Sbuyi Mbuyazi, Lead: Minerals Separation Metallurgy, says one of the valuable lessons she has learned during her career at Richards Bay Minerals, is that women do not have to change who they are.
‘Just by being herself, a woman will earn respect and see the results.’
Sbuyi started her career at RBM as a young student.
After matriculating from Verulam Secondary School and obtaining a diploma, the KwaMbonambi resident joined RBM as a lab operator before moving to the metallurgy department where she started her in-service training.
An ambitious Sbuyi obtained a bursary for further studies at the Tshwane University of Technology and returned as a graduate Metallurgist who was then appointed by RBM as Process Metallurgist.
In 2012 she was fortunate to embark on a technical exchange programme to Canada for a month. She was later selected to go to Singapore as part of Rio Tinto’s Signature Leadership Programme.
Upon her return to South Africa and Zululand, Sbuyi was appointed as Lead: Minerals Separation Metallurgy.
She successfully leads a department of nine subordinates and a further 30 people who report to them. This month, she was invited to attend the Heavy Minerals Conference in Cape Town.
Sbuyi says RBM has provided her with great opportunities and there remains a lot of room for further growth.
‘RBM has many systems in place that support and protect its’ employees’ interests – for men and women. We as women can perform to the best of our abilities knowing that we have the full support of this company,’ she says.
Sbuyi aspires to become more involved in the training of graduates, as well as reaching out to the local surrounding communities by means of the company’s various community projects.
As a mother of two young boys, she is an expert in time management and juggling a number of duties. Sbuyi is also loved and respected for her empathy and approachability.
Sbuyi says she does not feel intimated working in a male dominated environment.
‘As women we need to realise that we can fit in and make a valuable contribution. We need more women – so don’t try to be like the men!’
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