2021 FEMALE ENGINEERS - DIGITAL BOOK - ECSA
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
2021 E C S A FEMALE ENGINEERS DIGITAL BOOK Achieving an Equal Future
FEMALE ENGINEERS
2021
According to an article published achievement of the 2030 Agenda
in 2020 in the Global Citizen, only for Sustainable Development,
13% of the Science, Technology, where at its heart lies the 17
Engineering and Mathematics Sustainable Development Goals
(STEM) graduates in South Africa (SDGs), and pertinent to the
are women. This has an impact commemoration of women’s day is
on the number of women that are SDG 5- Gender Equality.
available and will be available in
the near future to take up roles This SDG acknowledges gender
in the engineering profession in equality as not only a fundamental
our country. Moreover, only 1 in human right, but also a necessary
5 engineers in South Africa are foundation for a peaceful,
Refilwe women and continue to earn
significantly less than men do.
prosperous and sustainable world.
SDG 5 speaks on achieving gender
This is deterring young women equality and empowering all women
Buthelezi from pursuing careers in the field, and girls and one of the targets to
keeping the status quo intact this goals is to ensure women’s full
and thereby resulting to an under and effective participation and equal
representation of female engineers opportunities for leadership at all
in leadership positions. levels of decision making in political,
Achieving an Equal Future
economic and public life.
However, despite these drawbacks,
On 09 August 1956 about 20
the number of female Registered In this publication, we profile
000 women marched to the
Persons by the Engineering females who speak to the steady
Union Buildings in Pretoria to
Council of South Africa (ECSA) as achievement of this SDG. These
protest against legislation aimed
a regulator continue to rise year on are female engineers who are
at tightening the apartheid
year moreover, the representation catalyst of change, who contribute
government’s control over the
of females on the Council has daily through their work to growing
movement of black women in urban
increased with 49% of the Sixth Term the profession and see a greater
areas. These women fought with
Council members being women. representation of female engineers.
courage, boldness and spoke out
on matters that affected them, The number of female Registered These are the registered female
including inequality, prejudice and Persons in the 2017/18 financial engineers whose efforts to promote
freedom of movement. year was standing at 2252, at the gender equality have come a long
end of the 2018/19 financial year, way in gaining attention, but they
Sixty - five (65) years later on 09 the numbers were at 2328, showing also realise that more needs to be
August 2021, South Africa will an upward trajectory and at the end done by the industry at large and
commemorate Women’s Day under of 2019/2020 females registered in more so the regulator in ensuring key
the banner “Generation Equality: the professional category increased partnerships are formed with relevant
Realizing Women’s Rights for an to 2400. In addition, the female role players who will contribute to
Equal Future”. The generations may candidate engineer’s registrations gender equality in the sector.
be different but the challenges faced have increased from 5402 in
by women particularly regarding
gender equality continue to place
2017/2018 to 8905 at the end of the
2019/2020 financial year.
Enjoy the read.
women on the back foot, especially
in industries that are male dominated These strides although small but Refilwe Buthelezi Pr. Eng
such as the engineering sector. they are a significant addition to the ECSA Vice President
2021 ECSA FEMALE ENGINEERS 1 DIGITAL BOOK
• Executive Master of Business In your observation, what are
Administration (completion some of the key challenges that
Dec 2021). are encountered by female
• MEng Masters in Engineering engineers in the industry?
Management (Golden Key).
• BEng (Hons) Structural Engineering. The concept of the glass ceiling
• BEng Civil Engineering (First Class). has been present over the decades
and is still present in today’s
What motivated you to professional engineering industry,
pursue a career in the this I must say has been one of my
engineering sector? key challenges within the industry
Abimbola It has always been my attraction for
facing female engineers.
Olunkule numbers growing up, my interest for
how things fit together and function
Other key challenges are the lack
of female engineers in leading
has always driven my curiosity to roles within the industry as well as
buildings, bridges and structures the general undermining of female
in general, hence a career in civil engineers. This in some cases results
Can you provide a brief
engineering with my specialisation in female engineers leaving the
outline on your professional
in structural engineering. industry or being forced to work harder
background?
than their male counterparts in order
I am a Professional Engineer
What have been the key for their work to be acknowledged.
registered with the Engineering
highlights in your career as
Council of South Africa. an engineer? E.g. awards, What is the role of the
serving on a board etc. regulator in ensuring that the
I have experience in the Civil/ industry attracts and retains
Structural and Water engineering Some of the key highlights in female engineers?
industry with technical experience my career include the flagship
gained in the preliminary and projects I have worked on, the It is imperative that the regulator
detailed design of reinforced award I received from ECSA as drives gender parity in the industry
concrete structures (water retaining the Best Registration Professional across all levels. The regulator
structures, office buildings, Assessor for the year in 2018 needs to promote, drive and be
foundations), structural steel as well as currently serving as a at the forefront of the change.
structures, site supervisions, client council member of ECSA. On the Moreover, the regulator needs to
liaisons and management. academic side it was receiving offer female retention strategies
I hold the following degrees with my golden key award for excellent within the industry, provide support
over 10 years of experience: academic studies. and a voice to the female engineer.
2021 ECSA FEMALE ENGINEERS 2 DIGITAL BOOK
What motivated you to trying to fit into a male-orientated
pursue a career in the culture of working, where women
engineering sector? may face gender discrimination or
harassment. Stress can also be
My Dad was a Mechanical Engineer subtle, where women may feel that
registered with ECSA and a their contributions are less valued
lecturer. I used to type his exam than those of their male colleagues
papers when I was in high school are, because tasks and roles are
and the mathematical and problem- perceived to be male specific. This
solving nature of engineering in turn leads to women feeling that
appealed to me. I also read James they are not good enough for their
Bernadette A Michener’s book “Space” and
becoming a NASA engineer
respective positions, leading to
massive self-doubt.
Sunjka inspired me.
What is the role of the
What have been the key regulator in ensuring that the
highlights in your career as industry attracts and retains
an engineer? E.g. awards, female engineers?
