In South Africa, the mining and minerals industry has been and still remains the lifeblood of the economy. While no one can reasonably argue with this fact, the current realities of this sector speak to declining production and revenue, the need for digital transformation and sustainability, and most notably – the need to educate, train and upskill the workforce, in order to meet the challenges and shifting dynamics that are faced by this sector head on.
Meet Nonjabulo Mkhondo, a 27-year-old professional in Ventilation Occupational Hygiene and Emergency Preparedness, working underground in South Africa’s sole producer of refined copper. Mkhondo represents a very small number of females who work underground in the country’s mining sector – a space that is notorious for being very male dominated.
“I thrive in high-pressure underground environments, where precision, accountability, and decisive action are non-negotiable. My mission is to set the standard for operational safety and environmental excellence in the mining sector,” she explains.
Mkhondo joined the Mining Qualifications Authority’s (MQA) Graduate Development Programme through Palaborwa Copper in September 2023, where she quickly distinguished herself as a high-performing participant. The MQA supports qualified graduates with an amount of R340 000 over a period of two years for placement with Mining Companies for the purpose of gaining experience required for absorption in the industry. Mkhondo is one of thousands of beneficiaries that have managed to change their lives through programmes that are offered by the MQA – a Sector Education and Training Authority (SETA) responsible for the facilitation of skills development programmes for the mining and minerals sector in South Africa. Mkhondo’s exceptional performance led to her early absorption into Palaborwa Copper in April 2025, well ahead of schedule due to her capability, dedication and high potential. “My role demands precision, proactive problem-solving, and an unwavering commitment to workplace safety. I continuously strive to improve operational standards, mentor colleagues, and contribute meaningfully to Palaborwa Copper’s legacy of excellence,” she concludes.