STAFF WRITER

It’s no exaggeration to say that mining runs in Annakleta Kudumo’s blood. Her two grandfathers worked in the South African gold mines, while her father spent his career at the Rosh Pinah zinc mine. Born and raised in this mining town, Kudumo proudly identifies as a “Third Generation Miner.”

In this candid interview with the Inspirational Women in Business (IWIB) magazine, Kudumo (AK) shares how a childhood shaped by mining stories sparked her passion, how her role supports mine safety, and why women in mining still face unique challenges.

IWIB: Please introduce yourself – your name and your occupation.

AK: My name is Annakleta Kudumo. I’m a Geotechnical Engineer at the Rosh Pinah Zinc Mine in southwestern Namibia. I consider myself a Third Generation Miner.

IWIB: When did your interest in mining begin?

AK: I currently lead the geotechnical engineering section in the Technical Services Department—also known as the “Braintrust” of the mine—as Senior Geotechnical Engineer. We are responsible for designing and maintaining safe, stable excavations and structures.

My interest in mining goes back as far as I can remember. Both my grandfathers worked in the gold mines in South Africa, and their stories of camaraderie and survival under the apartheid system fascinated me. They even spoke “Fanikalo,” a special mining dialect that allowed communication across language barriers. Mining shaped my childhood.

My father also worked at Rosh Pinah, and I was always curious about the mine’s inner workings. I remember listening to radio conversations between underground crews as my father charged his mine radio. The teamwork impressed me deeply. I didn’t know how I’d get there, but I knew I wanted to be part of that world.

In 2007, I earned a bursary to study geology at Stellenbosch University. That led me to my first job as a graduate geologist. Two years in, a company restructuring made my role redundant. I applied for three available positions and was offered the geotechnical engineering role—my first sign I was on the right path. I dove in, supported by further studies and industry qualifications from the University of Witwatersrand and the South African Chamber of Mines.

IWIB: What are your key responsibilities in your role?

AK: My job is to enable the safe and economically sound extraction of ore. I apply technical expertise in ground control, stability analysis, and geotechnical risk management—identifying, assessing, and mitigating hazards to keep operations safe and smooth, both underground and on the surface. Equally important is mentoring the next generation of geotechnical professionals. We aim not only to meet our mine’s needs but to contribute meaningfully to Namibia’s labor market—producing engineers who can compete on the global stage.

IWIB: How do you find the work?

AK: I absolutely love what I do. This field suits my personality perfectly. Geotechnical engineering links geology and mining—two areas close to my heart—and transforms scientific principles into a practical art that protects lives and livelihoods. I don’t take the responsibility lightly.

IWIB: What challenges do women face in Namibia’s mining sector?

AK: While progress has been made, challenges remain. At Rosh Pinah, we’ve seen more women entering roles once dominated by men—operators, miners, artisans, and assistants. But many of us still have to prove our competence repeatedly to earn respect. Men often receive that respect by default.

When I started in 2012, I was simply referred to as “daai vrou by Geologie” (“that woman from Geology”). My instructions were relayed that way, without even using my name. It was a clear signal I wasn’t fully accepted. That has since changed—but it’s a silent, common struggle for many women.

Infrastructure is another issue. PPE often doesn’t fit women properly. Many workplaces lack suitable facilities for breastfeeding mothers, forcing them to pump in bathrooms or shared offices. These gaps contribute to the so-called “leaky pipeline”—yes, women are entering the workforce, but the systems aren’t in place to help us stay and thrive.

IWIB: What can companies do to attract more women to mining careers?

AK: Equal opportunity—that’s what women need. Real, unbiased opportunity to compete for roles, without assumptions about how our gender might limit us. Also, infrastructure must evolve. Women shouldn’t be an afterthought. Design workspaces with us in mind from the outset, not as retrofitted additions.

IWIB: There’s been a lot of talk about getting girls into STEM. What has your experience as a woman in mining been like?

AK: We’ve succeeded in encouraging girls into STEM—judging by the graduates coming from our universities and joining the workforce. The next challenge is retention—keeping women in the system.

 My experience has been both rewarding and enriching. Early on, I sometimes felt like I didn’t belong—mostly due to perceptions from outside my department. But within the Mineral Resources Management team, women led multiple sections, and that inspired confidence. I saw that it was possible for me too, with effort and perseverance.

IWIB: Do you have a plan for the future?

AK: My current focus is completing my Master’s in Mining Engineering, specializing in Rock Engineering. I also want to build a world-class Geotechnical Engineering team—one that leaves a lasting legacy and allows me to pursue future opportunities with confidence.

IWIB: How do you balance work with being a wife and mother?

AK: A supportive husband makes a big difference. We’ve also set up systems at home—schedules for our toddler’s meals, naps, playtime, etc. It can seem overwhelming at first, especially for the house manager, but it minimizes chaos and allows me to show up as the best version of myself across all my roles.

IWIB: How do you unwind after a tough day?

AK: Most days, it’s playtime with my toddler. Her joy when she sees me melts away the stress. On tougher days, I carve out “me time”—quiet moments with God’s word, Gospel music, or even educational TikTok scrolling. That time helps me decompress so my family doesn’t get the tired, worn-out version of me.

IWIB: Is there anything we haven’t asked that you’d like to share?

AK: I’m proud to hold an underground blasting ticket, issued by the Ministry of Mines and Energy in 2021. You can’t truly call yourself a “Third Generation Miner” without it!

Also, I’m a first-born daughter—so leadership and responsibility came early. As they say, “A first-born daughter is worth seven sons,” and in my case, that couldn’t be truer.