Women engineers driving South Africa's infrastructure inspire next generation

As South Africa commemorates Women's Month, the Institute of Municipal Engineering of Southern Africa (IMESA) is showcasing the remarkable contributions of women engineers in driving the country's infrastructure development while inspiring the next generation of women to consider careers in this vital field. IMESA, established in 1961, has never implemented formal gender policies but has consistently cultivated a professional environment based on technical excellence, ethics, and community service. Currently, over 30% of its membership comprises women, many of whom hold leadership positions.

Among these trailblazing women are Roxanne Canny, chair of the KwaZulu-Natal branch, Princesse Kabala Muke, chair of the Western Cape branch, and Mpho Plaatjie, chair of the Free State and Northern Cape branch. Rather than dwelling on challenges, these engineers are utilizing Women's Month to highlight the diverse opportunities available in municipal engineering and encourage young women and men to pursue careers that contribute to the delivery of essential public infrastructure.

Plaatjie, a civil engineer and project manager at Mangaung Municipality, recalls her childhood fascination with engineering after witnessing the installation of a water tap in her family's home. This experience sparked her passion for improving access to clean water for others. Similarly, Canny, a registered civil engineer specializing in water design and acting area manager at eThekwini Municipality, was inspired by her mother, a draughtswoman, and discovered her passion for water engineering.

Joining local government allowed her to oversee projects from conception to completion, solidifying her dedication to municipal engineering.

Kabala Muke, acting manager in the City of Cape Town's Urban Waste Management division, grew up in Goma, Democratic Republic of Congo, where she witnessed firsthand how infrastructure directly impacts people's quality of life. She emphasizes that engineering is not only a technical discipline but also a potent instrument for economic development, nation-building, and social transformation.

The three engineers acknowledge that the profession has become more inclusive, with an increasing number of women leading technical teams, managing infrastructure projects, and occupying executive roles.

However, Plaatjie suggests that municipalities should enhance internship and graduate programs and expand bursary opportunities to attract more young engineers into the profession. Canny highlights the importance of diversity in enriching the engineering field with varied perspectives, while Kabala Muke stresses the necessity of fostering workplaces that empower women to lead, innovate, and influence strategic decisions.

They also underscore the significance of professional organizations like IMESA, noting that mentorship, networking, and leadership development are crucial for supporting women throughout their careers. Canny, who co-founded IMESA's Young Professionals Portfolio (YP²), emphasizes that the program has created more opportunities for students and early-career engineers, with the initiative expanding to the Western Cape under Kabala Muke's leadership.

Their message to aspiring women engineers is clear: they belong in the profession and have the potential to play a pivotal role in shaping South Africa's future through the provision of essential infrastructure and public services.