Can you provide a brief
serving on a board etc.
outline on your professional
My experience in becoming a
background?
My term serving as the Head Professional Engineer is that it
of the Mechanical Engineering somehow provided me with a sense
I am a Senior Lecturer in the School
Department at the then of loyalty towards the profession.
of Mechanical, Industrial and
Mangosuthu Technikon (now I feel a greater responsibility in
Aeronautical Engineering at the
MUT) in Umlazi was a unique and maintaining the quality and integrity
University of the Witwatersrand. My
fulfilling experience. I am honoured of the way in which I work and
qualifications include a PhD degree
to serve as Head of the Industrial how I impart this to the younger
in Industrial Engineering in the field
Engineering stream in the School generation. As an academic, this
of Supply Chain Risk Management,
of Mechanical, Industrial and inspires me to give my students
two masters degrees in Industrial
Aeronautical Engineering at Wits. the best education I can so that
Engineering (MSc Eng from the Obtaining my PhD was a life-long the next generation is set up for
University of the Witwatersrand) aspiration and was a significant success and will hence continue to
and Applied Ethics (MPhil from St career and personal achievement. build our country.
Augustine College) and a BSc Eng
degree in Mechanical Engineering In your observation, what are I also sense, based on feedback
from the University of Kwa-Zulu Natal. some of the key challenges that from my past students, that women
I am a Professional Engineer (PrEng), are encountered by female in the profession act as role-
a Professional Project Manager engineers in the industry? models and mentors for younger
(PMP), a member of the South African women in the profession. ECSA can
Institute of Industrial Engineering Women in the engineering sector perhaps leverage off this sentiment
(SAIIE) and a member of the Project are a minority in a male-dominated to promote the profession and
Management Institute (PMI). field. This causes undue stress in registration among women.
2021 ECSA FEMALE ENGINEERS 3 DIGITAL BOOK
we worked together on several and after negotiations the project
SANRAL, ACSA and provincial was awarded with a 12-month
projects. After 15 years the local construction period with no room
office closed due to the current for any extension of time, as it was
economic situation. Since then, a gateway to the Bloemfontein
I have done part-time consulting Soccer World Cup Events. The day
and started with community work, we opened the interchange, I shifted
including disaster management of some of the delineators away to
veld fires. I also became actively let the first car through, the driver
involved in ECSA’s evaluation of was smiling, hooting, and waving
Engineering applications. hands in celebration. That was
tremendously rewarding after 12
Christa What motivated you to challenging months.
pursue a career in the
Fourie engineering sector? Another highlight was receiving the
2013 Bloemfontein ACSA Feather
A poster on the wall of my career Awards for:
guidance class in high school. I • Continued Support and Excellent
Can you provide a brief
was looking to venture in a career Service Consultant
outline on your professional
that was mentally challenging and • Airport Managers Award - The
background?
one that still had the capacity to latest highlight was when I
give the opportunity of working used my engineering skills in a
I studied BEng (Civil) at the
outside of an office. I ended disaster management situation
University of Pretoria 1994-
1997. During my studies I did up working mostly in office and and mitigated the impact of an
my experience training at V3 enjoyed the work. extreme risk to our community.
Consulting Engineers. I received
a bursary from them and following What have been the key In your observation, what are
the completion of my studies, I highlights in your career as some of the key challenges that
joined their Bloemfontein office’s an engineer? E.g. awards, are encountered by female
Transport Department. I recall serving on a board etc. engineers in the industry?
drawing cross sections for a
racetrack in Welkom by hand and We have been appointed by It depends a lot on your perspective
using a planimeter to calculate SANRAL for the Bloemfontein of the roles of both parents in the
areas to determine volumes in Airport Interchange onto the N8 family. We have four girls. I wanted
those early years. east of Bloemfontein. The initial to be actively involved in their lives
tender allowed for a 15–18 month and support them to grow up and
In November 2003, I joined construction period. Due to budget fulfil their full potential. I also felt that
Stewart Scott’s Bloemfontein constraints, it was not awarded. 13 I should support my husband so
office. I had the privilege of being months before the Soccer World that he can exceed in his work. He
part of strong local team and Cup kick off, funds were available also has a professional occupation
2021 ECSA FEMALE ENGINEERS 4 DIGITAL BOOK
and is a loyal and active father. It but that allowed me to improve my is room for these skills in different
was however challenging when we work-life balance. positions and women should seek
were both out of town with work positions and develop in areas that
appointments for a few days and in What is the role of the will allow them to accommodate
some instances where when you regulator in ensuring that the their own family role perspectives.
need to fly to Johannesburg to get a industry attracts and retains Some might not want to be involved
child admitted to hospital for tests, female engineers? in their families and some might
or when you get an urgent site call want to put their career on hold for a
that changes your whole afternoon I believe that, in general, woman few years, the preferences differ.
schedule and you cannot keep to a engineers are amazingly effective,
promise to your child. These can be detail orientated, can multitask and I think ECSA can promote a flexible
conflicted roles that causes internal are perfectionists (that is both a working environment. Promote
conflict which must be dealt with. strength and weakness). the measurement and rewarding
Most of the women I meet along of output instead of ineffective
The company I worked for was my career tend to have these hours worked. Perhaps an option
accommodating and gave me the characteristics, I cannot tell can be considered to temporary
flexible opportunity to work reduced whether it is a representative put your professional registration
hours and either work from home or sample of the industry. on hold with reduced re-activation
from the office since 2010. I still had requirements should you need to
some long workdays and I still had The Civil Engineering scope of work temporary focus on your family (this
to travel when projects demanded it, opportunities is so vast that there can apply to all genders).
2021 ECSA FEMALE ENGINEERS 5 DIGITAL BOOK
energy projects. It also includes Projects, which is an Electrical
operations, project engineering, Infrastructure installation and
project management, project finance maintenance business specialising
and business development, with in substations and transformers.
a power generation background.
