Cover Story published in: Frontier Blaze
October 2025
A Resilient Voice of Empathy and Transformation in Global Mining Leadership
In an industry often defined by tradition and toughened leadership, Tozama Kulati Siwisa stands apart as a force of transformation. Her journey from unexpected beginnings to becoming one of the most influential voices in Corporate Affairs and ESG leadership is a testament to resilience, ethical conviction, and visionary purpose.
Tozama does not simply manage stakeholder relations or compliance — she reimagines what corporate affairs can mean for mining and beyond. By weaving sustainability, inclusivity, and empathy into the fabric of business strategy, she is proving that industries built on extraction can also become engines of empowerment and renewal.
Her voice resonates on both local and global stages, not for the titles she holds, but for the values she upholds — integrity, empathy, and authentic leadership. In shaping the future of mining, Tozama is not only driving business success; she is redefining what it means to lead with heart, purpose, and impact.
— Noah Sinclair, Editor-in-Chief
An Unintended Journey Turned Calling
Tozama never envisioned a career in mining. Yet when the opportunity presented itself, she discovered a deeper purpose: mining wasn’t just about extracting minerals from the ground — it was about building bridges between industry and community, transforming lives and landscapes through ethical operations.
Her early experience managing the Stakeholder Engagement and Social and Labour Plan portfolio at Lonmin Plc during a period of significant social unrest shaped her leadership philosophy. It taught her that responsible mining has the potential to catalyze economic upliftment and sustainable development. Above all, it underscored the importance of listening — a principle she has carried throughout her career.
Tozama Kulati Siwisa has been honoured with a Certificate of Recognition by Frontier Blaze as one of the Most Influential Voices in Corporate Affairs and ESG Leadership.
Defining Corporate Affairs in a New Era
At West Wits Mining, Tozama ensures that the organisation operates with efficiency, empathy, transparency, and responsibility.
Under her stewardship, Corporate Affairs is more than stakeholder management — it’s a strategic powerhouse shaping business trajectory. She ensures robust communication between governments, communities, investors, and employees, navigating complex negotiations and crises with clarity and poise.
Her leadership ensures West Wits operates with integrity, coherence, and credibility. Her legal expertise has been crucial in securing operational licenses, such as the Mining Right and Water Use Licenses, and advising on ESG integration and BBBEE compliance.
The Ethical Compass Behind the Executive
Tozama’s leadership is anchored in empathy, respect, transparency, and social justice. “I don’t want to be like a man. I am a woman in mining,” she says — a statement defining her leadership style. She redefines power through compassion and inclusion, not dominance.
Her spiritual grounding and love for animals deepen her sense of empathy, balance, and resilience — qualities that reflect in her approach to leadership.
ESG: A Vision for the Future of Mining
Tozama has been at the forefront of embedding Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) values into West Wits Mining’s core strategy. Her legal expertise helped secure the company’s Mining Right and Water Use Licenses, maintaining compliance and continuity.
At West Wits, ESG is not a checkbox — it’s central to every project. The Qala Shallows Project exemplifies this, built from inception on principles of sustainability and community impact.
“We are entering a new era where social impact and governance hold equal weight to financial performance.”
She advocates for green energy, ethical sourcing, and real-time environmental monitoring through technologies like blockchain and analytics. For her, ESG is both a moral obligation and a business enabler.
Building Trust in Complex Contexts: The Zama-Zama Approach
While many view artisanal miners as adversaries, Tozama sees humanity first. Her engagement with Zama-Zama communities — informal miners operating near West Wits’ sites — focuses on dialogue, coexistence, and collaboration.
This empathy-driven approach transforms conflict into cooperation and strengthens the company’s social license to operate — proving that ethical engagement is not only possible but powerful.
Women in Mining: Paving the Way Forward
Tozama’s message is clear: there is power in female leadership. She encourages women to lead authentically and challenges them to develop technical skills, emotional intelligence, and confidence.
“Know that you belong. Define success on your own terms.”
Through mentorship and advocacy, she empowers women across Africa to rise in mining leadership — not by conforming, but by reshaping what leadership looks like.
Speaking on the Global Stage
Tozama’s influence spans continents — from Africa Down Under to The Mining Show (Dubai), the Africa Mining and Minerals Forum, and the International Conference on Sustainable Mining (India).
Her speeches are transformative, blending strategic insight with deep humanity — leaving audiences inspired to lead with integrity and impact.
Lessons in Leadership
Reflecting on her journey, Tozama shares three principles:
- Change Takes Time — Transformation requires patience and persistence.
- Set Boundaries — Sustainable leadership requires balance and rest.
- Listen More Than You Speak — Leadership begins with understanding.
Mining Tomorrow: A Vision of Impact
Tozama envisions a carbon-neutral mining future — one defined by circular economy principles, renewable energy, and AI efficiencies. Yet she insists the greatest shift will come from mindset change, where people and planet matter as much as profit.
A Legacy Written in Empowerment
“I dream of an industry where everyone — from executives to underground operators — feels seen, heard, and valued. Where diversity is strength and inclusion means everyone has a stake in the future we’re building together.”
Her legacy lies not just in projects or policies but in the people she’s empowered — the women she’s mentored, the communities she’s uplifted, and the integrity she’s brought to every room.
“I want to be remembered as someone who led with heart, never compromised integrity, and proved that mining can be a force for lasting, positive change.”
The Resonant Voice Shaping Tomorrow’s Industry
Tozama stands as the Empathetic Architect — building bridges, designing strategies rooted in sustainability and inclusion, and proving that authentic, human-centered leadership is essential for the future.
She doesn’t just talk about transformation — she lives it.
Her leadership at West Wits and engagement with Zama-Zamas embody the belief that profit and purpose can coexist.
She is, without doubt, one of the Most Influential Voices in Corporate Affairs and ESG Leadership, shaping an industry where power and empathy walk hand in hand toward a sustainable future.
