Tinashe Mukalela is a professionally registered Engineering Technologist and Professional Construction Project Manager.
South Africa urgently needs more engineers to help solve critical challenges in water, energy, transport, housing and municipal infrastructure. Yet, while thousands of engineering students graduate from tertiary institutions every year, many struggle to secure that crucial first opportunity in the profession.
According to Statistics South Africa, youth unemployment remains above 45%, leaving many qualified graduates searching for practical experience and a pathway into industry.
But according to one of South Africa's most accomplished young engineers, technical qualifications alone are no longer enough.
As the engineering profession evolves alongside rapid technological advances, changing workplace expectations and increasingly complex infrastructure projects, the qualities that define successful engineers are also changing.