My knowledge of the infrastructure What motivated you to
landscape is enriched by my pursue a career in the
practical experience of working engineering sector?
throughout the phases of a project
life cycle, from inception through I believe that I am a product of
to commissioning, operations collective action. The motivation
and maintenance. My leadership
Elekanyani experience is enhanced by my
to pursue engineering came from
having female science teachers
Ndlovu various leadership roles and working
with multicultural, multinational and
that made science feel not so
removed from me as a female, it
multi discipline teams throughout my seemed like something females
career. can be into. I loved being taught
by those teachers and I chose the
Can you provide a brief
My journey as an engineer has also science route because I enjoyed
outline on your professional
led me to discover other passions, their classes.
background?
the love for teaching, storytelling
and strategy. So, my portfolio I have two older brothers who also
I graduated with a Bachelor of
of work includes being adjunct influenced my decision, one was
Science in Electrical Engineering
faculty at Henley Business School pursuing Electrical Engineering
and Executive and Management
Coaching qualification from the where I focus on self-mastery and and the other thought engineering
University of Cape Town (UCT). leadership, innovation, design was the best choice for me in order
I am professionally registered thinking and technology. to access better opportunities. It
(Pr. Eng.) with the Engineering also helped that at the time there
Council of South Africa (ECSA) I also advise organisations and were a lot of bursaries to support
and I am also a member of the individuals in systems thinking and engineering studies, so when I was
South African Institute of Electrical integrating complexity thinking awarded a Sasol bursary, there was
Engineers (SAIEE). into strategy and leadership. I host no turning back.
a podcast titled Womanifesto as
I have 15 years’ experience in well, Womanifesto centres voices, I always say that my relationship
the energy sector. My experience stories and experiences of women with engineering is like an arranged
includes Power and Petro-Chemical navigating through their professional marriage. It was not love at first
Engineering, working on large scale and personal worlds. I am currently sight but a practical solution to my
infrastructure projects, refurbishment a director and business owner of need to study something. However,
projects and Greenfield renewable Mikovhe Electrical and Training as I got to know and understand
2021 ECSA FEMALE ENGINEERS 6 DIGITAL BOOK
what engineering is and what I can In your observation, what are delays your growth and your sense
contribute through it, I grew to love it. some of the key challenges that of contribution is impacted.
are encountered by female
What have been the key engineers in the industry? What is the role of the
highlights in your career as regulator in ensuring that the
an engineer? E.g. awards, I believe that the challenge in industry attracts and retains
serving on a board etc. the early years as an engineer is female engineers?
being given meaningful work that
I was awarded the Keith Plowden gives you the exposure and the The role of the regulator is to uphold
Young Achiever of the Year experience that you need to grow the profession. Each profession has
Award by the South African as an engineer and also be able to rules that have to be adhered to
Institute of Electrical Engineers register professionally. So you have for the system and the industry to
to recognise my leadership, to learn to ask and negotiate for work and have a positive impact on
achievement, creativity, innovation, bigger meaningful projects. This communities. Each profession has a
entrepreneurship and enthusiasm. means you have to work really sense of belonging and pride about
hard to prove that you are ready who they are and what they do. It
I have held and continue to hold for those projects and you must be is that sense of doing something
non-executive director roles prepared to confront the difficult meaningful and of being a part of
in technical infrastructure and conversation of explaining why you something bigger than yourself that
financial entities. My board roles feel the work you are being given is can keep people engaged in their
include being Chairperson of the not good enough. It is a challenging different engineering spaces.The
Board, Chairperson of Investment situation because sometimes you regulator should uphold that sense of
Committee, Chairperson of Social are unsure of your own explanation. meaning and pride. The regulator also
and Ethics Committee, member It is finding the words and the has an opportunity to highlight and
of Audit and Risk Committee and courage that moves you forward voice out inequalities and injustice in
member of Human Resources & and even then, you don’t always industry so that there is a push towards
Remunerations Committee. get the project you wanted. This equal opportunities for everyone.
2021 ECSA FEMALE ENGINEERS 7 DIGITAL BOOK
Technical Support Engineer in the Eskom Power Plant Engineering
Lines and Servitudes section. Institute (EPPEI).
In 2006 I moved on a level transfer What have been the key
to Line Engineering Services highlights in your career as
(LES) where I was promoted to a an engineer? E.g. awards,
Senior Engineer in 2009 then Chief serving on a board etc.
Engineer in 2014. In 2017 I was
promoted to Corporate Specialist, I have served on the ECSA Council
Line Engineering Services (LES) and for two terms since 2012. In my
I am still based there. role as a council member I had
Lebo What motivated you to
the honour of being a Chairperson
of two High Impact Committees
pursue a career in the
Maphumulo engineering sector?
namely the Policy Development
and Standards Generation
Committee, Stakeholder
When I matriculated in 1998, Relations Committee and I served
I actually wanted to study as a member of the Central
Can you provide a brief
Accounting. I was persuaded Registration Committee.
outline on your professional
to study engineering due to the
background?
high demand for black females In 2014, I was appointed as Vice
appointed at the time. I was Chairperson of ECSA’s National
I graduated in 2004 and immediately
awarded a scholarship to study Electrical Professional Advisory
started working at Eskom. I started
in Malaysia by the Department of Committee. In 2010, I started
at the HV Plant Department where
Minerals and Energy. serving as a reviewer, assessor,
I was appointed as an Engineer in
Training (EIT). moderator and mentor for ECSA. I
I completed my BSc in electrical have won the following awards:
engineering at the University
February 2005 I left Eskom and
moved to Afrisam - Holcim Cement Technology Petronas (UTP) in Seri • June 2010 – Engineer of the year
plant in Roodepoort were I was Iskandar, Malaysia. Years later, I Award: Generation Business
appointed as the Plant Engineer. completed my MSc in Electrical Engineering Manager’s Awards.
In October 2005 I went back to Engineering at WITS in 2018. • August 2012 – Customer
Eskom and joined Central Grid My postgraduate studies were Satisfaction Award: Technology
where I was appointed as the funded by a bursary from the Engineering Manager’s Awards.
