Debswana appoitns Nkoane as the first female senior engineering manager

Debswana,the leading rough diamonds producer continues to set the trend in diversity and progressive leadership appointments.

The 50/50 De Beers - Botswana joint venture has appointed top Engineer Keene Nkoane as the first female Senior Engineering Manager in the history of the company. She is based at Orapa Letlhakane and Damtshaa Mines (OLDM).

Nkoane joined Debswana in 2003 based in Jwaneng Mine following her completion of BEng (Hons) in Electrical & Electronic from Nottingham University, United Kingdom. Born and bred in Maun, Nkoane grew up as a passionate and curious person who upon completion of her O-Levels, decided to pursue something which was at the time extraordinary especially for girls. It was then that she got sponsored by Debswana to pursue her A levels for 2 years before pursuing her first degree.

With a little over 20 years working for Debswana, Nkoane remains proud of the transformative agenda that the business is pursuing to see women in positions of leadership particularly in areas which have for long been male dominated. For her, being a female Senior Engineering Manager provides a beacon of hope and possibility for young girls and upcoming lady engineers. Before her appointment as Senior Engineering Manager, Nkoane was based at Debswana Corporate Center as Principal Engineer -Asset Management.

She holds BSc (HONS) Degree in Physical Asset Management from University of Pretoria, completed Oxford Women’s leadership development programme and Asset Management Professional Development Programme.

Nkoane confirms that at the start of her career, the environment was not very much receptive of women, largely due the culture and perception at the time. However, to date she is gratified that there is appreciation that women are equally capable and she receives immense support across the business. Having over 700 people under her leadership Nkoane indicates that setting into the portfolio has been a fulfilling journey, where she inspires the team to do things differently and push them to a new level of performance.

As a Senior Manager Nkoane leads a vast portfolio responsible for the asset care of all fixed and mobile plants equipment, Water and Power reticulation systems, Plants and Mining Control systems and Management multiple Business Partners engaged by Engineering Department. She is also the lead contact person linking Mmatshumo village with the mine while also growing the employee volunteerism initiatives at the village.

The mother of four and devoted Christian Nkoane implored other women to keep working hard on their portfolios and ensure they take on the challenges/opportunities to showcase their . “It must be that our counterparts see us beyond our gender difference but the worth and value we bring to the table” she said

The Projects Magazine