In a field long defined by steel, precision and structure, a different kind of strength is quietly shaping the future of engineering in Durban: leadership, mentorship and women supporting women.
As International Women in Engineering Day was marked on Tuesday, 23 June, the spotlight falls on the South African Institution of Civil Engineering (SAICE) Durban Branch, a professional non-profit organisation where women in the industry are not only building careers, but actively building each other.
From boardrooms to site visits, from graduate engineers to industry leaders, SAICE has become a space where women in engineering come together to share knowledge, open doors and strengthen the profession for those still to come.
For Philile Garnie Mphemba, CEO of Maswazi Engineering Group and SAICE Durban Branch committee member, engineering has always been about impact that extends beyond infrastructure.
“Engineering gave me the opportunity to solve problems and build something tangible that improves lives. It shapes everything around us, from roads and water systems to housing. But through SAICE, I’ve also realised the importance of developing the profession and supporting those coming into it,” she said.
She added that the conversation around women in engineering must move beyond participation alone. Her message to the next generation is: “Don’t limit yourself before you begin. Being a woman in engineering means having the courage to build, lead and create opportunities for those who will come after me.”
Shynelle Moodley, a Candidate Civil Engineer and SAICE Durban Branch committee member said: “I genuinely believe that having people who’ve walked the road before you — who can say ‘this is normal, keep going’ or ‘here’s what I’d do differently’ — shortens your learning curve and strengthens your confidence. SAICE has been that for me in many ways.
Events, committees, connections with senior engineers — those relationships matter. No one builds a career entirely alone, and women in particular benefit from networks that are actively invested in their success. When women are part of decision-making, you build infrastructure that reflects real communities and real experiences.”
Moodley also highlights the importance of bridging the gap between schools and universities to introduce engineering from a young age, encouraging greater visibility of the profession and the role of women within it.
Shaneesa Mohanlal, treasurer of the SAICE Durban Branch and HR manager at LA Consulting Engineers said: “Over the past decade in the construction industry, I have seen encouraging progress for women. There is greater awareness around diversity and inclusion, more opportunities for women to take on leadership roles, and stronger support networks within professional organisations. While there is still work to be done, women today have more visibility and opportunities to contribute meaningfully across the industry.”
Roxanne Canny, an engineer working in water infrastructure, says the impact of her work is deeply tied to everyday life. “Working in water infrastructure has been particularly meaningful because access to safe and reliable water directly impacts health, dignity and economic development. Knowing that my work contributes to improving essential services for communities is incredibly rewarding,” she said.
She added: “Engineering is all around us. It provides the infrastructure and services that people rely on every day, from clean water and sanitation to roads, bridges, energy and communication networks. Engineering shapes the future, and that future should be designed by diverse voices and perspectives. Women bring valuable insights, innovation and leadership that strengthen the profession and the solutions we create.”
For Kayleen Naidoo, vice-chairperson of the SAICE Emeris Student Chapter and final-year engineering student, the journey of support and representation is where transformation begins.
“My dad is an engineer, so I grew up seeing problem-solving as part of everyday life. However, entering the industry myself made me realise how important support networks really are. People think engineering is this rigid, office-based or site-based job, but it is actually a wide field with space for different strengths, personalities and paths.”
Naidoo said that growth in any industry depends heavily on the support structures and people around you. “Representation doesn’t happen by accident, someone has to actively make room for it. SAICE advocating for women isn’t just good PR, it changes who feels comfortable applying, staying and eventually leading. Without that push, the industry just keeps reproducing itself the way it always has.”
Reflecting on International Women in Engineering Day, she added: “To me, it is less about a single day and more about a checkpoint, a moment to recognise how far women in this field have come, and how far there still is to go. It’s a reminder that being a woman in engineering isn’t a footnote to the job. It is something to be proud of, and a reminder that the work we do is setting the tone and inspiring a different future.”
Mohanlal added that women need to own their space within the industry, saying their place is both valid and essential. “Engineering needs your talent, creativity and unique perspective. Do not allow uncertainty or stereotypes to stand in your way. Be confident in your abilities, seek support when needed, and remember that every successful engineer started with a willingness to learn. Your future in engineering is possible, and organisations like SAICE are here to support you every step of the way.”
Together, these voices reflect a profession evolving beyond infrastructure alone, one increasingly shaped by inclusion, mentorship and the growing presence of women who are redefining what engineering leadership looks like in South Africa.