2021 ECSA FEMALE ENGINEERS 8 DIGITAL BOOK• September 2012 – Customer • Visibility and access to female What is the role of the
Satisfaction Award: mentors that have overcome regulator in ensuring that the
Chairman’s Awards. challenges faced in male- industry attracts and retains
• May 2017 – Best presenter in dominated industries. female engineers?
Session 2b of the EPPEI Workshop. • Discrimination due to preferences
• September 2017 – Technology and biases in the workplace.
• Marketing and promoting
and Engineering Award for the • Limited access to training
Eskom Women Advancement engineering as a profession
due to the current prevailing
Program (EWAP). including career fairs.
financial conditions in majority
• October 2017 – Engineer of The • Ensuring that females are
of the engineering sectors
Year at South African Institute of
and companies. remunerated the same as their
Electrical Engineers (SAIEE).
• ‘Pull her down’ syndrome, both male counter parts.
• July 2018 – Best Paper
from other races and your • Offering free coaching
Award at Power Gen and
own race. webinars, where thriving female
DistribuTECH conference.
• High expectations when it engineering professionals can
In your observation, what are comes to being given solid
share tips to motivate and
some of the key challenges that mentoring support plus
inspire other females to stay
are encountered by female assuming equal and fair
in engineering.
engineers in the industry? distribution of opportunities.
• Availability and access to • Free access to mentors in
• Most engineering industries are free mentorship and partnership with the VAs and
predominantly male-dominated. coaching programs. educational institutions.
2021 ECSA FEMALE ENGINEERS 9 DIGITAL BOOKwith the amazing work that they did. Their excitement when they see us
He made me believe that I could on site as they anticipate the project
make it in this industry. Engineers to get off the ground to make their
were like magicians in my eyes, lives easier and safer is beautiful
taking simple things like water, to watch. It is much better than the
cement and stone and turning them awards and the accolades, and I
into beautiful structures. The way know this because I have had the
they constructed roads in areas you honour of having both.
would not think possible.
I was awarded an academic
My grade 12 Geography teacher excellence award by the Tshwane
Morongwa cemented that dream in me when
he told us that there were very few
University of Technology.
women in this industry. I wanted to In your observation,
Mashweu be a part of history making and of what are some of the
course, serving in the most amazing key challenges that are
way I could ever think of. encountered by female
engineers in the industry?
Can you provide a brief
What have been the key
outline on your professional
background? highlights in your career as There are two main challenges
an engineer? E.g. awards, that I have noted amongst many
I have 10 years’ experience in the
serving on a board etc. other challenges that we face. The
first one is the lack of recognition/
civil engineering industry. I started
working in the private sector as Serving our communities will always opportunities. Women are often
a junior site engineer. I went on be the highlight for me. A wise not considered brilliant enough to
to work with water and sanitation person once said “we need to know handle big or challenging projects.
projects in the public sector. the difference between cost and You can come up with brilliant
I am currently working in the value”. Our projects might not cost ideas, but they will not be taken
private sector focused on multi- much to build but the value that we seriously until they are presented by
disciplinary projects. bring as engineers is priceless. our male counterparts, who often
present our ideas as theirs.
What motivated you to I am currently working on a project
pursue a career in the for construction of low-level bridges The sad part is that we often face
engineering sector? in the rural areas to provide the the same challenge from other
residents with access to amenities women as well. They are more
I wanted to make an impact in my such as schools during rainy season. than happy to report to a male
society. My father worked in the The cost of the projects is extremely senior and respect them, than
construction industry for many low but the impact and value it has report to a female senior, despite
years, and he made me fall in love on those residents is massive. the contribution that both parties
2021 ECSA FEMALE ENGINEERS 10 DIGITAL BOOKmake or the amount of knowledge matter how calm you are when making waves in this amazing
one has. Many organisations say trying to address certain issues, it industry, for young girls so that the
they are pro women but their way will still be misinterpreted. younger generation can see how
of doing things says otherwise. The amazing this industry is and that it is
second one goes hand in hand with What is the role of the for everyone. Most young girls in the
the first one. Women are not given regulator in ensuring that the rural areas do not even have access
the respect they deserve. industry attracts and retains to such information.
female engineers?
This is a challenge in most Work with organisations to help
industries, not just the civil Provide opportunities for women them take the necessary measures
engineering industry. When a to be recognised for their amazing to involve women in the formulation
woman speaks her mind or stands contribution in this industry. The of policies, especially organisations
up for herself she is considered regulator should host events for that want to forge a good
emotional, a diva, dramatic, and women, led by other women in relationship with the regulator.
all kinds of names but when it is the industry.
a man doing the same thing, he is The only people who know what
considered strong, powerful and Have career fairs that are run by kind of changes are required by
not to be messed with. It does not other women who are already women are women.
2021 ECSA FEMALE ENGINEERS 11 DIGITAL BOOKthings out of the norm. As a young Engineering Council of
girl, expectations were that I follow South (ECSA) effective from
careers modelled around those we November 2020.
saw in society, in science, it was • Member of the SAIEE Council:
mostly doctors. I wanted to be 2020-2022 - I am council
a pilot or air traffic controller. My member and on EXCO of
parents were not convinced that the South African Institute of
it will be suitable environment for Electrical Engineering (SAIEE).
me as young lady. I then had to I am the chairperson of the
research, with limited resources, Technology, Knowledge and
about careers that would best use Leadership. I also serve on the
my mathematics and science skills, Membership Committee.
but not in health. At the time, the • UJ FEBE Advisory Board: 2021-
Prudence government of Limpopo then,
also partnered with University of
2023.
• Pfuxani STEM Foundation: 2016
Madiba Natal, who came to the province to
explain the different courses they
to date - Founder of the Pfuxani
STEM Foundation. This is a non-
offered. That is how I found out profit organization focusing on
about engineering and started my the improvement of teaching and
Can you provide a brief own interest in the field, and the learning in Science, Technology,
outline on your professional rest is history. Engineering and Mathematics
background? (STEM) subjects in township
What have been the key schools in Gauteng.
