[Women in Engineering #3] [Women in Engineering #2] [Women in Engineering #1]
During Women’s Month, we spotlight a few remarkable women who have made significant strides in engineering since graduating from the Faculty of Engineering at Stellenbosch University (SU). In a three-series Q&A campaign, we will highlight how these inspiring women showcase the profound impact engineering can have on society and the world. A set of questions was sent to several alumnae, and they have graciously shared their insights. In the first series, we feature the responses from three of these exceptional women. Their dedication, innovation, and passion continue to enhance lives and contribute to a better, more sustainable future.
The questions that were asked are:
- What inspired you to pursue a career in engineering, and how has your journey been since graduating from Stellenbosch University?
- Can you share a project or experience you are particularly proud of in your current job?
- How do you believe your work as an engineer enhances the lives of others and contributes to a better world?
- What unique challenges do you face in your engineering field, and how do you overcome them?
Lebogang Mabitsela (Industrial Engineering)
Choosing a career in engineering was a challenging decision for Lebogang at the age of 17. Her desire to make a positive impact and combine science with commerce led her to industrial engineering. “Coming from Limpopo, I had never heard of industrial engineering until I conducted some research and realised it was the perfect fit for my diverse interests,” she explains her decision to pursue a career in engineering.
Since graduating from SU, she has spent the past two and a half years working in the Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) industry for Rhodes Food Group (RFG). Her journey has been incredibly rewarding, allowing her to apply academic concepts practically and gain invaluable industry knowledge. “I’ve had the opportunity to work with cross-function teams, which has broadened my industry knowledge. Additionally, networking and connecting with mentors who are also alumni of Stellenbosch University has been invaluable,” she adds.
Lebogang is proud of her role as a demand planner in improving the sales and operating processes for canned jam and canned fruit products at RFG. Her team optimised inventory levels and fostered stronger collaboration across departments by conducting site visits and refining forecasting methods, significantly enhancing operational efficiency. She says: “This experience was pivotal to my growth as a young professional, as it provided me with invaluable insights into the end-to-end supply chain and honed my ability to drive cross-functional improvements.”
Lebogang believes that engineering is fundamentally about problem-solving and innovative thinking. Her work in accurate demand planning ensures efficient procurement, production and inventory management, ultimately lowering operational costs and providing affordable food options to consumers, thus contributing to tackling global food insecurity. “In an economy where every cent counts, this is vital for helping households stretch their budgets. Additionally, by minimising waste and optimising resource use, we contribute to environmental sustainability,” she explains.
Alma Margaretha Engelbrecht (Chemical Engineer)
Alma Margaretha Engelbrecht’s career in engineering began pragmatically rather than from a passion. Starting her BEng in Chemical Engineering in 2003, she chose engineering for its high likelihood of securing bursaries and scholarships. “Chemical process engineering was also a very lucrative and internationally sought-after engineering discipline,” she explains her decision to pursue engineering.
Her interest deepened during her master’s degree, which she completed immediately after her BEng degree, with a focus on process modelling using cellular automata. Since then, her career has flourished, integrating over 15 years of industrial experience into a meaningful vocation aimed at contributing to a healthy, fair, and sustainable society.
Recently, she completed a Master of Technology Management, underscoring her commitment to continuous learning and professional growth. “A master’s degree was also key for professional recognition in countries not subscribing to the Washington Accord, such as Norway, where I live now,” she says.
Alma is particularly pleased with her distinction from the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) for her dissertation, “Unlocking Africa through Shared Value Creation – Transforming Rural Africa from Net Food Importer to Net Food Exporter.”
Her recent appointment as lead for Yara’s efforts to stay abreast of technology that renders fertilizer accessible for subsistence farmers in underserved rural areas in an environmentally and socially sustainable manner. Alma’s work aims to contribute to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal of eradicating world hunger. She believes that a genuine interest in one’s work, combined with leveraging the strengths of others, is crucial to making meaningful progress and adapting to a rapidly changing world.
She names three key skills to her success: 1) Inspiration, 2) Perspiration, and 3) People.
Photograph:
(left) Lebogang Mabitsela during a site visit to a pineapple farm in Eswatini in 2023.
(right) Alma Margaretha Engelbrecht during her time as a Visiting Fellow at MIT, one year ago, standing next to the MIT mascot.
