By Swelihle Mabaso
The Mandela Mining Precinct’s Successful Application of Technologies Centred Around People (SATCAP) programme hosted a Mining Careers Day in July 2026 at the Wits Mining Institute, University of the Witwatersrand (Wits), aimed at inspiring young people to explore the diverse career opportunities available in the mining industry.
Supported by the Wits School of Mining Engineering, Enterprises University of Pretoria, Dwyka Mining Services South Africa, Harmony Gold and the Mining Qualifications Authority (MQA), the event brought together school learners from KwaZulu-Natal’s Nombuso High School, members of the South African Mining Youth Association (SAMYA), and university students.
The Career Day provided participants with an opportunity to explore career pathways across the mining value chain, including digital innovation, sustainability, engineering, technology and entrepreneurship. Hands-on experiences at the Wits DigiMine and Mining Testing Laboratories, together with demonstrations of modern mining technologies, gave participants a practical view of how innovation is transforming the industry.
The initiative also coincided with the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation’s inaugural National Science Month, celebrated throughout July under the theme “Science, Technology and Innovation Are for Everyone.” The programme reinforced the message that mining is evolving into a technology-driven industry with opportunities extending well beyond traditional mining roles.
A Day of Discovery at Wits University
Matsobane Nong from the Wits School of Mining Engineering opened the programme with an overview of careers in mining. He explained the wide variety of professional pathways available, the importance of Mathematics, Physical Sciences and STEM subjects, university and technical entry requirements, career progression opportunities, and the economic value of pursuing a mining career.
Providing a personal perspective, Benedict Matlala, a Graduate-in-Training Engineer at Harmony Gold, shared his journey from bursary student to young mining professional. His honest reflections on the challenges, rewards and lessons learned gave learners valuable insight into what they could expect while pursuing careers in mining. He also highlighted both academic and technical pathways into the industry.
Looking towards the future, Wessel Botha from Enterprises University of Pretoria discussed the skills that will define tomorrow’s mining workforce. He emphasised the growing importance of digital literacy, artificial intelligence, data analytics, automation and technology-enabled hybrid careers, encouraging learners to prepare themselves for an increasingly digital industry.
Digital innovation specialist Tjaart Kruger from Dwyka Mining Services showcased how technology is transforming mining operations both in South Africa and globally. One of the highlights of the day was a live demonstration of a robotic “dog” used to inspect hazardous and inaccessible mining environments, illustrating how advanced technologies are making mining safer and more efficient.
Zamani Ndlela from the Research Institute for Innovation and Sustainability concluded the presentations by exploring entrepreneurship opportunities across the mining value chain. His engaging session demonstrated that mining extends far beyond extraction and offers opportunities for innovators, technology developers, service providers and entrepreneurs to contribute to the sector’s future growth.
Bridging Theory with Practical Mining Experience
Following the presentations, participants participated in a series of interactive learning activities where they experienced mining technologies firsthand.
The group visited the DigiMine laboratory, where they explored how digital technologies are being developed and tested to improve mining safety, productivity and sustainability. Learners gained insight into how innovative surface technologies are adapted for use in complex underground mining environments.
Participants also toured the Rock Engineering Testing Laboratory, where they observed how rock samples are analysed to better understand rock behaviour, strength and fracture mechanisms. The laboratory experience demonstrated the scientific processes involved in transforming underground geological samples into valuable engineering information.
The programme continued with demonstrations of the BlastWeb II System, a digital blasting control platform used within a simulated underground tunnel to safely test wireless and electronic detonators from a centralised control room. Learners were also introduced to modern surveying equipment used to map underground workings and support safe mine planning.
These practical demonstrations reinforced how engineering, geology, data science, automation and digital technologies work together to create safer, smarter and more sustainable mining operations.
Inspiring the Future Workforce
To help learners plan their academic and professional journeys, information on mining careers, STEM subject choices and bursary opportunity booklets from the National Science and Technology Forum (NSTF), Wits University and the Mining Qualifications Authority were provided.
The day concluded with a heartfelt vote of thanks from one of the Grade 12 learners, who reflected on the impact of the experience:
“With hard work and determination, we can achieve anything we want to, and we should never allow our backgrounds to limit our future.”
Many participants echoed a similar sentiment, recognising that mining remains one of South Africa’s most important industries and continues to offer meaningful employment, innovation and entrepreneurial opportunities for young people.
Dr Pontsho Twala, Director at the Wits Mining Institute, said the institute supported the initiative because it aligned with its mandate to strengthen the youth pipeline into the sector and encourage the next generation of mining professionals.
Through initiatives such as the Mining Careers Day, MMP’s SATCAP Programme is helping to broaden perceptions of mining by showcasing an industry increasingly shaped by technology, innovation, sustainability and people.
