Mining and Production
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Mining and Production

Namhla Ludidi

Director and commodities trader
Sulphur
https://www.instagram.com/ludidi.namhla?igsh=c29kdXExOWY0dWN2&utm_source=qr

Namhla Ludidi is a driven energy and metals commodities trader and director at Sulphur, a company operating within the construction and professional services sector. Currently completing her Bachelor of Economics at the University of South Africa, Namhla is building an impressive career in one of the most demanding and traditionally male-dominated industries — mining and commodities trading. Her role involves not only monitoring global markets for price fluctuations and identifying opportunities to buy and sell commodities such as coal, copper, chrome, and fuel, but also negotiating trade deals locally and internationally. This global perspective, combined with her expertise in trade negotiations, sets her apart in the industry. She works closely with shipping, transport, and insurance companies, ensuring seamless transactions while advising clients on market trends and investment opportunities. Namhla’s journey began with the thrill of fast-paced trading, but she soon discovered that her true passion lies in the purpose behind it — fostering growth, building trust, and proving that women can excel in sectors once closed to them. Outside of work, she finds joy in painting, pottery,  visiting art galleries, and hiking, often drawing inspiration from the intersection of creativity and nature. Her guiding philosophy: “Embrace mistakes and challenges as opportunities for growth. Take responsibility, stay kind, and pursue  self-improvement — especially when fear tells you not to.” QUALIFICATIONS

  • Bachelor of Arts in Economics, University of South Africa (*final year)

ACHIEVEMENTS Being a leading, successful Black young woman in the mining industry, involves overcoming historic male dominance through perseverance, navigating the industry’s challenges, and demonstrating an ability to build trust and respect with colleagues and clients.

Author -
| mg.co.za
Thabisile Phumo

Thabisile Phumo

Executive vice president: stakeholder relations and social sustainability for the Southern Africa region
Sibanye-Stillwater
https://www.linkedin.com/in/thabisile-phumo-apr-fprisa-89863236/
https://www.sibanyestillwater.com/

Thabisile Phumo, a prominent figure in the mining industry, currently serves as the executive vice president: stakeholder relations and social sustainability for the Southern Africa region at Sibanye-Stillwater. She leads initiatives that transform communities, from building schools where children now play in thriving playgrounds to establishing clinics that bring healthcare to those who need it most. “The moments when you see real change happen — a school filled with laughter or a clinic saving lives — that’s what drives me,” she says.  Thabisile’s work spans stakeholder engagement, regulatory oversight, and strategic programme leadership, ensuring every project delivers lasting impact. Her approach combines strategic vision with human connection, forging partnerships with governments, communities, and collaborators to create shared value and enduring legacies that extend beyond the lifespan of the mines. Her passion for women’s empowerment is evident in her leadership of the  Inspired Women Network, her contributions to research, and her co-editing of Strategic Communication:  SA Perspectives, which connects theory to practice. Her career milestones include the Alumni Dignitas  Award from the University of Johannesburg and leadership in programmes supporting families affected by the Marikana Massacre. Grounded, empathetic, and fiercely driven, Thabisile believes in the power of purpose-led action. Her guiding principles — “Work hard and be gentle with yourself ” and “Know when to get off the stage” —  reflect a leader who shapes communities, inspires others, and leaves an indelible mark on South Africa.

QUALIFICATIONS

  • BA Honours in Corporate Communication, Rand Afrikaans University (RAU)
  • Diploma in Project Management, Damelin
  • Management Development Programme (MDP), Wits Business School
  • Diploma in Public Relations Management, PROVOX
  • Programmes completed: Executive Leadership Development Programme, GIBS – Mbokodo Women in Leadership, GIBS – Advanced Social Management Programme, Cambridge / Queensland – Business Sustainability Programme, Cambridge – Senior Leadership Programme, University of Cape Town

ACHIEVEMENTS

  • Receiving an Alumni Dignitas Award from University of Johannesburg (RAU)
  • Involvement in a company programme that supports the families of the deceased of the Marikana Massacre
  • Co-editing an academic book: Strategic Communication: SA Perspectives
| mg.co.za
Rumisha Chaithram

Rumisha Chaithram

Vice president - Australia & Southern Africa
Robit
https://za.linkedin.com/in/rumisha-chaithram-3a58a44a
https://www.robitgroup.com/

