Q&A

1. Tell us about your career journey and what inspired you to pursue a career in technology?

Growing up in South Africa during apartheid, career paths were rarely simply a matter of personal choice. You seized the opportunities that opened up and made them count.
As I studied and progressed through various fields within IT, I developed a deep passion for the industry and its ability to solve complex problems. Looking back, I believe God’s hand was always guiding my journey and preparing me for the responsibility I hold today.

2. What attracted you to the healthcare sector?

Losing my mother to leukaemia at a young age profoundly shaped my perspective on human-centred systems. I realised early on that the quality and accessibility of healthcare can depend on whether systems are designed to serve people or create barriers for them.
Healthcare is never just about infrastructure or logistics – it is directly connected to human lives and dignity. That experience instilled in me a strong sense of purpose about working in a sector where technology can have a direct impact on people’s wellbeing.

3. Did you expect your career would intersect with both healthcare and mining?

Not at all. It’s an unconventional intersection that few people would explicitly plan for. However, looking back, the alignment makes complete sense.
Both sectors demand operational excellence, resilience and solutions that serve people in demanding environments. I’ve learnt to trust the journey and recognise that seemingly different experiences can come together to create unique strategic value.

4. Have you faced any challenges or barriers throughout your career, and how did you overcome them?

Navigating industries that were historically not designed for women – or for individuals from my background – required significant resilience. Earning a seat at the table often meant breaking through entrenched barriers.
Overcoming these challenges took more than professional determination. It required steadfast faith and the support of mentors who believed in my potential.
Today, as a leader, I see it as my responsibility to advocate for others, help clear pathways for emerging talent, and ensure that diverse voices are not only present, but heard.

5. What leadership qualities have been most valuable in your role?

Humility and patience.
True leadership isn’t about commanding the room. It is about active listening, empathy and empowering teams to execute with clarity.
Learning to lead with composure and letting go of the need to control every variable has been essential. That is a lesson my faith and church have taught me just as much as any boardroom has.

6. How is technology changing healthcare for mining employees and their families? How does technology improve member experience and healthcare outcomes?

We are moving from reactive care towards more proactive and preventative health management.
Through integrated digital health records, remote monitoring and predictive analytics, we can identify potential risks earlier and intervene before they escalate into more serious health challenges.
For mining families, many of whom live and work in remote regions far from tertiary medical centres, this transition can be transformative. Technology can reduce administrative friction, support faster diagnosis and help ensure greater continuity of care for the whole family.

7. What technology trends do you believe will have the biggest impact on healthcare over the next five years?

Advanced AI-assisted diagnostics, wearable health technologies and greater system interoperability will all drive significant progress.
However, the most impactful technology isn’t necessarily the flashiest. Often, it is the seamless integration happening behind the scenes that makes the biggest difference – reducing administrative burdens, improving care delivery and allowing clinicians to focus on meaningful human interaction.

8. Who has inspired or mentored you throughout your career?

My mother remains my primary inspiration. Her resilience, compassion and relentless spirit taught me important lessons about leadership and fortitude that no textbook could replicate.
Throughout my career, I have also been blessed to have people recognise my potential before I fully saw it in myself.
Underpinning all of this is my faith, which grounds my identity and serves as a constant reminder that true leadership is ultimately about service.

9. What advice would you give to young women considering careers in technology, healthcare or mining?

Don’t wait for a perfectly clear or conventional path before taking decisive action. Some of the most rewarding turning points come from following conviction rather than certainty.
Most importantly, ground yourself in a purpose that is bigger than career ambition alone. These industries will stretch you, but when you are anchored in your core values and faith, you can find the strength to navigate the challenges along the way.