NEWS FROM THE GROUP CEO

Hlengiwe Nkosi's Journey to Mastering Mining Machines

Starting her journey in mining, Hlengiwe Nkosi states that she was filled with nerves and uncertainty, unsure if this was the right path for her. However, after thorough research, she realised that mining was indeed the career she wanted to pursue. “Seeing other women driving massive mining machines inspired me,” she said. “As someone who loves challenges, I knew this was one worth taking on.”

Like many newcomers, she initially grappled with doubts and numerous "what ifs." But once she began attending theory classes, her enthusiasm grew. “I couldn’t wait to get onto the machines,” she recalled.

Determined to complete the training program smoothly and efficiently, she pushed herself to excel. “I’m proud to say I did just that,” she shared. Passing the Dover test with flying colors was an unexpected but welcome achievement. Operating TMMs (Trackless Mobile Machines), she quickly learned, that it requires immense patience and vigilance. These are powerful machines where a single mistake can have serious consequences. “Safety is paramount—you must always be your brother's keeper,” she emphasised. Her approach was methodical, inspecting the machine, assessing risks, wearing the proper PPE, and thoroughly examining the work area before every operation.

Her interest in mining wasn’t entirely new. Growing up, she watched her mother take on hard, male-dominated labour, such as mixing concrete, welding, and even cutting grass. Occasionally, she and her siblings would don overalls to help out. “So, despite my initial fears, I was eager to give mining a shot. I knew I would succeed because I was determined,” she explained. Now, as a qualified Front-End Loader (FEL) operator, she takes immense pride in her accomplishment. “Given the chance to get back into that FEL, I would do it with both hands and a smile because I now have the skills and confidence to excel.”

The training program has completely reshaped her perspective on TMMs. While they appear large and complicated, she discovered that operating them doesn’t require hard labour, but rather confidence, focus, and skill. This experience has ignited her desire to learn more about these “male-dominated machines,” and she is eager to explore deeper into the mining industry and carve a career for herself within the industry.

One experience that stands out was a particularly challenging moment when the FEL tilted on a steep hill. “It felt as though it was going to fall; I literally felt my spirit leaving my body,” she recounted. Fortunately, her instructor was there to calm her nerves, and they managed to continue. As she gained more experience, her confidence grew, even mastering previously daunting tasks like reversing. “Now, I reverse like a pro,” she added with a smile.

She views this achievement as just the beginning of her mining journey. Actively applying for positions in the industry, she is excited about what the future holds. “This is a stepping stone for me to further my career, especially with my Samtrac/HSE certificate. I’m excited about the possibilities in mining,” she concluded.