The story about the people underground, Lomuntu kalo mgodi! Saturday 12 April marked the significant day in calendar of the School of Mining at the University of Johannesburg Doornfontein Campus, as they hosted the Annual General Meeting, AGM with resounding success. The reception to the Ulwazi hall event was signified by an array of colorful graphic display by Mining organizations and representatives from the Industry.
Many experienced executives, fundis and alumni heeded the call to reflect and guide the Mining Engineering undergraduates of what to expect as they prepare to enter the real world workspace in the industry.With the compelling miners’ chants and a demonstration of manhandling the underground boring machinery, the historic Fanakalo mining language that are the very heart of a daily miners’ experience, would set the tone to the guests about the country’s complex mineral extraction business that goes many generations if not centuries! Clad in stunning corporate outfits, the Women in Mining exuded a power display with the sweet pink makarapa as aspiring mine engineers, that impressed industry experts of their staying power!
Thabiso Sithole, a highly active co-compere of the program and leading the miners’ songs, while addressing the guest panelists, highlighted the pertinent issues discussions in tackling the pressing industry issues that required collaboration and that seeks to navigate and network into a shared common vision. He indicated the major contributing sector to the South African economy has the obligation to the all-important Mine Health Safety Act the primary legislative Code of Practice and standards regulating the mining operations. Therefore, the compliance to miners’ safety can never be underestimated.
The keynote speaker from the Junior Mining Council organization, Lisa-Lou Arendse, engaged the aspirant mining engineers of the ‘whys’ in the career! She mentioned that her Non-Profit Organization stands in the gap for the Junior Sector miners tackling the policies and regulations that hinder their opportunities. “We are a collection of producers, suppliers, legal and corporate members standing as one to face the problems the Junior Sector grapples with. We have a collaborative effort with junior graduates, giving support and job opportunities network and with AI and transformation, the old miner should not be underestimated, as he’s the one with all the experience.” Advised Arendse.
The event was also graced by Zweli Ndese, President of AMMSA (The Association of Mine Managers, who stated that, “every student must become a member of the much resourceful organization. As AMMSA we host different university students in the mines annually and If you are a mining student currently, at any institution you must join even at junior level to become positioned for the benefits, that will enable you to growing your career and find support to move up the ranks. In this country we have been mining for 170 years and more, the same as our counterparts, Australia and Canada.” He further mentioned that these countries have used their mineral resources to advance their economies to the state that they do not have to rely on mining alone but also into more sustainable services.
Chairperson of the Mining Forum Raulinga Dakalo mentioned that “this being the 21st AGM in the School of Mining Engineering becoming the bridge between the industry and Academia. We assist students in mentoring, tutorship and facilitating mine visits, etc. As South Africa is among the 3rd top country rich in minerals, discussions are how the 4IR technologies can be implemented, how innovative can we be able to effectively extract minerals to the benefit of all.”
The core of the event and discussions were how undergraduates can position themselves for the industry. To follow trends and learn industry specific guidelines, including platforms that will be advantageous as they enter the field. To anticipate the various, realistic expectations with a clear mindset in the diverse industry with a myriad of occupations open to them as junior engineers and the development stages to achieve senior career designations. To give more substance the alumni in the panel discussions reflected on pressing realistic issues they face in the working environment which they highlighted towards the experts in attendance to the benefit of all present.
Jerry Sokhupe
Soweto Sunrise News
