Hailing from Pretoria, Desireè, known affectionately as Des, is one of the remarkable women we celebrate during Women’s Month at SSC Group. From a young age, she was drawn to the adrenaline, courage, and selflessness of women in uniform, and she dreamed of becoming a police officer. However, life's journey can often lead us in unexpected directions.
Starting her career as a Data Capturer at the Fresh Produce Market in Pretoria at just 18 years old, Desiree has since transformed her path and is now a successful Group Consultant at SSC. While a career in mining was never part of her initial plans, a move to Barberton in Mpumalanga changed everything. As a young mother and primary provider for her family, she sought a role that offered greater financial security and opportunities for growth. This need led her to begin her journey as an Administrator, where her dedication, work ethic, and eagerness to learn quickly became apparent.
With mentorship support, Desireè quickly progressed from Administrator to Junior Consultant, then to consultant, and finally to Senior Consultant in just two years. What began as a necessity evolved into a passion for the mining industry, which she now deeply values.
A strong advocate for giving back, Desiree finds purpose in supporting her community. “Mining is my calling; I love talking to people, and how I relate to them keeps me grounded,” she says. This conviction has sustained her through long workdays, the challenges of raising her son without financial support, and the journey of funding her own studies. It also empowered her to establish her own business, built on sound advice, credibility, and a commitment to choosing what is right over comfort.
Desiree's perspective shifted when she learned to view her work not merely as a series of compliance documents, but as a means to effect real change on the ground. “If a commitment does not land somewhere real, it is not worth the page it is written on,” she asserts. For her, a local bakery is never just a small project; it represents someone’s livelihood and often supports several families. This understanding drives her approach to every client, community, and commitment.
As a woman in mining, Desiree acknowledges the progress made but also highlights the practical barriers that continue to hinder women’s ability to enter and remain in the industry. She advocates for safer, more inclusive workplaces, believing that women bring a vital blend of listening, empathy, resilience, and long-term thinking to leadership roles. Her ambition is to reach executive management, where she can turn commitments into tangible results from within an operation.
Desiree’s message to other women is clear: “The intimidation is normal—and it is not a sign you do not belong. Competence speaks louder than confidence.”
This Women’s Month, SSC Group proudly celebrates Desiree Labuschagne. A leader who measures progress by the impact it has on people's lives. Her journey exemplifies the strength and resilience of women in the mining industry, and her commitment continues to inspire us all.