Meet the 2023 Mentoring Programme Sub-Committee
Compiled by Chane de Jager
"A Mentor is someone who allows you to see the hope inside yourself ."– Oprah Winfrey
"Mentoring is a brain to pick, an ear to listen, and a push in the right direction." – John Crosby
"The delicate balance of mentoring someone is not creating them in your own image but giving them the opportunity to create themselves." – Steven Spielberg
WiMSA's purpose is to inspire women to build a better world through mining. Our mentoring programme supports young professional women in the mining industry and in organisations, serving the mining industry to show up in their careers and the industry to their full potential.
Our Mentoring Sub-Committee for 2023, led by Briony Liber Coaching and Consulting, consists of a diverse group of dynamic women within the South African mining industry.
We are excited to introduce all of them to you.
Unity Shiburi
My name is Unity Shiburi; I am a mining engineering graduate with an advanced mining engineering diploma from UNISA.
I am a shift boss at Two Rivers Platinum mine, a WiMSA 2022 mentee, and a member of the International Board of Directors of SA (IoDSA).
I have more than a decade of underground trackless mining experience and manage and supervise underground mining teams. My passion is to show my capabilities as a leader and to excel in a male-dominated industry as a woman.
Chane de Jager
I am Chane de Jager, a Section Geologist at Royal Bafokeng Platinum. I hold a BSc Degree and Honours in Geology from the University of Pretoria. I am currently busy completing my Master’s in mining engineering through the University of Witwatersrand.
I am a WIMSA mentee alumni, a Professionally Registered Natural Scientist of SACNASP, a GSSA member, and a GSSA Bushveld Branch committee member.
I have more than five years of experience in the mining industry, and my role is to guide mining and ensure optimal ore extraction. My passion is to continue developing myself and train and make leaders that will forge their own paths.
Ndamulelo Mutshinya
I am Ndamulelo Mutshinya, a Section Ventilation Officer at Anglo Platinum. I hold a BSc Honours Degree in mining engineering from the University of Witwatersrand. I have completed short courses in mineral economics and mine planning and principles with Wits. I am a WIMSA mentee alumni, a member of the Mine Ventilation Society of South Africa, and a member of SAIMM.
I have six years of experience in the mining industry, and my interests include the advancement of women's involvement in the Science and Technology field through intentional coaching and mentorship of young girls from various backgrounds through my role as a mentor at Black Professionals Society.
Phathutshedzo Claudia Musalafu
I am Phathutshedzo Claudia Musalafu, an Account Manager at AECI WATER. I have a B-Tech in chemical engineering and am currently completing my BSc Honours in environmental management at UNISA. I was one of the 2022 WIMSA mentees.
I have more than seven years of experience in water/wastewater treatment. I am passionate about giving customers solutions that not only help them to achieve their goals as companies but also focus on sustaining our environment.
I enjoy sharing my knowledge with those who are aspiring to be in the same field, and I am always eager to help them overcome their challenges.
Mpho Maifale
I am Mpho Maifale, an Integrated Solutions Manager for Weir Minerals in the Rustenburg Branch. I hold a B-Tech Degree in Engineering Metallurgy from TUT, Advanced Diploma in Project Management from Cranefield College as well as a Masters’ in Business Leadership from Unisa SBL.
I am an experienced Metallurgist with 20+ years of experience in the mining industry, of which more than ten years are in supervisory and management roles. I have proven experience in process optimisation, project management, and Technical Sales. I am passionate about value-adding process improvements.
Humbulani Havhi
I am Humbulani Havhi, the Regional SHEQ Coordinator for Fraser Alexander. I have over 11 years of extensive experience within various disciplines, such as Risk Management, Safety, Environmental, social, and governance compliance within the mining industry.
I possess a strong value system & firmly believe in hard work and determination. Mentorship is crucial in anyone’s career; I am confident that the mining sector can still benefit from more women being mentored and empowered, a course I wish to be remembered for - to lift those around me as I rise.
Vilencia Parsaraman
I am Vilencia Parsaraman, a process engineer at Weir Minerals specialising in Hydrocyclone equipment. I hold a Btech Degree in Chemical Engineering as well as a Post Graduate Diploma (Honours) in Business Management.
I was involved in the Global Weir Women’s Network, SACPS, and WomEng and am a proud former WIMSA mentee alumni.
I have six years of experience as I was introduced to the industry during a networking event I attended as part of the GradStar Top 100 Students in 2016. I am passionate about providing innovative process solutions that marry my passion for people and engineering excellence.
Siphokazi Garane
I am Siphokazi Garane, a Construction Manager at South 32 Wessels Mine, Tshepa Basadi. I hold an NDip Civil Engineering Degree and a Certificate in Project Management.
I have 11 years of experience, of which eight are in project management and three years in construction management within the mining industry.
As a construction manager, I work with many SMMEs, and I strongly believe they are the future of this country. I’m constantly inspired by seeing potential growth. This program has helped me realise my potential and continuously reminded me that failure is not always a full stop, sometimes just a stumbling block, a reminder to breathe.
The group shared a welcome message for the 2023 mentees and you can view it on our YouTube Channel.