South Africa’s engineering sector is facing a critical 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 championing greater representation of women in engineering and encouraging more women engineering graduates and practitioners across South Africa to formally register as engineering professionals to unlock the many career, leadership, and industry benefits that come with professional registration.

While women are graduating with engineering qualifications and entering the workforce, many are not taking the next step to formally register as engineering professionals. 

Formal registration within the engineering sector, in particular, should be done through the Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA), which forms part of the Council for the Built Environment (CBE).  It is however important to note that for other specialist areas, the Council for the Built Environment does have other organisations with which one can register too, these include registration for project managers or quantity surveyors for example. , which then ensures registration with.

According to Mndzebele, professional registration is a critical step in building a successful and sustainable career in engineering.

“Professional registration is not just a title, it is recognition of your expertise, your experience, and your ability to lead within the industry,” says Mndzebele. “Too 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 even financial institutions,” she says.

Mndzebele believes the low number of registered female engineering professionals reflects broader challenges facing 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 not only an equality issue, but an economic and industry imperative.

“Engineering shapes the infrastructure, systems, and innovations that drive our country forward. When women are excluded or underrepresented, the industry loses valuable perspectives, skills, and ideas,” says Mndzebele. “Diversity strengthens innovation and leads to better solutions for communities and society as a whole.”

Mndzebele is encouraging young women and aspiring engineers to view professional registration as an important 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,” she says.

“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.