DCM honours women in mining
It was an all-female affair as Dwarsrivier Chrome Mine's (DCM) Women in Mining team celebrated Women's Month in style.
The mine held a Women’s Day function on August 5 at the Thaba Moshate Hotel, Casino and Convention Resort. The miners ditched their overalls and boots and donned vintage outfits, which was the theme of the day.
Motivational speakers in various fields, such as health, finance and education, honoured the event. Also present was the National Union of Mineworkers’ (Num) Women Structure’s regional chairperson, Sarah Mokabane. In opening the function, Letticia Ngwenya told the attendees to have a strong relationship with God.
“Let’s have a relationship with God, let’s go back and develop our love with God. Let’s stop criticising one another as women. We need to appreciate one another and cheer when anyone excels. Let’s pray for unity among women.” DCM’s Mohlago Malesa said as the mine, they decided to celebrate Women’s Day before its actual date, August 9, because some will be working.
“We are celebrating it under the theme of gender equality to aim for a sustainable tomorrow.”
She said women were experiencing many challenges in life. “We need to be vocal, we have to speak about our challenges in life and not be afraid that our colleagues and friends will laugh at our problems.
“We aim to create a network to inspire, support and develop the progression of women in mining. The figures indicate that we have few women in mining, and we need more women to join this field.
“Today, we are here to encourage you and motivate you and to also celebrate you as females. We are here to acknowledge and appreciate the contribution you are making as women at DCM.”
Mirriam Mashego, a pastor, inspirational speaker, businesswoman, radio guest speaker and author, advised the attendees on marriages and abuse.
“I was in two failed marriages. I was abused in both marriages. It was hectic. Let’s learn to love God and ourselves, and reassess our values. Get advice from experts such as pastors and social workers, and quit abusive relationships.
“It’s not your fault when you are being abused. When you are married to a broken man, chances are that he will break you. I was married to broken men.”
Mashego told the ladies about forgiveness. “I had to forgive my abusers. Don’t have grudges in life; forgive and forget. Thereafter, empower yourself, study hard, exercise, redefine yourself and love your life. Forgiveness is liberating.
“My message today is that you can actually leave an abusive relationship.”
Jaruska Warricker spoke about mental health, depression and financial wellness.
“Talk to one another, exercise to keep your mental health. When you feel stressed, anxious or when you feel bad, take a deep breath and relax.
“Give yourself time; join a charity get a hobby in order to feel good. Congratulate yourself when you have succeeded. Work on your budgets to avoid debts, and refrain from buying unnecessary items.”
Healthcare practitioner Patience Lukhele advised the miners on health matters. She touched on topics such as breast cancer, sexually transmitted diseases and chronic diseases. She urged the women to get tested for diseases, to eat healthy and to live a healthy lifestyle. Shirley Malekane, a DCM employee, urged the miners to pursue their studies. “Its never too late to study. I first worked at DCM without a matric certificate, but I managed to study through programmes offered by the mine. I now have matric and an avalanche of certificates. The company has opportunities for those who still want
to study.”
Num’s Mokabane reiterated that women have to stand up for their rights and fight gender-based violence. Representing the management of DCM was Esther Sibuyi, the mine’s human resource manager.
“Our next function has to be longer, we expect our female colleagues to all attend and share their stories. Women in mining will assist in building unity among the female employees; it will also monitor and support gender mainstreaming initiatives in the workplace. Let’s empower ourselves, study and acquire top positions. As women, we need to talk about positive things and avoid gossip. Things such as job opportunities and how to handle interviews.”
The day’s activities were concluded with gifts handed by Thaba Moshate and DCM. Some of the gifts included bed and breakfast at the hotel and massages at Difokeng Spa.
