Spotlighting Lebogang Mphaka – Community Relations Practitioner At The Beers South Africa, Kimberley Region

Mining has a reputation for being rough, remote and dangerous, as well as being one of the most male-dominated industries in the world. South Africa is no exception. We are spotlighting Lebogang Mphaka who has continued to record a successful career in the South Africa mining industry.

Lebogang is a Senior Community Relations Practitioner at De Beers South Africa, Kimberley Region. She holds a BA in Corporate Communications and a Wits Enterprise Certification in Community Relations Practice. Lebogang belongs to professional organizations such as PRISA and the South Africa Business Women Association.

On family and support from work

In a recent move to Kimberley, Lebogang said she has had the support of her family in the career that she has chosen for herself.

She shared that her parents played a crucial role in making sure that as a mother to her young daughter, she doesn’t have to worry about constant travels and working late hours at the office.

Communication is very important in balancing a demanding career and family,

“I communicate a lot with my family about everything and anything. This way my family is able to provide the help that I need when I need it. I don’t have to ask my parents for anything, they are so in tune with my needs that they are able to pick up in the way that I engage.”

She says that she does not waste her time assuming that people will do what they will do. She makes sure that she talks to both her co-workers and family to make sure everyone is on the same page. This helps reduce stress.

‘I’m also flexible in my approach to doing things, I understand that things will not always go according to plan. Instead of letting it upset me and becoming anxious, I deal with it and save the day.

On work-life balance

Lebogang says that the culture at any company she works for is very important, even more so when it comes to having a healthy work-life balance. An understanding of your individual personality is profoundly important in maximizing your own happiness and productivity at work.

“Work feeds into many aspects of our lives. It influences our self-identity, self esteem and opportunities for personal growth.

“If work was just about making money, it would not matter so much where one works, however she says that for most of us, its about far more than that.

“Company culture helps a lot when it comes to driving and achieving Company goals.”

On sacrifice

‘This move impacted on a lot of aspects of my life. It meant that I had to move away from my family and live alone in a small town with my daughter, a town I was not familiar with.” She admits that there was a time when she was not quite sure of what would come out of this upheaval, however it all turned out well in the end.

Her advice for women looking for sustainable career in mining

Women must adjust their thinking style by having a positive view when it comes to problem solving. Being optimistic at all times goes a long way in any industry. “Being yourself – a real super, in-control version of you also helps a lot.

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