I am an Electronic Engineer highlights in your career as
by profession, with a BSc in an engineer? E.g. awards, Previous Boards of Entities
Electronic Engineering (UKZN), serving on a board etc. / Professional Councils /
Post Graduate Diploma in Business Institutions:
Management (UKZN), Graduate Recognition and awards: • ARUP Education Trust: 2016
Engineering Diploma in Industrial • Group Five and University T0 2018 - I served as an
Engineering (WITS) and Masters of Johannesburg – Women independent Trustee of the ARUP
in Engineering Management (UP). in Engineering and Built Education Trust Board from 2016
I am a Professionally Registered Environment Awards: 2014 to February 2018.
Engineer (2007) and a Fellow of the winner of excellence at • Member of the ECSA Council:
South African Institute of Electrical company level. 2016-2019 - I was a council
Engineers (2020). • South African Institute of member of the 5th Term
Electrical Engineers – 2014 Engineering Council of South
I started my career with Eskom in winner of the engineering (ECSA) effective from September
2002, as an Engineer in Training, excellence award. 2016. Also served on the ECSA
and moved through the ranks • Eskom Women Advanced Central Registration and the Audit
to becoming a Senior Manager Program - woman of the and Risk Committees.
Engineering, Electrical and C&I year, 2017. • Member of the SAIEE Council:
Engineering Centre of Excellence, • Eskom Generation – runner up for 2014-16, 2016-18, 2018-
in 2012. executive of the year, 2017. 20 - I was council member
and on EXCO of the South
What motivated you to Current Boards of Entities African Institute of Electrical
pursue a career in the / Professional Councils / Engineering (SAIEE). I previously
engineering sector? Institutions: served as the Chairperson of
• Member of the ECSA Council: the membership Committee,
I have always liked to challenge 2020-2024 - I am a council Chairman of the Events and
myself and break into different member of the 6th Term Marketing Committee (2 years),
2021 ECSA FEMALE ENGINEERS 12 DIGITAL BOOKChairperson of the Professional is still a huge concern. There is governing the technical and built
Development committee. improvement in this, but the gap environment in order to drive all
• WITS School of Electrical and is still huge. other stakeholders.
Information Industrial Advisory • Barriers of entry into main • Create an enabling environment
Board (2018 - 2019). projects and technical for female engineers to
• South African Bureau organization ownership. How participate and remain in the
of Standards (SABS) – do we support women to profession. Currently, globally,
Recapitilisation Forum for access funds and deliver in only 60% of graduate engineers
NETFA (2015). high value technical projects? are retained in the profession, this
How do we support the female speaks to the intake of female
In your observation, engineering managers? engineers and the retention of
what are some of the • Increase representation of women females in engineering careers.
key challenges that are in leadership positions, create • The role of the regulator starts
encountered by female attractive growth opportunities, from university intake,
engineers in the industry? both as technical managers and collaboration with universities and
also as specialists. Department of Higher Education
• Work-life balance: The flexibility • Participation of women in and Basic Education, in improving
of working hours and the different forums in all governing our girl children’s view to
pressure to perform. Covid-19 structures in the industry to engineering careers. How do we
has shown us that we can include female engineers in role model women in engineering
have flexibility to work from influencing the direction? How as a first entry of showcasing
home when necessary and still do we encourage women to the success of women in this
deliver within the set times. participate without seeing this environment? Are we monitoring
There is societal pressure and an overload to their already the challenges of universities
expectations of the role of demanding jobs and mismatched in making sure we increase the
women as they progress in life, work life balance? number of graduates?
how women are supported • Profiling of women in engineering
to perform in this sector and What is the role of the and targeted mentorship for
for them to still be able to fulfil regulator in ensuring that the women in engineering. The
other roles in the society. This is industry attracts and retains regulator has access to the
one of the reasons why women female engineers? Department of Public Works &
leave engineering or move into Infrastructure (DPWI), members
management not specialization. One of the role of ECSA, as a of the profession and the
• Organization Culture: How many regulator, is to advise the Minister Voluntary Associations (VA’s)
people trust technical work done of Public Works or CBE on to enable the environment and
by women? How many times matters relating to the engineering support to female engineers.
have we had women complaining profession. This can be used to • Driving of the transformation
that they need to work harder to improve the following: agenda in the industry:
prove themselves? She is always »» How does the regulator
on maternity leave? Does the • Participation of women in influence policies to improve
organizational culture allow for different forums – how does the the working environment
women to have a life outside of regulator ensure that it supports for retention of women?
work? Can they have families? and drives the representation The salary disparities? The
Is the focus on outcomes, of women in technical forums? appointment of women in key
or attendance? This is slowly improving but it technical organization?
• The salary disparities between must filter at all levels within »» How do we influence
males and females for the same the regulator structures and continued professional
work and positions in the sector also government sectors development for women?
2021 ECSA FEMALE ENGINEERS 13 DIGITAL BOOKthe maintenance department doing What have been the key
maintenance, repairs, fault finding, highlights in your career as
machine installation preventive & an engineer? E.g. awards,
reliability maintenance on different serving on a board etc.
types of machinery/equipment.
Highlights as Reg. LMI: One of the
What motivated you to many key highlights was being
pursue a career in the recognised as the First Young African
engineering sector? woman to be registered as an LMI
by the Engineering Council of South
Choosing the right career in the Africa (ECSA) in a field perceived to
engineering sector was a bit daunting be mostly male-dominated. This on
Rachel for me. However, some of the factors its own has opened doors to other
that attributed and motivated me to opportunities for all aspiring young
Ledwaba persuade engineering studies was women who might have had doubts
based on my drive to solve problems in their respective careers.
and finding lasting solutions to re-
occurring problems. From 2014 I was appointed by
Can you provide a brief
ECSA as an assessor, moderator
outline on your professional
After completing my matric I wanted and reviewer for LMI registration,
background?
to further my studies in a university I was also part of the 2016
institution, but due to lack of Recommendations Panel for new
I am an Engineering Practitioner
finances to do so, I then resorted Council. In 2018 I was awarded
registered in the Specified
to study at a then FET College now the ECSA Volunteer of the year
Category as a Lifting Machinery
Inspector since 2010, working for known as TVET Colleges, studying Specified Category award.
