Discover the career of a professional HSEQ/Sustainability Practitioner working in Johannesburg, Sout
What industry do you work in and what exactly are your skills?
I work within the field of Mining HSEQ Management and my skills are HSEQ system development, implementation, auditing and maintenance.
What inspired you to get into this sort of industry?
My first exposure to the mining industry 15 years ago while doing some temporary teaching at a mine high school during my gap year fascinated me and immediately I fell in love with mining.
What qualifications and experience did you have to gain In order to establish yourself and therefore become a professional within your industry?
I initially studied natural sciences (biological sciences) and later Chemical Engineering/Technology.
What is the most challenging aspect within your field of work?
Carrying out systems audit. People perceive you as an inconvenience to work HOWEVER lets just say that HSEQ is a necessary inconvenience.
How do you manage and overcome these challenges?
Continuous awareness training of employees on the importance of having the system in place and how it ensures the company remain legally complying as well as how it add value to the bottom line. Involving them in running of the HSRQ system to increase the sense of ownership therefore decreasing the negative perception.
What has been the highlight of your career?
Getting a completion certificate after I developed and implemented an HSESQ management system that met the Lender’s requirements (IFC) and helped the company to save USD3 million per year.
If somebody starts as a trainee / beginner within your line of work, what could they earn in salary?
Estimate- USD 12 000.00 yearly
What can this person expect to earn after 10 years of experience?
60 000 USD -120 000 USD yearly
Who is your role model and why?
Barrack Obama – President of USA, through his book the Audacity of Hope which I read before he was even president. His life journey tells a story that always encourages me to be focused on my goals in life and work hard. There is nothing that can stop one to achieve his goals in life if he is determined and hard working.
What motivates you to work this hard?
I want to achieve my goals in my professional life and be a role model to my family and community.
What is your outlook within your industry over the next 5 years?
The extraction industry will remain the industry sector of choice as it will continue to grow especially in Africa although metal commodity prices sometimes make it unattractive in short terms.
As you know, numerous African countries are being invested in due to their rich minerals. Which country within Africa do you think will be the next hot spot and why?
The next hot spot is Democratic Republic of Congo if its not already one. The country is jam-packed with natural resources and of late it has been quiet Another is Zimbabwe if it manages to achieve political stability because its rich in every kind of mineral you can think of the world over is looking for.
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Hamlton Dovorogwa
