Stories

Fate had a painful hand in Purchasing Manager Tania Conry’s rise in the mining sector...

I started working for Namdeb about 14 years ago – by fate. I was involved in a serious car accident and my injuries were of such a nature that I had to resign from my previous position and return to my home in Oranjemund.

To pay the bills as a result of the medical aid shortfall, I started working as Team Assistant Buyer/Expeditor on Capital Projects in Namdeb’s Engineering Projects Department. I found the work interesting and challenging and, after four years, I decided to pursue it on a permanent basis.

I was previously employed in the retail industry and therefore understand the importance of customer service and managing your business according to the best practice principles.

I have learnt that a positive attitude is a great asset as you need to motivate yourself and your team during difficult times. The mining sector can be volatile and therefore it is of vital importance to be as efficient as possible and to deliver on your promises.

My mother taught me never to say that you cannot do something and to keep your head up high and fight till you get it right. And these are guidelines I have always followed.

In the supply chain environment, the fact that Oranjemund is quite isolated from the rest of Namibia is challenging from a procurement and logistics point of view, considering that the Purchasing Section for which I am responsible does sourcing for quite a broad spectrum, from sourcing books for the Oranjemund Private School to mining equipment.

As a woman in a predominantly male industry, you have to bring a little bit more to the table and you need to stay relevant. It is always a good idea to benchmark yourself in your specific industry.

I say to any woman considering working in the mining industry and, not least for Namdeb: grab the opportunity if you get it. Be prepared to work hard and be adaptable to change. It will be one of the best experiences of your life.

I believe it is through adversity that we grow and look for opportunities that we would have otherwise overlooked. I wish I could take away the fear and anger that most people tend to have towards change, so that we can realise our full potential, women in particular.

As women, we are all created to be unique. We should use each day to influence and empower those around us. Get involved in your community; it is the role of women to nurture and uplift those around you.

Outside work, I was born in Lüderitz and my family relocated to Oranjemund in 1989 and we have been living there ever since. I am single and spend my free time doing gardening, and I also like to do a bit of interior decorating.