Transnet Engineering. an Electrical Engineering course.
Serving on an ECSA Board /
I joined the organisation in May During my years of training as Working Committee: Recently I
2004 as an apprentice, trained a Millwright there were certain was appointed to serve on the
as a Millwright and successfully modules in the curriculum that Sixth Term ECSA Council and
completed my training and obtained were specific to operations and subsequently two High Impact
Red Seal in 2007, then later maintenance of lifting equipment, Committees, namely Education
completed a National Diploma in I then started to develop interest Committee and the Training
Electrical Engineering. in the different types of lifting Academy and Development
machines, which led to me enquiring Committee and I also form part of
Most of my work experience as an more about prerequisites to become the Identification of Engineering
Artisan was gained while working in a Lifting Machinery Inspector. Work (IDoEW) Task Team.
2021 ECSA FEMALE ENGINEERS 14 DIGITAL BOOKHowever one of my key highlights and I am in support of a view that registration. Exhibitions are known
in this area was the Committee everyone despite their race or gender to have a meaningful impact to
members attention to detail should be given equal opportunities. create a much needed career
pertaining to good governance and awareness to young aspiring
the agility in resolving challenges. Moreover, a female engineer’s work women from different walks of life
is always subject to verification and and geographic areas who wish to
In your observation, scrutiny by the male counterpart. This become future engineers.
what are some of the creates the notion that a male engineer
key challenges that are is more competent than a female One of the other key measures the
encountered by female engineer’s which is not the case. industry should exercise in order to
engineers in the industry? retain existing female engineers is to
What is the role of the fully give responsibility to their work
In the industry where I am practicing, regulator in ensuring that the without any undue interference, in
our male counterparts are given industry attracts and retains turn this will bring about a sense of
more developmental opportunities female engineers? ownership and creativity.
and also entrusted with leadership
roles than their female counterparts. ECSA as a regulator in partnerships Continuous development and better
This on its own has a negative with learning institutions and remuneration also play a major
impact to each female’s confidence accredited organisations should role in the retention of staff as it
and does make us to question our embark on career exhibitions drives, provides a sense of recognition and
capabilities. However, I strongly promoting different engineering appreciation of the skillset rendered
condemn this type of injustice fields and their categories of to the industry/organisations.
2021 ECSA FEMALE ENGINEERS 15 DIGITAL BOOKthe engineering field. One of the write my honours exam weeks after
mottos from our family was “To live giving birth to my second daughter.
like a king work like a slave”, this Fortunately, I passed the exam,
always assisted me in being able that is when I understood that as
to handle the hard work needed to women we can take any challenge
qualify as an engineer. thrown at us. The other challenge
is that most of the time you find
What have been the key yourself in meetings where you
highlights in your career as are the only female engineer and
an engineer? E.g. awards, you have to prove that you can do
serving on a board etc. it. This has not been an issue for
Rachel I believe in continuous
me though as I come from a male
dominated family.
Mangwenzi development as such, in addition
to my undergraduate degree, I What is the role of the
have pursued an Honours and regulator in ensuring that the
Masters Degree, and I have industry attracts and retains
obtained a Certification in female engineers?
Can you provide a brief
Project Management.
outline on your professional
To ensure that there is equal
background?
In your observation, recognition of both males and
I graduated in 2003 and have been in
what are some of the females in the engineering sector,
the engineering industry for 18 years
key challenges that are female engineers should be identified
and most of my experience has been encountered by female as engineers first and female second.
in the private sector but I am currently engineers in the industry? The regulator needs to ensure there
employed in the public service. is gender parity through policies that
As a female engineer, you have to are geared towards acknowledging
What motivated you to prove that you can do it regardless these differences and thereby
pursue a career in the of having a family. Balancing family addressing them.
engineering sector? and work is always a challenge for
women in the engineering field, I The regulator also needs to ensure
I grew up in a male dominated am glad that my family gives me that it raises awareness
environment where most of my support whenever the burden of the importance of choosing
cousins were engineers and they tends to become heavy to balance. STEM subjects to ensure a career
always said I could do it, they are The most difficult challenge I in the Engineering and Built
the ones who steered me to be in experienced was when I had to Environment sector.
2021 ECSA FEMALE ENGINEERS 16 DIGITAL BOOKmy above average analytical skills. and experience, which eventually
When I read about engineering and lead to less competence.
the lack of black female engineers in
our country, I immediately knew that We enter a room full of men who
I could serve in that field. I knew mostly do not understand us and
that my presence in the engineering undermine us. We need to use
field could potentially shape the more force just to be heard or our
gender composition of the field. I suggestions to even be considered.
also believed that engineers work This constant battle is draining and
on solving important problems and demoralising, hence most women
that becoming one would allow me actually end up leaving engineering
to help others and contribute to as they are tired of fighting for
society. Because of my background, their positions. Most women are
Tebogo the potential of being able to assist
my family financially also attracted
vulnerable by nature, but then when
this comes out it is labelled as being
Mohapi me to pursue a career in this field. weak. We are undermined by being
asked to make tea, just to make us
What have been the key feel small and in some instances, it
highlights in your career as is simply because you are the only
Can you provide a brief an engineer? E.g. awards, woman, you might be requested
outline on your professional serving on a board etc. to arrange lunch for the team.
background? In addition to this, there is sexual
The ECSA award for being the harassment in the workplace, having to
I obtained both my BEng in Electrical Best Professional Registration balance work and life including being
Engineering and MEng in Engineering Assessor for 2019 (for extreme a mother and in some instances being
Management from the University of professionalism, paying attention regarded less competent because we
Pretoria. I did my training between to detail and doing diligence to my need to take maternity leave and even
2010 and 2011 at Eskom. I then work with continued commitment). family responsibility leave.
started working as a Control Plant Coming up with an effective
Design Engineer in 2012 and was strategy for challenges facing What is the role of the
promoted to Senior Engineer in revenue measurement and it has regulator in ensuring that the
2013. I was also seconded to Project been yielding positive results. industry attracts and retains
Manager and Revenue Measurement female engineers?