Rumisha Chaithram, a beacon of change in the mining industry, grew up in Lenasia South with dreams of becoming a teacher. However, life had other plans, leading her into the mining industry, a twist that became her true calling. Today, she serves as vice president for Australia & Southern Africa at Robit, driving strategy, market expansion, and operational excellence in one of the world’s most complex and traditionally male-dominated sectors. Rumisha holds an MBA and a Programme for Management Development (PMD) from the Gordon Institute of Business  Science (GIBS). She oversees end-to-end mining operations, ensuring equipment efficiency, safety compliance, and profitability across multiple sites. Her leadership emphasizes operational excellence while mentoring emerging leaders, particularly women and youth, to thrive in the sector. She is also the author of Women@Work: My Journey into a Macho World, a candid account of her experiences navigating the mining industry as a woman. Rumisha is a staunch advocate for diversity, inclusion, and the empowerment of women in technical industries. Her proudest achievements include publishing her book and successfully leading large-scale mining operations while creating a platform for women in the industry. She lives by the mantra: “Fail, and fail forward — every failure is a stepping stone to progress,” turning challenges into opportunities for growth and leadership.

QUALIFICATIONS

  • MBA, Gordon Institute of Business Science (GIBS)
  • Programme for Management Development (PMD), Gordon Institute of Business Science (GIBS)

ACHIEVEMENTS

  • The proudest achievement – publishing a book, Women@Work and using my voice to contribute to conversations about gender, resilience, and leadership in mining. 
  • The most valuable lesson is to never stop learning and to remain comfortable with being uncomfortable. Those moments of discomfort are where real growth happens.
Sewela Mamphiswana | mg.co.za
Nosiphiwo Mzamo

Nosiphiwo Mzamo

Chief executive
State Diamond Trader
https://www.linkedin.com/in/nosi-mzamo-95b05217/
https://www.statediamondtrader.gov.za/

Nosiphiwo Mzamo

Nosiphiwo Mzamo was born in Mdantsane, East London. As a child, she dreamed of becoming a medical technologist. Still, her path led her to geology and the mining industry, where she has become a trailblazer for transformation and inclusion. She holds an MBA from Regenesys Business School. As the chief executive of State Diamond Trader, Nosiphiwo ensures equitable access to diamonds for Historically Disadvantaged South  Africans, enabling them to participate in beneficiation, training, and international markets. She provides opportunities for youth, women, and black professionals to thrive in an industry historically closed to them. Her days are dynamic, as she oversees operations, engages with markets, runs training programs, and drives strategic initiatives to grow  South Africa’s diamond-cutting and polishing sector.  Her proudest achievements include launching Africa’s first Diamond Show at Mining Indaba 2024, opening a R300 million diamond cutting and polishing factory in Gauteng, and securing partnerships with Botswana to expand diamond access. Nosiphiwo is passionate about mentoring young women in the mining industry, encouraging them to persevere in a traditionally male-dominated field. She believes that fear of failure kills dreams, not failure itself, and that when everyone says it has not been done before, following your instincts and proving them wrong is the key to success. Her journey has not been without challenges, but she has always believed in her abilities and persevered, inspiring others to do the same.

QUALIFICATIONS

  • Master of Business Administration (MBA), Regenesys Business School
  • Graduate Diploma in Mining Engineering,  University of the Witwatersrand
  • Bachelor of Science Honours in Geology, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University
  • Bachelor of Science in Geology and GIS, University of Fort Hare

ACHIEVEMENTS

In my role, I am responsible for growing South Africa’s diamond-cutting and polishing industry by enabling and increasing the participation of Historically Disadvantaged South Africans (HDSAs) in the diamond beneficiation industry and providing access to markets. I have achieved this by launching the first-ever Diamond Show in the country and Africa, which was hosted alongside the Mining Indaba in February 2024. The launch was attended by Minister Gwede Mantashe, who gave a keynote address, the Deputy Minister, Ms Phumzile Mgcina, and the Minister of Natural Resources from the Kingdom of Lesotho, Mr Mohlomi Moleko. The show was successfully attended by international key role players in the diamond industry and the President of the World Diamond Council. On 5 September 2025, we successfully opened a diamond cutting and polishing factory at the Gauteng Industrialisation Zone, which was a R300 million investment, currently having a staff complement of 47, with plans to increase that to 90. We have concluded a deal with Botswana to source diamonds from there, which will increase our access to more diamonds and ensure that beneficiation in the country continues and remains sustainable.

| mg.co.za

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