ATE commends GGML for providing leadership training to 23 women
GEITA: The Association of Tanzania Employers (ATE) has praised Geita Gold Mining Limited (GGML) for being at the forefront of providing senior leadership positions to women, including through a special leadership training – Female Future Tanzania (FFT) – coordinated by ATE.
In a statement made in Geita at the end of the week, Head of Learning and Development, Albert Rukeisa, on behalf ATE Chief Executive Officer, Ms Suzanne Ndomba-Doran, said that GGML had managed to train 23 women to high levels of leadership.
He said the number of women workers trained by GGML represents six per cent of the participants from private organisations to date.
He said GGML has continued to contribute to the development of the nation’s skills through various programmes, including internship training for unemployed graduates.
“These efforts over 15 years have been a springboard for other employers to continue to provide opportunities for young people to learn and increase the number of mining professionals in the sector,” he said.
He added: “GGML is one of the best employers here in Tanzania and has won several times in the Best Employer of the Year awards organised and coordinated by the Tanzania Employers Association.
“In parallel with employer recognition, this mine has good relations and firm commitment with the workers’ union in running the mine,” said Rukeisa.
He added that last year the mine signed an MoU with the Tanzania Mines and Construction Workers Union (TAMICO) – Geita Branch for better conditions, and that ATE was proud to be part of this success.
He said that apart from the programmes to provide practical training to these graduates, GGML has also been at the forefront of gender issues.
According to AngloGold Ashanti’s Senior Vice President – Africa Business Unit (GGML’s parent company), Terry Strong, one of the company’s priorities is to continue to improve gender equality in its business roles to represent the communities in which it operates.
Terry said the company has continued to work hard to ensure that the goals of empowering women to join the mining sector are successful.
One of the beneficiaries of the graduate on-the-job training programme is Eveline Nyanzi, who graduated last year and was offered a permanent position through the African Business Unit (ABU) programme.
Eveline, who is an electrical engineer, said, “I have learnt a lot, including how to work in the field. My presence at GGML is a unique opportunity because I will be able to implement various projects with the confidence and knowledge I have acquired,” she said.
Mkunde Adams, a geological technologist, said the opportunity to continue working at GGML through the ABU programme has further boosted his confidence and sharpened his skills.
“In the geology department we have had a unique opportunity, every employee is given value, no matter their contribution, big or small… every member of staff puts the training they have received into practice, especially when it comes to implementing the number one priority, which is safety,” he said.