Manager between 2016 and 2021, In your observation,
while still practicing as a Senior what are some of the The first point is the appreciation of
Design Engineer. key challenges that are the fundamental difference between
encountered by female a male and a female and their role in
What motivated you to engineers in the industry? our society. When women are given
pursue a career in the the platform, they must also be given
engineering sector? Gender Discrimination - Engineering the support in line with their societal
is still generally a male dominated roles and their biological needs, and
I was young and honestly had field and females tend to be less this needs to be normalised. Ignoring
very little guidance or knowledge trusted and are often undermined in this fact breeds ongoing problems
in terms of choosing a career. their engineering capabilities. This that will carry on from generation to
However, what I was definitely sure often leads to women being given generation and that is what we are
of were my capabilities. I knew less opportunities especially on currently doing. The problem is that
that I had an ability to influence those projects, which are deemed we want to make man and woman
and a desire to make a difference. large or risky. Unfortunately, this equal, it is not necessary for them to
From a young age, I recognised results in female engineers not be equal, equal opportunity is what
my tremendous ability to focus and receiving the necessary exposure we need from the industry.
2021 ECSA FEMALE ENGINEERS 17 DIGITAL BOOKNational and Municipal Road creation and improving
networks, Private Developments peoples lives.
and I also worked on one of the
Soccer World Cup practice venues. What have been the key
The last 10 years I was focusing on highlights in your career as
Transportation Engineering. an engineer? E.g. awards,
serving on a board etc.
Currently I am an Assistant
Resident Engineer for SNA Civil & I am currently the Chair for the
Structural Engineers on the R67 Society of Asphalt Technology (SAT)
between Whittlesea and Komani. Eastern Cape Branch, Vice Chair of
Tronél After 19 years of working behind
a desk in an office I am loving
the South African Institution of Civil
Engineering (SAICE), Algo Branch and
Strydom working full time on site. Regional Co-ordinator for the South
African Road Federation (SARF). I
What motivated you to am also an Assessor, Moderator
pursue a career in the and Interviewer for the Engineering
engineering sector? Council of South Africa (ECSA).
Can you provide a brief
outline on your professional
I was in Special Education due to One of my passions is Mentoring
background?
my learning disability and Dyslexia. and Training. Everyone I help guide
With this I learned to focus on towards Professional registration
I obtained my National Diploma
my strong points. I loved Maths, gives me such a sense of pride.
in Civil Engineering in 2001
from Technicon Pretoria (now Physics and especially technical
known as Tshwane University of drawings at school. This pointed I am also involved with the iGems
Technology) and started working me in the direction of engineering. (Incubating great engineering
as a Technician in January 2002. minds) program from Unity in
While working I studied part-time After attending a career day at the Africa. This program is focused on
and obtained my B-Tech from University of Pretoria my heart was introducing underprivileged kids to
Technicon Pretoria in 2003. set on Civil Engineering and I have the world of Engineering.
not been in regret for one day.
I registered as a Professional I am considered an expert in the
Technologist in 2010 and as What really drives me is the fact field of Traffic calming, SARTSM,
an International Professional that we are the unsung heroes, Geometric Design & Road
Technologist in 2021. I was giving communities roads, Drainage. I am currently working
fortunate enough to work on a clean water and sewage. Civil my way up the ladder to become
wide variety of projects such Engineering is one of the biggest a Resident Engineer (RE), I will be
as Bulk Water and Sewer lines, contributors when it comes to job one of the handful of female Civil
2021 ECSA FEMALE ENGINEERS 18 DIGITAL BOOKEngineers that are recognised REs about this, as I have found that once significantly more than the 10% in
on SANRAL projects. you raise the issue, the men usually the UK and 14% in the USA.
indicate that they were not aware of
In your observation, what are the fact that they are doing it. Thus it is hard to say what ECSA
some of the key challenges that can do to promote engineering
are encountered by female Reshma Saujani TED talk “Teach under females, but one thing we
engineers in the industry? girls bravery, not perfection” need to communicate clearly is
clearly shows the difference that this work is a passion and not
One of the biggest challenges between males and females in the just a job.
for me is that men treat us with workplace. And being a mommy
kids gloves. I want to be seen of 2 girls and 1 boy, I can confirm I know a large number of women
as a Professional Engineering girls from a young age are trying to leave because the responsibilities
Technologist and not as a be perfect and boys are brave from of being a mother and a dedicated
female Professional Engineering day one. When females are brave Engineering Practitioner is hard.
Technologist. We have become enough to follow their passion, the Especially as overtime is expected
oversensitive with regards to change will follow naturally. from certain companies and they
gender. We are one profession do not necessarily compensate
and as a female, I see it as a great What is the role of the employees for overtime. Women
accomplishment to be seen as “One regulator in ensuring that the working for such companies reach
of the Boys”, as they would say. industry attracts and retains a glass sealing if they have kids. If
female engineers? it is possible for ECSA to encourage
The biggest gripe I have is the companies to compensate
traditional gender roles that still Females only really entered this employees for working overtime,
need to be addressed. Roles like workforce in the 1970’s. We should the culture of expected overtime
making the coffee and tea for a also take note that only 18% of the might change, and we will cultivate
meeting or taking the minutes. But Civil Engineering Industry is female a better work-life balance work
as females, we need to speak up in South Africa. However, this is environment for all.
2021 ECSA FEMALE ENGINEERS 19 DIGITAL BOOKthe business to complete the on for as long as I can remember. I
power plant operation training and was that “let’s break it and fix it” kid.
get exposure across the Eskom My father is a motor mechanic and
business, as well as international having been very close to him, “fixing
exposure, in Germany. and building things” became a hobby.
