Modern Quarrying Q1 2023

Letisha van den Berg of ASPASA.

ASPASA

New ASPASA Director, Letisha van den Berg, is living her dream as she takes the helm of the association from the beginning of this year bringing a positive new dynamic to the well-established and respected surface mining organisation. SURFACE MINERS GET ENERGETIC NEW LEADER

S he recalls a

possible candidate by her peers. And her successful application is penned in history. Fighting fit It would be hard to ignore the pas sion for ASPASA that exists within Letisha. Since her first interaction with the then newly established association in 1998, she has attended hundreds of meetings and work shops along the way and become known for her in-depth knowledge of everything surface mining as well as no-nonsense approach to issues that affect the industry. Those who have misjudged her petite stature and friendly smile when dealing with controversial topics or challenges to the sustainability of the industry have

done so at their own peril. Van den Berg is a fighter when she needs to but is otherwise known as a keen strategist, hard worker, industrious leader and a fair and uncomplicated character. These traits will surely be displayed when she takes on the new role and gets to grips with all the opportunities and threats the industry is facing and will face in years to come. Solid foundation “I plan to build from the strong base that was laid before me. We will assess where we stand in terms of our members and how we can add more value and broaden our appeal to the surface mining market including smaller

conversation several years ago when she startled Collin Ramukhubathi, who

had been interviewing her for a position at Afrimat, revealing that her ambition was to head up ASPASA one day. As an up-and coming multi-skilled manager that was evidently not the answer her soon-to-be colleague and mentor had expected. Now, having fulfilled most of her ambitions in various roles, including various managerial safety roles within some of the smallest and medium mines locally, she could not turn down the opportunity to apply when her name was put forward as a

4

MODERN QUARRYING QUARTER 1 | 2023