Northern Cape learners encouraged to explore engineering at women-led workshop

The mining industry is often seen as a boys’ club, but Kumba Iron Ore is proving that there’s plenty of room for young women to thrive in engineering. In celebration of Women’s Month, Kumba, in partnership with WomHub, hosted an “Ask an Engineer Workshop” designed to inspire the next generation of female engineers.

On August 1 2025, more than 200 high school girls from 13 schools across the John Taolo Gaetsewe and Tsantsabane areas were welcomed to the interactive workshop.

The aim? To spark curiosity, provide guidance, and showcase the possibilities of a career in engineering within the mining sector.

A panel of women engineers from Kumba shared their personal journeys and experiences, giving learners an inside look at their diverse careers and the challenges they’ve overcome.

For Principal Mining Engineer Mpho Kgadima, creating such spaces for young women is essential. “Engineering is a powerful and rewarding career path for young women. It offers the opportunity to solve real-world problems, drive innovation, and shape the future of industries and communities.

"In a traditionally male-dominated field, being a woman engineer challenges norms, promotes diversity of thought, and paves the way for inclusive solutions. Initiatives like this are vital in creating safe and empowering spaces for young women to engage with role models and build confidence," she said.

The broader mission

Kutlwano Takadi, Kumba’s Transformation Principal, tied the event back to the company’s broader mission of “reimagining mining to improve people’s lives”:

“The workshop exemplified Kumba’s commitment to equitable access, empowerment, inclusion and tangible impact. By prioritising female learners in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) during critical career-forming years, we advance gender equity and transformation in industries historically underrepresented by women.

It also reinforces our belief in cultivating belonging — encouraging learners to see mining not only as a space for innovation and leadership, but as one where women and all individuals, regardless of race, gender, background, or religion, can bring their whole selves to work and thrive.”

Through initiatives like this, Kumba Iron Ore is showing that the future of mining is bright, inclusive, and full of opportunities for women ready to break barriers and build their careers.