I later joined Eskom Generation My mother was a Maths teacher
and have since held various roles and instilled the love for Maths in
including Protection, Metering & us. So Maths became my favourite
Measurements and Control (PMMC) subject, leading me to select and
Design Manager, Project Engineering enjoy Maths and Science at High
Manager and Contracts Manager. School and so, when I completed
Tshego my matric, engineering became a
As part of contributing to the relatable option for me.
Cornelius fraternity, I am a registered
engineer with the Engineering What have been the key
Council of South Africa (Pr.Eng, highlights in your career as
ECSA), a council member of the an engineer? E.g. awards,
Can you provide a brief
South African Institute of Electrical serving on a board etc.
outline on your professional
Engineering (SAIEE), Chairperson of
background?
the SAIEE Education and Training The broad exposure I have of the
Committee, and a member of the engineering fraternity, learning of
I am a BSc Electrical Engineering
Institute of Electrical and Electronics new engineering technologies and
Graduate from the University of
Cape Town and started working for Engineers (IEEE). having worked in various roles and
Eskom in 2009, as an EIT (Engineer divisions within Eskom are one of
in Training) at the Western Grid I also volunteer with ECSA and the highlights I can mention.
Transmission Offices, in Belville. assist candidates with professional
registration, and I’m involved with In terms of awards, as part of
I then relocated to Johannesburg, policy development and reviews for the Eskom Transmission Young
in 2010, to complete my training ECSA as well as reviews of ECSA’s Professionals team, we received
in the then Transmission strategic documents such as an award for Sinobuntu (one of
Technology Department and the standards and guidelines. Eskom’s values) for giving back to
System Operation and Planning the disadvantaged communities. This
Department. Post the EIT period, What motivated you to has since encouraged me to continue
I was appointed as a Protection pursue a career in the promoting STEM and giving back.
Engineer. As part of the Generation engineering sector?
Professionalising-Operations I have also been awarded the Young
Programme in 2014, I was selected I have always been a curious Professional Special Award for
as one of the 20 Engineers across “technical” child and very hands- the Eskom Women Advancement
2021 ECSA FEMALE ENGINEERS 20 DIGITAL BOOKProgramme (EWAP); I was a finalist in challenge. Females tend to work What is the role of the
the Energy & Environment Category twice as hard when compared to regulator in ensuring that the
Standard Bank Rising Star Awards male counterparts, and some do not industry attracts and retains
2018 and I was also a recipient of even receive recognition despite the female engineers?
the 2018 South African Institute of extra work put in.
Electrical Engineers (SAIEE) Keith The regulator can assist in
Plowden Young Achievers Award. It saddens me when female creating more opportunities
engineers leave the industry to go for women to be present in the
In your observation, what are pursue a career in a different field, boardrooms and be key decision
some of the key challenges that due to frustrations and having felt makers. The salary gap issue
are encountered by female stagnant. Female engineers need needs to be addressed to promote
engineers in the industry? to stop seeking acceptance and fairness and lastly, female engineers
approval in boardrooms and from could be retained by providing a
Our engineering industry is no male counterparts and actually conducive working environment
doubt a male dominated industry appreciate their worth. Most to provide for equal and fair
and being a female on its own is a importantly, let us support each other. opportunities at the workplace.
2021 ECSA FEMALE ENGINEERS 21 DIGITAL BOOKWhat motivated you to In your observation,
pursue a career in the what are some of the
engineering sector? key challenges that are
encountered by female
To be honest I never wanted to engineers in the industry?
become an Engineer, it was just a
second choice. I wanted to become • Often, women in male-
a medical doctor as I believed it was dominated environments often
the only profession in which I can lack self-confidence and suffer
make an impact in my community feelings of inferiority. In addition,
and in the process make good if this is not managed actively
money. However, I was wrong, this through women advancement
was the best second choice that programmes it can deter many
Tshwari happened in my life and I am not women from taking up positions
looking back. I was then awarded a in leadership roles.
Ramagofu bursary by Eskom, which allowed me
to study BSc Electrical Engineering
• Lack of support and
understanding from fellow
at University of Cape Town. colleagues is also challenging
– and this calls out to all the
What have been the key females in this industry to
Can you provide a brief highlights in your career as genuinely support each other.
outline on your professional an engineer? E.g. awards, • There is gender discrimination
background?
serving on a board etc. that also leads to salary
discrepancies.
I am a passionate, performance
The confidence of striving for the • Conflicts of life balance especially
driven individual who continuously
best has always driven me from a when starting a family and also
strives to develop her leadership
young age. Since I joined Eskom, I advancing one’s career.
skills and is constantly learning how
have been in various committees and
to improve and develop others.
platforms such as Bursar Committees, What is the role of the
I’m currently employed by Eskom
Engineer in Training Evaluations, regulator in ensuring that the
Transmission as a Middle Manager HV
Chair and Member of Various industry attracts and retains
Plant, and my main role is to ensure
Technical as well as Investment female engineers?
that the HV Plant is operated and Forums and Women Advancement
maintained in a safe and effective Programmes. I believe that you can • The industry needs to recognize
manner. As a manager, I constantly never influence and guide the future if and admit the problem of gender
seek opportunities to operate and you are not involved. inequality in the engineering
maintain the plant within a constrained environment and to enforce
budget and resources and ensure that I currently serve as ECSA council employers to develop and
safety and quality is maintained and member for the second term since monitor workplace equity plans.
outages are optimised and minimised, 2016 to date. For the first term • Employers to receive incentives
to sustain and continually improve the council, I was the Chairperson for good performance on their
plant performance. of Investigating Committee and workplace equity plan.
currently I am a member of Training • Create and enforce policies
I started my career in Eskom & Academics Development and that protect women when
Distribution as a Design Engineer, Research, Policy & Standards they become victims of sexual
Senior Engineer and manager Committees. I also serve as council harassment and discrimination.
and was responsible for design of member for South African Institute • Regulate skills development and
distribution substations, HV and MV of Electrical Engineers (SAIEE) as training that is targeted especially
line; and Electrification. Chairperson of System Section. at women engineers.
2021 ECSA FEMALE ENGINEERS 22 DIGITAL BOOKYou can also read
