Thulile L. Ngonyama-Ndou (PhD) is an accomplished Industrial Psychologist, Human Resource Management professional, and academic with extensive expertise in industrial and organisational psychology, organisational development, ethics, and human resource management. She holds a PhD in Industrial Psychology from the University of KwaZulu-Natal, a Master's degree in Industrial and Organisational Psychology from Nelson Mandela University, and several advanced qualifications in HRM, labour relations, and education. Registered as an Industrial Psychologist with the HPCSA, she is also a Master HR Professional (SABPP), Certified Ethics Officer, HR Auditor, and accredited ETDPSETA Assessor, Facilitator, and Moderator. Dr. Ngonyama-Ndou has received several academic and professional awards, including the SABPP Provincial Committee Leadership Award, recognizing her outstanding contributions to the HR profession. Her research and professional interests include organisational behaviour, employee well-being, leadership development, workplace ethics, talent management, and organisational effectiveness. She is committed to advancing ethical leadership, sustainable human resource practices, and evidence-based organisational development through research, teaching, and professional practice.

Breaking The Silence: Women Lived Experiences of Workplace Safety and Sexual Harassment in A South Africa Mining Organisation AbstractThis study explores the lived experiences of women employees in a South African mining organisation, focusing on workplace safety and sexual harassment. It examines the challenges women face in a traditionally male-dominated work environment, highlighting the intersection of gender, safety, and harassment. Qualitative research methods were employes, premised on the intepretivism paradigm and phenomenological design. Participants were selected using a purposive sampling technique which identified 12 women employees with whom semi-structured interviews were conducted. Data was analysed using thematic analysis. The findings reveal research uncovers the systemic and cultural barriers that perpetuate unsafe and hostile work environments, ineffective policy enforcement, a culture of silence around harassment and inadequate reporting mechanism. These findings points to the urgent need for organisational and policy-level interventions to address gender-based violence and ensure the safety and well-being of women in the workplace as well as cultural shifts to foster an inclusive mining environment. This study contributes to the broader discourse on gender equity and safety in high-risk industries, offering insights for creating more inclusive and secure work environments. Keywords: Gender equality, Mining, Policy enforcement, Sexual harassment, Workplace safety, South Africa