This article has been supplied and will be available for a limited time only on this website. Manufacturing and engineering have traditionally been viewed as male-dominated industries. Today, however, more women are choosing careers in technical fields, bringing fresh perspectives, valuable skills and greater diversity to workplaces that are helping shape South Africa’s future.
At Power Process Systems (PPS), this transformation can be seen in the manufacture of the company’s new range of polypropylene pole-top boxes used to house smart prepaid electricity metering equipment. While the innovative product represents an important development for utilities, it has also provided valuable opportunities for young women beginning careers in manufacturing and electrical assembly.
For Electrical Assembler Nomvula Ramalope and Wire Assembler Lindokuhle Zwane, working on the project has been about far more than producing electrical infrastructure. It has become an opportunity to develop technical expertise, build confidence and establish long-term careers within the engineering sector.
Learning through meaningful work
Like many young South Africans, both women understand the challenge of securing employment without years of previous experience. Working on the polypropylene pole-top box project has provided them with practical experience while allowing them to contribute to products that support South Africa's electricity distribution network.
