Determined to win in the mining sector
Having started her career in the financial sector, transitioning to the mining industry was not easy for the managing director of Veela Mining Solutions, Vinolia Vilakazi. Like many of her peers from previously disadvantaged communities, the mom and wife has also faced the struggle of limited sources of capital to get her operations going. Not only that, as a woman she has had to contend with challenges that come with working in a male dominated sector. But the effervescent Vinolia has not allowed her challenges to stop her from thriving. Our writer Bianca Mashao caught up with her.
Tell us about your business?
Veela Mining Solutions Pty Ltd has its headquarters in the Govan Mbeki region of Mpumalanga, South Africa. It is a 100% black female-owned company. Our core competency is innovative mining solutions and support with expertise in coal transportation, plant hire, bulk material handling and support for the mining industry. We are fully accredited by the Chemical and Allied Industries’ Association as a transporter of low hazardous bulk materials and we pride ourselves with being an integral part of our clients value chain.
What has inspired your entrepreneurial journey?
The resilience and ingenuity of women who have paved the way in other male-dominated sectors motivated me. Their success stories and the tangible impact they’ve made inspired me to contribute meaningfully to changing the landscape of the mining industry.
My inspiration stems from a deep-rooted passion for sustainable development and the transformative power of natural resources. Witnessing the gap in leadership from women in this field drove me to not only participate but innovate and lead in an industry critical to our global economy. Furthermore, the opportunity to foster diversity and inclusion within the workplace, creating more opportunities for women and other underrepresented groups, continues to drive me. Each challenge we overcome and milestone we achieve fuels my commitment to making the mining industry more inclusive, innovative, and impactful.
You didn't start your career in mining, where did it all begin?
I cut my teeth in the financial sector in 2011 working for Capitec Bank as a sales consultant at Kriel and got promoted to assistant branch manager in Feb 2013, a year later I moved to Witbank to become branch manager there. Two years down the line I joined FNB as a private banking analyst in their private banking in the one million rand and above portfolio. It was not until 2018 when I joined the ultra high networth portfolio of the bank that the exposure inspired me to start my entrepreneurship journey in the mining space.
What would you say are some of the challenges you have faced since you started your business?
I have faced many challenges, actually too many to count, from being a young black female entrepreneur in a mainly male dominated industry, securing enough capital to begin operations and sustain the business unil it becomes profitable to operating post COVID. Trying to juggle being a mom, wife, daughter and the many hats we wear as women but I would say two have stood out for me and have left their particular mark.
Funding plays a big role in your sector, what are some of the hoops you have to jump?
Starting a business is hard because you’re essentially starting from what you have which for most of us, especially black people, it's nothing. We still face the harsh reality of struggling to gain access to the right type of funding and dealing with the selective finance institutions before your application is even considered. More painful is that even after you’ve crossed all the red tape that are put before you the answer is still a loud NO!! I learned to accept that NO doesn't define the strength of my business, or its potential but it simply means Not Right Now, go back to the drawing board and look for another solution best suited to solve your problem right now.
Ultimately, through these efforts, we aim to contribute meaningfully to our economy and society, creating a sustainable and prosperous future for all stakeholders
What has been the highlight since you started your business?
My primary goal is to make a significant and positive impact across several dimensions by being a pioneer and game changer. Industrially, we aim to introduce mining technologies that not only enhance operational efficiencies for businesses but also set new benchmarks for environmental responsibility. On a community level, we're committed to initiatives that support education and skill development, helping to prepare the workforce for tomorrow’s challenges. For our customers, we strive to deliver unmatched value through innovative products that enhance their daily lives. Internally, I am dedicated to building a workplace culture that supports and empowers our employees, encouraging their professional and personal growth.
Read more from Ignitedwomanmag| Ignited Woman Issue 33
.jpeg)
Comments