LIONESS WEEKENDER COVER STORY
Gubhani Trading (Pty) Ltd, a South African surface diamond drilling business making its mark in the mining sector
Lindiwe Nakedi is a wife, a mother, and the Owner and Managing Director of Gubhani Exploration, a South African surface diamond drilling company, with over 10 years’ experience in the surface core drilling in the mining industry since 2009. The business employs 20 people. She holds a Bachelor’s degree majoring in Industrial Psychology and Philosophy from the University of the Witwatersrand and completed the New Managers Program from Wits Business School focused on Business Management. Lindiwe served as Chairperson of WiMSA in 2017 and 2018 and is now a Patron in the Organization. She is also the founder and Director on the board of WIMBIZ. On a personal level, she has been married for 17 years to her all-time crush and has 3 children aged 15, 12 and 5.
Lioness Weekender spoke to Lindiwe to learn more about her passion for driving diversity and inclusion in the mining sector to ensure that it reaches gender equity in the industry as a whole.
What does your company do?
The main activity of Gubhani is surface exploration diamond drilling and carrying out geotechnical drilling and investigations across the full commodities spectrum.
What inspired you to start your company?
My husband is a geologist and worked in mining, so he sparked my interest in the industry. While on-site with him, I realized that the living conditions of the employees weren’t ideal. They make so much money for the business owners but live in small caravans. The main reason I chose to get into drilling was so I could make a difference in people’s lives. I felt there was an opportunity for me as a young Black woman and thought ‘why not?
What makes your business, service or product special?
We are geologists. We understand that once the core sample has been retrieved from the ground, it will form the primary basis for sampling, measuring, and reporting. The information retrieved from the core will ultimately guide the mining operations and processing plants. We approach exploration drilling with a strong focus on good core quality recovery and not just meter quantity drilling.
Tell us a little about your team
We are a vibrant team of about 20 people and growing, The team is mostly location based depending on where we are having projects. It consists of Exploration Managers, Project Managers, Geologists, Site Managers, Project Coordinators, office support and site staff.
Share a little about your entrepreneurial journey. And, do you come from an entrepreneurial background?
I only worked for 2 years, and there after I pursued my dream of having my own business. Because I love working with people, it’s why my first venture was in recruitment. I started a business called People Shop in 2005. It was about more than just finding people jobs but connecting job seekers with the right companies. The downside was that I only made money once someone had been placed in a job. I decided to change fields and join the mining industry where I am thriving currently.
What are your future plans and aspirations for your company?
My future plans are to spread our services out into Africa. Using more technically advanced equipment and technology. Moving into exploration of our own mineral exploration projects. Also to employ more women, not only in management positions but train them to be Drill Rig Operators and Core Writers.
What gives you the most satisfaction being an entrepreneur?
My passion is in driving diversity and inclusion in the mining sector to ensure that we reach gender equity in the industry, as well as the development of people for them to be the best version of themselves possible. As an entrepreneur i get the opportunity to contribute towards people’s growth and development, and encouraging others to pursue their purpose and passion!
What's the biggest piece of advice you can give to other women looking to start-up?
Opportunities are many if you’re willing to ask questions and learn. Be willing to start right at the bottom. No task is beneath you, even when you have an honors degree, because your work ethic and attitude are what will speak volumes. And take initiative! Don’t wait to be given opportunities or wait to be fully competent: just take a chance and know that you will learn to swim even if you’ve been thrown into that deep end.
If I had been more confident early on, I would be much further. There were so many opportunities that I passed up because I doubted myself, so women should stop doubting their abilities. What I do isn’t just about me – it’s about other Black women who come after me. Being the first Black female to own a drilling company is great but that’s not the point. If I mess up, I’ll be giving all of us a bad reputation.
To learn more about the story of Gubhani, email: info@gubhani.co.za or visit the website and social media pages: http://gubhani.co.za or http://www.facebook.com/Gubhani
