Nozipho Dlamini has been leading teams since she started her career in 2008.

I have learned over the years what it takes to make teams successful, and I still continue to learn. I want teams I work with to be innovative, creative and think outside the box. I strive to create an environment that allows the team to be innovative.

“I lead a team of technical experts that support Greenside Colliery. The team consists of mining engineers who do the long-, medium- and short-term planning and scheduling for the mine. The geologists do the exploration and grade control to ensure we mine the best quality. The rock engineers ensure the safety and stability of the underground workings through statistical designs and support standards. I also lead a team of environmentalists, surveyors and business improvement specialists.”

Dlamini is the regional chairperson for Sacma, an organisation of colliery mining managers. She conducts research on all emerging issues and arranges subject matter experts to present to over 400 members at the regional meetings. This ensures that learnings and best practices are shared between colliery managers in the region.

Growing up, she always had interest in technical fields, as her cousin was a geologist. A visit to a coal mine in her matric year confirmed her path. “The job comes with a level of instant gratification, because you see the result of your efforts daily. The industry keeps you on your toes — it’s dynamic and it is one of those industries where you wish the day to be longer because there’s so much to achieve in a day,” says Dlamini.

“In the earlier years you need to invest a lot of hours and sweat into your career, and that comes with sacrifices to your personal life. But these sacrifices are necessary to accelerate your learning and exposure. I had to build a solid technical background, because that gives you credibility and flexibility.”

“My advice to young and upcoming women entering the industry is to put in the work, sweat and hours. It will help you build a solid knowledge and experience base,” she says.

“Coal mining is being challenged by emerging community issues, environmental issues and reduced investments. So keeping a coal mine sustainable, profitable and in harmony with our surrounding environments is an interesting challenge and that keeps me going. We constantly need to think outside the box and improve productivity and sustainability in a challenging environment.”

—Welcome Lishivha

Instagram: @nozipho_unleashed