Anglo's Kweyama, one of most influential women

The gala awards dinner was held at Gallagher Estate in Midrand, Gauteng.

Speaking at the dinner, Kweyama thanked her team and expressed her delight at being among the women acknowledged. "I am sure that there were a number of worthy candidates for this award and I am honoured to be counted as one of them. As a representative of Anglo American, I am pleased to share this award with the group as we continue to make strides in transforming our workforce."

Transformation makes progress

Kweyama was appointed executive director of Anglo American in South Africa in September 2012. Prior to this, she was executive head of human resources at Anglo American's platinum business where she improved relations with unions, brought wage negotiations to a successful conclusion and built a cohesive and unified team. She is also the vice president of the South African Chamber of Mines, and is the first woman to hold this position.

She notes that winning this award sends an important message to not only women in mining but the country in general. "These awards demonstrate that the transformation process in this country is making meaningful progress, and that we as South African businesses are making inroads in facilitating and encouraging professional and personal development for all employees, by developing talent and taking an active interest in developing a diverse workforce."