Females mining new frontiers in South Africa

Two black female visionaries are breaking barriers and reshaping mining engineering. In a field traditionally dominated by men, the accomplishments of Wits alumni Dr Pontsho Twala and Dr Adwoa Issaka are inspirational.
These two exceptional black women have shattered barriers and achieved significantly in mining engineering.
Issaka, who in December 2022 became the first black South African female mining engineer, to earn a PhD in Mining Engineering, is now the Unit Manager Safety at South Deep Gold Mine. Similarly, Twala became the second black South African female mining engineer to complete her doctoral studies in Mining Engineering and graduates this month.
Issaka and Twala’s accomplishments as black female graduates in mining engineering are inspiring. Their stories challenge stereotypes and demonstrate the potential for diversity and inclusivity in mining. They are role models for female aspiring engineers.