Published in Women in Mining Magazine
August/September 2024
Link: https://issuu.com/wim-magazine/docs/wim_augsept_issue
Tozama Kulati Siwisa, An extraordinary woman born into a Xhosa family as the second youngest of four children, in the Eastern Cape of South Africa. She faced immense challenges from an early age. With an absent father, she found herself pregnant at just 15 years old, a circumstance that society often dismisses. Yet, Tozama refused to be defined by her past.
Today, she resides on her private estate, surrounded by the serenity of horses, and has emerged as a trailblazer, shattering the glass ceiling in the male-dominated mining industry.
Her resilience, fueled by a determination to prove her worth, has transformed her into a sought- after guest speaker, advocate for sustainability, diversity, and women’s empowerment in mining.
Tozama’s journey began with the guiding influence of her mother, a woman without formal education or mining experience, but one who instilled in her daughter the principles and discipline that would become the foundation of Tozama’s success.
“My values are grounded in empathy, integrity, and a strong belief in spiritual guidance. I believe in the healing power of animals and the support of my ancestors, which keep me grounded. You must believe in something that anchors you because, in this industry, if you’re not anchored, you will be blown away.“
As the first in her family to venture into the mining sector, Tozama’s path was uncharted, but she embraced the challenge with a quiet determination that would become her hallmark. Mentors like Michael Rea saw her potential and took her under their wing, nurturing her talent and guiding her through the complexities of the industry.
Tozama’s story is one of resilience, empowerment, and a steadfast commitment to positive change. From being a teenage mother to becoming a leading voice in the mining industry, her journey is a testament to the power of determination, hard work, and the belief that with the right mindset and support, anything is possible.
As Tozama continues to soar, her calm and centered presence serves as a beacon of hope for women around the world, inspiring them to rise above the challenges they face and to reach for the stars. Tozama’s story is a testament to the transformative power of belief, perseverance, and strength.
“When you have a child and you are still a child yourself, society tends to write you off. You have to work extra hard to prove your worth. Even today, in 2024, it is still a challenge for women in mining. Your voice is often not heard, and you have to consistently speak until you are acknowledged. I extend my hand to mentor young women because it’s important for us to support each other.”
True words resonating with the challenges faced by so many young women today.
“Beyond my professional life, I have a vision to open a wellness centre for women in mining on my estate in Hartbeespoort dam. This centre will provide a sanctuary where women can heal and rejuvenate, using nature and animals as healing energies. The farm also has horses, which I intend to integrate into the wellness journey, leveraging their calming and therapeutic presence”.
Tell us about your career life and your current organization and how you ended up in the mining industry.
My drive for success began early in life. At the age of 16, I became a mother, a challenging experience that fuelled my determination to prove myself. I had to grow into a responsible adult overnight, which was not an easy task. I remember wanting to quit so many times, but I didn’t, although it seemed like the easier option, but perseverance through this early challenge instilled in me a relentless work ethic and a commitment to succeed against the odds.
I credit my mom as a significant influence in my life. Despite not having a formal education or a professional career background, her principles and discipline profoundly shaped my character. I am the first in my family to work in the mining industry.
My entry into the mining sector began at the age 29 after moving from the Eastern Cape to Gauteng in search of employment. My first job in Gauteng from the Eastern Cape was at Eskom before I joined the mining industry through Lonmin Plc. At Lonmin I was involved with the implementation of Social and Labour Plan projects emphasising in local economic development and sustainable community growth marking the beginning of my mining career and extensive work in stakeholder engagement. Mentorship played a crucial role in my development in the mining industry. I was fortunate to have mentors like Michael Rea, who saw my potential and took it upon themselves to nurture my talent.
Today, I am serving as Executive Director of West Wits MLI (South African) and Head of Corporate Affairs at West Wits Mining, A Junior Exploration and Mining company. West Wits Mining is all about exploring, developing, and producing high- value precious and base metals. We’re committed to benefiting our shareholders, the communities we operate in, and the environment. We’re a dual-listed company, trading on the ASX as WWI and on the OTCQB as WMWWF.
Right now, we’re focusing on gold and strategic metals in two stable regions – South Africa and Australia. Our flagship project is the Witwatersrand Basin Project in South Africa’s Central Rand Goldfield and close to Johannesburg and Soweto.
You have recently participated in the Egypt Mining Forum? Was this your first time to Egypt?
YES, and YES! Our organization is always looking for opportunities to expand our footprint in the market. Egypt being part of Africa and known for its rich mineral potential of the Arab Nubian Shield just makes Business sense. Although my visit was too short for more touristic indulgences, I managed to explore and most importantly gain insight into the Egyptian mining industry.
The reception from Friends, industry peers and the new Minister of Petroleum and mining, Karim Badawy was nothing short of true African hospitality.
One of the highlights of the Egypt Mining Forum was the focus on creating a supportive, enabling environment for junior miners and The Ministry of Petroleum and Mining is introducing a mining cadastral investment portal. Having access to information, transparency, faster permitting, and more efficient management of mineral rights, combined with the rich geology of the Arab Nubian shield, will definitely boost Egypt’s attractiveness to draw more junior exploration companies, mining companies, and investors into the Egyptian mining sector.
Approximately 60% of African countries currently make use of cadastral systems to grant mineral rights and manage their mining sector and it has been proven that by allowing potential explorers to view the locations of possible mineral deposits and tenements, through an efficient electronic cadastre system enables the attraction of investors and promotes mineral exploration in Africa.
As part of my panel discussion on “Mining for Gen Z Talent and a Gender Diverse Sector,” I emphasised the importance of attracting and nurturing young talent and promoting gender diversity within the mining industry, continuing the excellent work Women In Mining South Africaisdoing. Thefutureofmining depends on our ability to create an inclusive environment that values diverse perspectives and talents.
What’s next for Tozama
Other than Growing, Learning and Giving back, I want to mentor girl and boy children. I want to do this because I want to impart some of the lessons I have learnt, teach them what I wish I was taught as a girl child. Most of all teach them self-love; patience; empathy, humility and most of all respect for the environment and humankind in general.
What would you say to girls and women who wish to join the industry, but are hesitant because of the stigma attached that the physical constraints of mining jobs are unsuitable for women.
Find strength from us who have taken the leap and joined the industry. Learn and improve what we have started, become the best at what you do so that no one will second guess you. We are ready to hand over the baton; to mentor; to coach and provide support when it feels like things are getting difficult.
