Sasol leads gender transformation in mining
Second Quarter 2020
News & events
Caroline Shirindza is one of the very few female general managers in South Africa’s mining industry. Her journey to the top has been challenging, but can be seen as a beacon of light for younger generations of women who choose to follow in her footsteps.
Shirindza grew up in Phalaborwa, where she was exposed to the realities of mining. She saw the benefits of the industry − job creation, economic development and innovation − but also the many challenges, particularly noting the low level of women participation. For Shirindza, transformation of the industry is more than just about achieving gender parity, but also about ensuring that nobody is left behind as the industry evolves. This entails supporting and upskilling employees as the sector moves toward digitalisation and the adoption of new technologies.
Caroline Shirindza.
Recalling her early experience in mining, she says women did not even have their own change rooms. Starting as a miner at Anglo American’s Goedhoop coal fields she progressed through the ranks and eventually joined Sasol Mining as business planning manager, then mine manager, then vice president of Sasol Mining. She recently took over the reins at the Bosjesspruit Colliery in Secunda as general manager. She also serves on the Sasol Women in Mining Forum as sponsor, culture ambassador, coach and mentor to young women.
Her advice to women is to believe in their competencies. She also emphasises the importance of professionalism. “We need brilliant young minds to come into the industry to help us develop innovative, efficient processes and technologies,” she concludes.
Further reading:
Next-generation motor management solution
Schneider Electric South Africa
News & events Other technologies
Schneider Electric has launched its TeSys Tera motor management solution in the West African market, combining advanced motor protection, digital connectivity and real-time diagnostics for manufacturing, mining and water applications.
Read more...
Integrated Air Solutions places energy efficiency at centre stage
News & events
Integrated Air Solutions will showcase Tier 1 compressor brands, advanced technologies and compressed air solutions at Electra Mining Africa 2026, with energy efficiency and total cost of ownership at the core of its exhibition theme.
Read more...
SI programme strengthens partner ecosystem
Schneider Electric South Africa
News & events
Schneider Electric will soon officially launch its new System Integrator (SI) Programme, which will mark a major change in how the company partners with industrial automation specialists across Southern, East and West Africa.
Read more...
OMRON Robotics demos next-generation autonomous mobile robots
Editor's Choice News & events Robotics & Mechatronics
Advancing smarter material flow with the all-new LD-150 and LD-300 AMRs, OMRON Robotics demonstrated the next generation of its flagship LD series autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) at Automate 2026 in June.
Read more...
Pump spares and parts for Africa
News & events
KSB Pumps and Valves explains how its decentralised stockholding and local manufacturing keep spares and parts available across its installed base in Africa.
Read more...
The hidden heroes who shape Africa’s industrial future
Bosch Rexroth Africa
Editor's Choice News & events
Behind every industrial success story, there’s a human one. Their names may never appear on a project signboard or in a headline. Yet their expertise and determination keep industries moving every day.
Read more...
Bühler Southern Africa leads industry dialogue on apprenticeships
Editor's Choice News & events
Bühler Southern Africa brought together representatives from industry, government and international organisations on
30 June 2026 to explore how quality apprenticeships can help bridge the gap between high youth unemployment and industry demand for skilled technical workers.
Read more...
Drive technology for the agricultural sector
SEW-EURODRIVE
News & events
SEW-EURODRIVE’s advanced drive, automation and condition monitoring technologies are helping agricultural businesses.
Read more...
New digital tool reconditioning portal puts customers fully in control
News & events
Sandvik Coromant has upgraded its tool reconditioning service for solid round tools. The upgraded service replaces a previously manual, multi-stage workflow with a streamlined, fully online experience that dramatically reduces quotation and turnaround times.
Read more...
New automation innovations on show at Electra Mining Africa 2026
News & events
South African engineers are leaders in innovation and technology development. Many of these innovations and newly automated systems will be on display at the largest trade show of its kind in southern Africa, Electra Mining Africa 2026, taking place in Johannesburg later this year.
Read more...
printer friendly version