As the world marks International Women in Engineering Day on 23 June, the spotlight falls on women helping drive innovation, infrastructure and sustainable development across the globe.
One of those women is Gugulethu Moloi, a Junior Electrical Engineer at Aurex Constructors, whose journey highlights the growing role women are playing in South Africa’s engineering sector.
Finding Her Place in Engineering
Moloi says engineering was not always part of a long-term plan.
“My journey into engineering was not driven by a lifelong plan,” she explains.
During her studies, she was exposed to civil, mechanical and electrical engineering disciplines before discovering that electrical engineering was the field that suited her skills and interests best.
Today, she works within Aurex Constructors’ renewable energy division, supporting utility-scale solar projects through engineering documentation, commissioning support, performance monitoring and grid code compliance testing.
The role gives her exposure to both the technical and operational sides of renewable energy developments.
A Career Built on Continuous Learning
Engineering’s constantly evolving nature is one of the reasons Moloi enjoys the profession.
“Engineering challenges me every day,” she says. “The industry is constantly evolving, which means you are always learning new skills and finding new ways to solve problems.”
After completing a National Diploma in Electrical Engineering and an Advanced Diploma in Telecommunications, Moloi is currently studying towards an Honours degree in Power Engineering while working full-time.
She says one of the most significant milestones in her career has been joining Aurex’s engineering team and taking on increased technical responsibilities while continuing her studies.
The Importance of Mentorship
A key factor in Moloi’s development has been mentorship from Johann van Ellewee, a Senior Electrical Engineer at Aurex Constructors.
“There seems to be a gap in the industry,” says Van Ellewee.
“We have a lot of young graduate engineers and a lot of senior engineers nearing retirement, but very few in between. That is why mentoring the next generation is so important.”
Moloi believes mentorship provides valuable guidance that cannot be found in textbooks.
“A good mentor provides guidance, shares experience and helps navigate challenges that are difficult to learn from textbooks alone,” she says.
“I have personally benefited from the support and advice of experienced professionals, and it has helped me grow both technically and professionally.”
Why Representation Matters
For Moloi, increasing the number of women in engineering is not only about diversity but also about improving outcomes.
“Engineering solutions impact people from all backgrounds,” she says.
“Having diverse perspectives within teams leads to better ideas, improved problem-solving and more innovative solutions.”
She believes visibility is also important for encouraging more young women to enter the profession.
“When young women see other women succeeding in engineering, it helps them believe that they can pursue the same path.”
Building Africa’s Future
Looking ahead, Moloi sees enormous opportunities for engineers across Africa.
“What excites me most is the opportunity for engineering to contribute to Africa’s growth,” she says.
“There is significant potential in renewable energy, infrastructure development, telecommunications and technology innovation.”
She believes engineers have a critical role to play in creating sustainable solutions that improve lives across the continent.
Advice for Future Women Engineers
For young women considering engineering as a career, Moloi encourages confidence and perseverance.
“Do not be afraid to take up space and believe in yourself and your abilities,” she says.
“Engineering can seem intimidating, but every engineer starts somewhere. Be willing to ask questions, learn from mistakes and challenge yourself.”
“If you are willing to work hard and keep learning, engineering can be a very rewarding career.”
Her mentor agrees.
“She is doing very well,” says Van Ellewee. “I think she is exceeding my expectations, and that is always very nice to see.”
As International Women in Engineering Day approaches, Moloi’s journey serves as a reminder that the future of engineering depends on talent, innovation and determination, regardless of gender.
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