The gender gap in South Africa’s engineering sector

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South Africa’s engineering sector faces a significant gender imbalance with women making up just 16% of registered engineering professionals compared to 84% of men. Award-winning engineer and AvenirHoldings CEO Tshidi Mndzebele is advocating for stronger representation by encouraging female engineering graduates and practitioners across South Africa to register as professionals and access the career, leadership and industry benefits of formal registration.

Tshidi Mndzebele, award-winning engineering professional and CEO of AvenirHoldings.

While women are graduating with engineering qualifications and entering the workforce, many are not taking the next step to formally register. In the engineering sector, this process is carried out through the Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA), which forms part of the Council for the Built Environment (CBE). Other specialist areas, such as project management and quantity surveying, have their own CBE-accredited registration bodies.

According to Mndzebele, professional registration is a critical step in building a successful and sustainable career in engineering. “Professional registration recognises your expertise, your experience and your ability to lead within the industry,” she says. “Many talented women are either unaware of the benefits of registration, or are discouraged by barriers that make the process seem inaccessible.” She explains that becoming a registered engineering professional can significantly improve

career opportunities, credibility, earning potential and leadership prospects. “Registration gives engineering professionals an elevated standing and greater visibility in the industry. It builds credibility with employers, clients, industry stakeholders and financial institutions.”

Mndzebele believes that the low number of registered female engineering professionals reflects the broader challenges faced by women in the sector, including limited mentorship, lack of representation in senior leadership, workplace bias and insufficient support structures. “South Africa does not lack talented and experienced women engineers. The challenge is ensuring women are supported throughout their careers and encouraged to advance professionally,” she says. “We need stronger mentorship, more visibility of female role models and greater industry-wide awareness to help women navigate the registration process and grow into leadership positions.”

She also emphasises that increasing the number of registered female engineers is also an economic and industry priority. “Engineering shapes the infrastructure, systems and innovations that drive our country forward. When women are underrepresented, the industry loses valuable perspectives, skills and ideas. Diversity strengthens innovation and leads to better solutions for communities and society as a whole.”

Mndzebele encourages young women and aspiring engineers to view professional registration as a long-term investment in their careers. “There is space for women in engineering, not only to participate, but to lead and influence the future of the industry. My message to all women engineers and graduates is simple: own your expertise, pursue professional registration, and do not underestimate the value you bring to this profession.” Through her leadership and advocacy, Mndzebele hopes to inspire greater participation of women in engineering and help drive a more inclusive future for South Africa’s engineering sector.

For more information contact AvenirHoldings, +27 10 541 0593, [email protected], www.avenirgroup.co.za

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The gender gap in South Africa’s engineering sector

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