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By Shumirai Chimombe

Zanele Ngema is a director at CKR Consulting Engineers. She shares her insights on succeeding in a male-dominated field and climbing the ladder at one of the biggest engineering companies in South Africa with a global footprint. 

Tell us about your journey as a black female engineer breaking into and navigating the complexities of the male-dominated field.

Breaking into engineering as a black female was both challenging and fulfilling. Growing up in Diepkloof and Osizweni, my journey was shaped by perseverance, particularly after having to leave university before completing my degree. However, my determination kept me going, and I found alternative paths to achieve my qualifications. Entering a male-dominated field meant constantly proving myself and working twice as hard to gain respect. I found myself navigating stereotypes, but each hurdle taught me resilience. With the right mentors, including leaders I encountered at the companies I have had the pleasure of working in, I embraced opportunities to grow, not just technically but in leadership. Being the only female director at CKR has been both challenging and motivating, but I see myself as part of a larger wave of change, pushing boundaries and opening doors for more women to follow.

Please share some of the challenges and triumphs you experienced, and lessons learned that can be of interest to other women in your profession.

The journey has been filled with challenges like imposter syndrome, gender biases, and at times, a lack of representation. However, triumphs have come from pushing through those challenges, earning my qualifications, and leading projects that once seemed out of reach for me. My lessons for other women include embracing mentorship, continuously learning, and not allowing setbacks to define your path. Success in this field comes from not only technical expertise but also emotional intelligence, collaboration, and a strong sense of self-worth.

How did you deal with imposter syndrome and what is your advice to other women for overcoming this challenge?

Imposter syndrome was a constant battle early on and sometimes it still is, especially when stepping into leadership roles. I often doubted whether I belonged in such spaces or whether I was truly capable. Over time, I realised that confidence comes from preparation, hard work, and acknowledging that my perspective as a woman, and as a black engineer, was valuable. My advice to other women is to embrace the discomfort – it’s often a sign of growth. Surround yourself with people who support your vision and challenge your self-doubt. You need to cultivate resilience, self-confidence, and a willingness to step into the unknown to succeed by being competent.

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How has the engineering landscape in South Africa changed for women professionals?

There have been noticeable shifts in the engineering landscape, especially with more women entering the field and assuming leadership roles. Women are now more visible in engineering spaces, which is crucial for inspiring future generations. However, while progress has been made, the pace of change is still slow in certain areas, especially in senior leadership.

What still needs to be done for gender equality in the profession, and to help young women to break the barriers to enter the field?

To achieve gender equality, we need to continue challenging stereotypes and biases that suggest women are less suited for engineering roles. This can be done through organisations investing in creating inclusive cultures that support women’s career development, inspire and educate the young girls at high school levels to be attracted to engineering through the promotion of job shadowing. It’s not just about recruitment but also about retention and promotion. Mentorship programmes, access to leadership training, and flexible work policies can help young women break the barriers to entry and sustain their growth in the field. More importantly, women need to see tangible examples of success, so visibility and representation in leadership roles are key.

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