BL Premium writes that the SA mining industry’s workforce is about 13% female, with the percentages being higher in more senior positions, and lower in the less skilled ones. When it comes to working underground, women have a slim chance of making the cut.
Bonisile Shongwe, who runs an employment business and training centre in the small coal-mining town of Carolina, has helped to place almost 1,000 people into jobs in the local mining industry. But, fewer than 20 of those were women. Yet, Nomonde Nkosi of Womandla, which lobbies on behalf of women in Carolina, argues that economic opportunities have greater societal impact when given to women. Thuthula Balfour of the Minerals Council SA (MCSA) says there are a number of factors that make it difficult to have a lot of female employees working underground on a mine. In conventional gold and platinum mines potential employees need to pass strenuous tests of strength, stamina and ability to work in humid conditions. It is hoped that new technology and innovation will unlock employment opportunities for women at mines and will also benefit male employees who suffer the effects of working with back-breaking equipment. For now more mechanised mining industries, like coal, offer more employment opportunities for women. But that has not been the experience in Carolina. “When I send CVs through, it’s a given that a male will be hired over a female. Even when the females are more qualified,” says Shongwe. Nkosi says mines often tell her they do not want to hire women because of the risk that they fall pregnant and go on maternity leave, resulting in lost production. Shongwe says companies do not want to hire women at the risk of having to deal with issues like sexual harassment. According to Balfour, the MCSA is developing a strategy for women on mines as companies need to adapt.
- Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Lisa Steyn at BusinessLive (paywall access only)
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