean and safe environment for employees motivates me every day.” Both women emphasise that reliability, teamwork, respect and dedication are fundamental to delivering consistent service and supporting the broader mining operation.
They concur that opportunities for women in mining have improved significantly. Rose points to increasing recognition of women’s capabilities and growing opportunities for career development. Similarly, Marcia and Rose believe continued investment in training, mentorship, career development and safe working environments will help more women realise their full potential.
Inspiring the next generation
Asked what advice they would offer young women considering careers in mining, Marcia encourages young women to “work hard, believe in yourself, keep learning and never let challenges stop you from reaching your goals,” while Rose believes confidence and perseverance will continue opening doors for future generations.
Women’s Month provides an opportunity not only to celebrate individual achievement, but also to recognise the many ways women contribute to South Africa’s mining industry every day. Whether maintaining critical engineering systems, managing operational resources or ensuring employees have clean, safe and welcoming facilities, every role contributes to operational excellence.
Together, these three women demonstrate that mining succeeds because of the collective efforts of people with diverse skills, backgrounds and experiences. Whether supporting underground blasting operations, operating specialised mining equipment, maintaining critical engineering systems, managing operational resources or ensuring employees have clean, safe and welcoming facilities, every role contributes to operational excellence.
Their stories reflect Redpath Africa Limited’s commitment to creating an inclusive workplace where talent, professionalism, determination and continuous learning continue to shape the future of underground mining.
Ends
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Notes to the Editor
To download hi-res images for this release, please visit http://media.ngage.co.za and click the Redpath Africa Limited link to view the company’s press office.
About Redpath Africa Limited
Redpath Africa Limited forms part of The Redpath Group, one of the world’s leading full-service mining contractors and engineers. For more than 60 years, Redpath has delivered innovative, safe and technically advanced underground mining solutions across the globe. The company provides specialised expertise in shaft sinking, mine development, raiseboring, engineering, contract mining and related services, partnering with mine owners to deliver complex underground projects safely, efficiently and to the highest quality standards. Guided by its core values of safety, professionalism, innovation, transparency, dependability and determination, Redpath continues to develop world-class mining solutions while investing in its people and supporting the communities in which it operates.
Redpath Africa Limited Contact
Michelle Jonker
Marketing and Executive Support Manager
Phone: +27 11 570 4300
Email: Michelle.Jonker@redpathmining.com
Web: https://www.redpathmining.com/en/
Media Contact
Rachel Mekgwe
Senior Account Executive
NGAGE Public Relations
Phone: (011) 867 7763
Cell: 074 212 1422
Email: rachel@ngage.co.za
Web: www.ngage.co.za
Browse the NGAGE Media Zone for more client press releases and photographs at http://media.ngage.co.za
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