Randima's academic journey laid a solid foundation for her career in mining. She earned a Bachelor of Engineering in Mining Engineering, followed by a Master of Engineering in Project Management. 

Complementing her degrees, she holds several certifications critical to mining operations, including the Mine Overseer Certificate of Competency, Mine Manager Certificate of Competency, Onsetter Certificate, and Blasting Certificate. Her professional affiliations include membership in the Southern African Institute of Mining & Metallurgy (SAIMM), underscoring her commitment to the industry's standards and advancements.
 

In mid-May Randima completed another significant milestone in her academic resumé. In her own words:
 

“Last week, I had the immense privilege of attending my graduation ceremony at the University of Pretoria, where I was awarded my Master of Business Administration (MBA) from GIBS Business School (Gordon Institute of Business Science).

“Among all my accomplishments, this stands as one of the most humbling experiences. As I walked across the stage, I reflected on the countless late nights, the tight deadlines, and the many family moments I had to forgo in pursuit of this goal.

Balancing the rigorous demands of an MBA program with professional responsibilities and personal life over the past two years was a true test of resilience and commitment. The toll it takes is not borne by the individual alone, it touches spouses, children, friends, colleagues, and clients alike. 

It became evident to me that this degree is not mine alone. It belongs to a broader community of stakeholders who supported me, sacrificed with me, and encouraged me throughout the journey. An MBA is not a solo endeavour, it is a collective effort that requires constant negotiation and partnership with those around you. Every stakeholder plays a critical role, and without their support, the journey would be infinitely more difficult. 

To my family, friends, classmates, colleagues, and clients: thank you. This achievement is yours as much as it is mine.”
 

Embarking on her career in 2008 as a trainee engineer, Randima swiftly progressed through various roles, accumulating over a decade of experience in mining construction, contract mining, and project management across multiple commodities. 

Her expertise encompasses leading significant shaft sinking and underground infrastructure projects. In 2018, she joined UMS, and by 2021, she was appointed as the Managing Director of UMS Shaft Sinkers. Notably, she is recognized as the first woman to lead a shaft sinking company, a testament to her trailblazing role in a traditionally male-dominated sector.

Under Randima's stewardship, UMS Shaft Sinkers has been at the forefront of delivering complex mining projects with a focus on safety, efficiency, and innovation. A prime example is the rehabilitation of the upcast shaft at Kusasalethu gold mine in Gauteng. Faced with the challenge of replacing aged steelwork in a shaft integral to emergency escapes, Randima's team devised a unique solution. 

They designed a skeleton structure that could be safely fitted beneath the cages, allowing simultaneous work on multiple sections—a significant improvement over traditional methods that addressed one section at a time. This approach not only enhanced safety but also expedited the rehabilitation process. 

Beyond her project accomplishments, Randima is a vocal advocate for diversity and inclusion within the mining industry. Her leadership exemplifies the breaking of gender barriers, inspiring a more inclusive work environment. Reflecting on her journey, she has expressed a deep passion for the mining sector, particularly valuing the dynamic challenges and collaborative problem-solving it entails. Her story serves as a beacon for aspiring female engineers, demonstrating that dedication and expertise can pave the way for leadership roles irrespective of gender.

Her leadership at UMS Shaft Sinkers not only advances the company's mission but also contributes significantly to the broader evolution of mining practices, setting new standards for safety, efficiency, and diversity in the field.

UMS Group

UMS Group, officially known as United Mining Services Group, is a distinguished entity in the global mining and mineral processing industry. Established in 2015, the company was founded to capitalize on the commodities downturn by assembling a consortium of world-class engineering and contracting firms dedicated to servicing the mining sector. Headquartered in Woodmead, Johannesburg, South Africa, UMS Group operates on a global scale, with its core technical team based in South Africa.