BREAKING THE MOLD:
Emily Masanabo on Redefining Women’s Role in Mining
In an industry still dominated by men, Emily Masanabo is breaking barriers—underground and beyond. As an engineering planner, mother, and mentor, she’s proving that women not only belong in mining—they are essential to its future.
In the red-dust heart of Mpumalanga, beneath the surface of one of South Africa’s most powerful industries, women are quietly rewriting the rules of mining—one shift at a time.
At the forefront is Emily Masanabo, a 38-year-old engineering planner at Booysendal mine’s South Concentrator. Her story reflects not only grit and determination but also a growing call for change in a sector that has long overlooked the needs—and the power—of women.
Born in Mamelodi East, Pretoria, Emily is the youngest of three daughters. Today, she is a proud mother to a 10-year- old girl, a qualified electrician, a certified maintenance planner, and the founder of LadyEms Touch, a foundation dedicated to supporting vulnerable communities—especially the girl child. She also happens to work in one of the country’s most physically demanding and male-dominated industries—and she’s thriving.
But thriving doesn’t mean it’s easy.
“You constantly have to show and remind people that you’re not just a woman—you’re a professional who’s skilled, focused, and here because you earned your place,” Emily explains.
Despite corporate commitments to inclusion, the reality for Women in Mining (WIM) remains riddled with challenges: ill-fitting PPE, outdated equipment, unequal pay, unsafe
environments, and limited opportunities for advancement. Representation may be increasing, but without the right support structures, progress remains performative.
Take personal protective equipment, for example.
“When you wear PPE that’s designed for someone else’s body, it’s not just uncomfortable—it’s unsafe,” says Emily. “Proper fit means better focus, better performance, and less risk. It’s not vanity. It’s essential.”
And yet, more than 80% of women in technical roles still wear gear tailored for men—boots that chafe, gloves that slip, garments that restrict movement. As Emily puts it, “If you look good, you feel good. And if you feel good, you can do anything you put your hand and mind to.”
Emily studied Electrical Engineering at Tshwane South College and furthered her knowledge with a qualification in Maintenance Planning from Terotechnica. Her current role as an engineering planner places her at the heart of operations—scheduling, optimizing, and supporting essential mining infrastructure. Outside of work, she travels, enjoys the outdoors, plays golf, and pours her energy into mentorship and community-building through her foundation.
But even with a full plate, her ambition is far from capped.
“In five years, I want to be consulting in the mining space, hold my Government Certificate of Competency (GCC), and be running a successful NGO. I want to help shape mining policies that support—not just include—women.”
Because the message is clear: it’s no longer enough to allow women into mining. The industry must actively enable them to succeed.
This means more than awareness campaigns. It requires intentional investment in inclusive technology, equal pay, female-focused design, and leadership development. It also means prioritizing issues uniquely affecting women— security, GBV, and access to safe, sanitary working environments.
“We don’t want things because we’re women. We want what we deserve as professionals. Put in the work. Let it speak for you. Advocate for yourself. And if your value isn’t recognized where you are—don’t be afraid to leave.”
Emily encourages women to seek mentors, build support networks, and stay open to continuous learning. But the responsibility doesn’t lie with women alone.
The industry must ask itself the harder questions: Are we creating spaces where women can thrive—not just survive? Are we investing in their long-term growth, or simply ticking boxes?
Because when women like Emily Masanabo are given the tools, support, and recognition they deserve, they don’t just succeed—they transform the ground beneath their feet.
INSPIRED TO CONNECT OR COLLABORATE?
To explore how SiSi Safety Wear is championing safety and
inclusion for women across industries, visit:
www.sisisafetywear.co.za
info@sisisafetywear.co.za
Let’s empower women to lead, safely and boldly.
