[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]By Shumirai Chimombe
Harmony Gold Mining Company Limited (Harmony) were honoured with the Standard Bank Top Women Business in Construction, Infrastructure & Mining Award 2024 at the ceremony held in Johannesburg on 4 December. The award, sponsored by RS South Africa was for Harmony’s commitment to maintaining and enhancing its diversity, equity and inclusion programmes across its operations, as well as its initiatives to empower women in its host communities.
In a statement after receiving the award, the company said: “At Harmony, we firmly believe in mining with purpose – building a sustainable future where mining is not just about extracting resources but empowering communities, advancing environmental stewardship, and driving inclusive economic growth. We are extremely honoured that our efforts in striving for diversity, equity and inclusion have been recognised in the category Standard Bank Top Women Business in Construction, Infrastructure and Mining 2024. Harmony Financial Director, Boipelo Lekubo, was nominated as a finalist in the individual category of Haley Fletcher Top Women Business Leader of the year 2024. A big congratulations to her as well.”
Harmony is a world-class gold mining and exploration company with operations and assets in South Africa and Papua New Guinea (PNG). With more than 70 years’ experience in the industry, it is globally the largest producer of gold from the retreatment of old tailings dams, making it a major player in the circular economy. It continues to expand its footprint as in addition to owning and operating the Hidden Valley mine in Papua New Guinea (PNG), the company also owns 50% of the significant Wafi-Golpu copper-gold project – a tier 1 asset – in a joint venture in PNG and the Eva Copper project in Australia. The company’s primary stock exchange listing is on the JSE with a secondary listing on the New York Stock Exchange.
[/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https://www.topbusinesswomen.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Harmony-awards2.jpeg” title_text=”Harmony awards2″ _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”] A commitment to providing an inclusive work environment
Harmony prides itself in its efforts to create and maintain an engaged and empowered workforce through sound labour relations, supporting diversity, inclusivity and equality, and investing in and caring for their people. Gender equality is an essential aspect of the company’s human resources policies, charters and engagement contracts.
Its commitment to gender equality is recognised globally as demonstrated by their sixth consecutive inclusion in the Bloomberg Gender-Equality Index, which tracks the performance of public companies committed to supporting gender equality through policy development, representation and transparency
“We are committed to making the mining industry more inclusive. Whether through gender diversity, local employment opportunities, or supporting women in leadership roles, we believe that diverse perspectives are critical for innovation and resilience. This award is a testament to the progress we are making, but it also reminds us there is more work to do. Award winning sports broadcaster, Carol Tshabalala, who was the MC on the night, commended Harmony for its drive to develop women through its learnerships and internships, graduate development programme and bursaries.”
The company has adopted a people development strategy that aims to increase female representation across all levels, particularly management levels.
“Maintaining a steadfast commitment to gender inclusivity in the workplace is both a moral and strategic imperative for Harmony. By fostering an environment where all voices are heard, talents are nurtured, and opportunities are equal, we can tap into a diverse array of perspectives and talents, driving innovation, and ultimately, sustainable success in today’s dynamic and interconnected world.”
Addressing GBV and femicide in mining communities
The company pledged R1million a year over the next three years to the national partnership established by the Minerals Council South Africa, the Gender-Based Violence and Femicide Response Fund and the National Prosecuting Authority to support victims in mining communities.
The donation will enable the National Prosecuting Authority’s Thuthuzela care centres to reach women in remote mining communities with immediate and effective access to counselling, healthcare and the justice system, including medical and other resources provided by Harmony. .
“We encourage women in our workplaces and communities to voice their challenges and aspirations through established forums. The outcomes of our surveys on gender-based biases, bullying and sexual harassment enable us to implement measures that address barriers in communication and awareness, culture and leadership, targeted interventions and training, policies and practices, facilities and the work environment.”
Empowering Black female-owned businesses through enterprise supplier development
“Our procurement spend as well as enterprise and supplier development interventions stimulate economic activity, including women and youth empowerment, within communities.”
In South Africa, Harmony is working on creating a solid pipeline of businesses owned by black women and youths through their incubation programme.
Moleboheng Mokhuoa – Glorificar Trading
At the awards ceremony, special mention was made for Harmony’s support of Glorificar Trading, a relationship it has maintained with the 100% black female-owned business in the Free State since 2018.
Moleboheng Mokhuoa began her business journey as a street hawker selling, and eventually supplying, vegetables and fruit. She established Glorificar Trading in 2016, which now has 27 permanent employees including three women.
The business has been transporting Harmony’s employees and goods in the Free State since 2019, and the contract now includes transporting contaminated material to Harmony’s Target mine valued at around R3 million, rehabilitating the Steyn 1 site and shaping rock dumps. In 2022, she became a cross-functional original equipment manufacturer transformation strategy beneficiary as a Videx Mining Products partner transporting equipment to Harmony and other clients. In 2024 the company was awarded a mega bus contract for the transportation of Harmony’s employees valued at approximately R182 million.
Khethiwe Mothobi – Tailor Made Trading and Projects
Established by Khethiwe Mothobi in 2017, Tailor Made Trading and Projects is a construction and mining services company. With 40 permanent employees including five women from Welkom and Virginia, the company focuses on building maintenance, land rehabilitation and reclamation, industrial cleaning and cement supply.
Harmony provides Khethiwe’s main income stream, which enables her to retain clients in the private and public sectors. She began supplying sanitiser to Harmony’s operations in 2020 and has since been awarded bulk cement supply, demolition and rehabilitation contracts. Khethiwe’s company is currently renovating Harmony’s employee accommodation, offices, change houses and other buildings in the Free State.
“Harmony was the turning point for me. The mentorship sessions equipped me in ways no other school of life could have. I learned about managing business finance, HR practices and the importance of having systems, policies and procedures in the workplace. My workforce grew by 50% just from the investment Harmony made and contributed to Tailor Made. My finances got a massive boost as well but most importantly we grew our service offering not just vertically but horizontally as well. I can never thank Harmony enough for what they did and continue to do for me and Tailor Made.” – Khethiwe
Dr Urishanie Govender, Chief Sustainability Officer said: “Financial success and inclusivity are not mutually exclusive. At Harmony, we know that profitability and purpose thrive together. A financially sound business that uplifts its people and respects the planet has the power to create enduring value – not just for shareholders, but for employees, communities, and future generations.”
“We dedicate this award to every woman in business, particularly those in mining and industries where we still see gender imbalances. We hope it inspires others to step forward, challenge norms, and lead with purpose.”
[/et_pb_text][et_pb_code _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]
[/et_pb_code][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]