SAWIMA M&E 2026
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SAWIMA Mining & Energy Conference · 12 Nov 2026 · Birchwood Hotel, OR Tambo, Johannesburg

The fastest growing transformation platform in mining and energy.

One day. One room. Every decision-maker reshaping who owns, leads and builds Africa's mining and energy future — anchored by the women doing it first. This year, the day closes with a Gala Dinner honouring 70 years of progress.

One-Day Conference
Gala Dinner Evening Included
500+ Delegates Expected
Register to Attend → Download the Brochure
Panellists on stage at a SAWIMA conference
12
NOV '26
Our starting point
At SAWIMA, we care about the people. We put them first — not as a footnote to the industry, but as the reason it moves forward at all.
SAWIMA was never built to represent women in mining from the outside. It exists to put them inside the room — as owners, operators, investors and decision-makers — and to turn access into influence, and influence into economic value.
Two women embracing warmly at a SAWIMA conference
The relationships behind the work.
70 years of progress

A march that started in 1956 still sets the pace.

In August 1956, more than 20,000 women marched to the Union Buildings in a defining moment in South Africa's history. Seventy years later, SAWIMA carries that legacy into the boardrooms, mine sites and energy projects shaping the country's future.

1956
The march that set the standard
20,000 women march on the Union Buildings, demanding participation, opportunity and inclusion — the throughline every SAWIMA conference since has carried forward.
2023
The inaugural conference
SAWIMA's first Mining & Energy Conference — proof of appetite for a platform built specifically around women's economic participation.
2025
Scale, and the highest calibre yet
500+ delegates over two days at the Gallagher Convention Centre, and the highest calibre of speakers, sponsors and strategic partners in SAWIMA's history.
2026
One day. Sharper focus. A Gala evening.
The 2026 conference moves beyond scale alone — a single, decision-maker-led day on 12 November at Birchwood Hotel & OR Tambo Conference Centre, followed by a Gala Dinner honouring 70 years of women's leadership.
A speaker addressing delegates from the podium at a SAWIMA conference
From the SAWIMA stage — the platform behind the legacy.
500+
Delegates
30+
Speakers & Panellists
10+
Keynote Addresses
1
Gala Dinner Evening
70
Years of Legacy
An exhibitor engaging with delegates on the conference floor
Why partner with SAWIMA

Not a conference. A strategic platform.

The SAWIMA Mining & Energy Conference connects decision-makers, investors, operators, policymakers, financiers and entrepreneurs shaping the future of mining and energy across Africa.

01

Access Decision-Makers

Engage directly with executives, investors, policymakers and entrepreneurs influencing investment and growth.

02

Drive Business Growth

Identify new opportunities, partnerships, suppliers, clients and investment prospects.

03

Influence Industry Direction

Contribute to conversations shaping policy, transformation and competitiveness.

04

Demonstrate Leadership

Champion sustainable growth, enterprise development and inclusive participation.

On the platform — 2025

Every voice that shaped the conversation.

The full 2025 speaker and panellist roster, drawn from the official conference programme.

Panel discussion with four speakers at the SAWIMA conference
Innocent Khathi-Mathonsi:
SAWIMA Chairperson
Deputy Minister Phumzile Mgcina:
Deputy Minister, Department of Mineral Resources & Petroleum
Dr. Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka:
Founder of SAWIMA & Former Deputy President of South Africa
Namakau Kaingu:
Panellist, Industry Landscape Discussion
Daphne Mashile-Nkosi:
Founder, CEO & Executive Chairperson, Kalagadi Manganese
Cathy Mohlahlana:
Award-Winning Broadcaster & Conference Moderator
Zandile Njamela:
Panellist, Global Innovation & Business Growth
Bonita Botha:
Panellist, Global Innovation & Business Growth
Lungile Mashele:
Panellist, Global Innovation & Business Growth
Phelisa Nkomo:
Independent Development Economist
Lebogang Motsepe:
Panellist, Funding Mining & Energy Projects
Sibongile Zulu:
Panellist, Funding Mining & Energy Projects
Ruse Moleshe:
Panellist, Funding Mining & Energy Projects (National Empowerment Fund)
Dr. Nombasa Tsengwa:
Former Chief Executive Officer, Exxaro Resources
Elizabeth Marabwa:
Chief Director: PPMO, Department of Mineral Resources & Energy
Rivoningo Mnisi:
Panellist, Enabling Environment for Women Businesses
Tlaleng Moabi:
Panellist, Enabling Environment for Women Businesses
Thabang Shomang:
Speaker, Legal Challenges in Mining & Energy
Dr. Thabo Mashongoane:
Panellist, Driving Sustainable Mining Through Futuristic Skills
Mzila Mthenjane:
Chief Executive Officer, Minerals Council South Africa
Dr. Sindiswa Mzamo:
President, Circle of Global Business Women
Patricia Mahiwa:
Panellist, Embracing Collaboration
Clara Sodlulashe-Mwenze:
Chairperson, SAWIC (South African Women in Construction)
Inonge Mpupuni:
Panellist, Embracing Collaboration
Sandi Mbutuma:
Panellist, Embracing Collaboration
Tshepiso Kgapola Ngobeni:
South African Innovative Financial Services Cooperative Bank
Nosi Mzamo:
Chief Executive Officer, State Diamond Trader
Nomalungelo Stofile:
Panellist, National Diamond Trader Session
Khomotso Ramodipa:
Panellist, National Diamond Trader Session
Randall Hendricks:
Spotlight Speaker, Mpumalanga Mining Incubator
Prof. Mimmie Watts:
Speaker, Global Business Insights
Natalie Bates:
Speaker, Recruiting Women in Mining & Energy
Dr. Kinesh Pather:
Panellist, Shaping the Next Decade of Mining & Energy
Fezeka Mavuso:
SAWIMA Treasurer General
What to look for — 2026

Ten themes shaping the one-day programme.

The 2026 speaker line-up is still being finalised — here's the ground the conference will cover, from the draft programme.

01

Legacy & Leadership

Intergenerational leadership stories from across the sector.

02

Women in Decision-Making

From boardroom to mine shaft — women's leadership at every level.

03

Economic Empowerment

Building resilient and inclusive economies.

04

Policy into Practice

Creating sustainable opportunities for women in mining and energy.

05

Innovation & Technology

Digital mines, smart energy systems, and women reshaping STEM.

06

Energy Transition

Building an inclusive energy future and unlocking Just Transition opportunities.

07

Mining Tourism

Identifying new economic opportunities in the sector.

08

Investment & Partnerships

Unlocking capital for women-led ventures and strategic partnerships across Africa.

09

Skills & Future Workforce

Preparing the next generation of women leaders.

10

Human Stories

A fireside chat on the women behind the work.

Conference closes at 16:00 — straight into the SAWIMA Gala Dinner.
Sponsorship brochure

Be a part of Africa's fastest growing conference.

Sponsorship tiers, exhibition packages, benefits and booking details — everything you need to bring your organisation into the room.

Be a Part of Africa's Fastest Growing Conference ↓
Guests at the SAWIMA Gala Dinner

Read the SAWIMA 2026 Brochure

The complete 12-page conference and sponsorship brochure is embedded below.

Download Brochure PDF ↓
If the PDF preview does not appear, use the brochure download link.
Previous Event Sponsors

Organisations that have stood behind the platform.