Vanessa has almost three decades of broad multi-commodity mining experience having worked with various mining operations across the world.  She is a registered professional engineer with a master’s degree in metallurgical engineering.

In her current role as Head of Social Impact, based out of Johannesburg, South Africa, she and her team, are responsible for socio-economic development, collaborative regional development and the design and delivery of other strategic programmes in support of thriving communities, as part of Anglo American’s social and sustainability strategy.  Her work lends itself to partnering with a range of stakeholders to positively impact the social agenda of ESG, linking closely to national agendas on education and skills, jobs and livelihoods and (municipalities) institutional strengthening linked to service delivery.  

In addition to her role at Anglo American, Vanessa holds various board and advisory positions. She is the Chairperson of the Minerals Education Trust Fund (METF) of South Africa, a board member of the Anglo American sefa Mining Fund and serves on the Industry Advisory Board for the Faculty of Engineering and Built Environment at her alma mater, the University of Witwatersrand.