By: Qhawekazi Memani – 16 August 2023

Meet Simphiwe Zwane, an accomplished Advanced Diploma in Chemical Engineering student at the Vaal University of Technology (VUT). She characterizes herself as an introverted individual who has successfully completed her chemical engineering diploma with an impressive overall score of 74.47% – just few percentages shy of a distinction. This achievement stands as a testament to her unwavering commitment and dedication to her academic pursuits. “Beyond my academic journey, my deepest aspiration is to wholeheartedly embrace my faith as a child of God and revel in his presence. This spiritual connection serves as a guiding force in my life. On a more lighthearted note, I have a fervent passion for soccer, with Manchester City being my team of choice. The excitement and camaraderie that soccer brings greatly resonate with me, providing a wonderful outlet for relaxation and enjoyment,” she shared.

Speaking on her journey at VUT, she said: “I have had the privilege to engage in a diverse array of activities that enriched my academic voyage and allowed me to make positive contributions to the university community. One of the most gratifying roles I assumed was that of a mentor, wherein I had the honor to guide and support fellow students, particularly those who were new to the university environment. It was immensely fulfilling to witness their growth and accomplishments over time.”

She further shared that, in her capacity as a peer educator, she had the opportunity to share her knowledge and insights with her fellow peers, fostering a collaborative atmosphere for learning. “This role facilitated the enhancement of my communication skills and enabled connections with students from various backgrounds, thereby broadening my perspectives,” she said.

She was also President for the Society of Chemical Engineering Students, a tenure she marks as a significant leadership endeavor. “In this role, I collaborated closely with a dedicated team to organize events, workshops, and seminars that not only deepened our understanding of the field but also facilitated networking among both students and professionals. This experience served as an avenue to further immerse myself in the realm of chemical engineering,” she said.

She added with excitement: “Perhaps one of the most influential roles I undertook was that of Chairperson for the Women in Engineering Circle. This position provided me with the platform to champion gender diversity and women’s empowerment within the engineering domain. Through the organizing of workshops, panel discussions, and mentorship initiatives, our collective efforts aimed to cultivate a supportive community for women pursuing careers in engineering. The palpable positive impact these endeavors had on the confidence and aspirations of fellow female students was profoundly rewarding.”

“In sum, my university journey was woven together by threads of leadership, mentorship, and advocacy. These roles not only enriched my personal and professional growth but also enabled me to contribute meaningfully to the university community, fostering a positive legacy that I hope will endure beyond my time here, “she said.

Simphiwe’s aspirations encompass contributing to constructive progress in both society and industry. This includes the development of sustainable processes, clean energy solutions, enhanced safety measures, environmental issue resolution, advancement in medical applications, optimization of manufacturing processes, innovation in materials, and substantial contributions to education and entrepreneurship. “My objective is to apply the principles of chemical engineering to formulate impactful solutions and effect positive change in various domains.”

She further elaborated, “My aspiration as an engineering student centers around playing a pivotal role in advancing women’s empowerment within the engineering sphere. I am fully committed to actively advocating for greater representation of women in engineering classrooms and leadership roles. I aim to provide mentorship and support to fellow female engineering students, aiding them in navigating challenges and cultivating confidence in a historically male-dominated domain. By shedding light on the accomplishments of women engineers and fostering spaces for sharing experiences, I seek to challenge stereotypes and cultivate an inclusive environment. Through outreach initiatives, advocacy for equal opportunities, and collaboration with engineering associations, my ambition is to contribute to a future in engineering that is equitable and diverse, wherein every individual can excel and make meaningful contributions, irrespective of gender.”

Reflecting on the theme for Women’s Month 2023, “Women’s Socio-Economic Rights and Empowerment: Building Back Better for Women’s Improved Resilience,” Simphiwe discerns a compelling nexus between gender equality, engineering, and socio-economic advancement. “It is evident that empowering women across sectors, engineering included, not only upholds justice but also drives sustainable economic progress,” she said.

On the concept of “building back better”, she notes that it resonates deeply with engineering principles, inspiring her to explore the ways her field can contribute to positive transformation. Engineering solutions hold the potential to tackle challenges faced by women, spanning from healthcare to education. The core engineering value of resilience aligns seamlessly with the theme, underscoring the significance of affording women equal opportunities and resources. Assuming leadership roles within student organizations like the Society of Chemical Engineering Students and the Women in Engineering Circle presents an avenue to champion gender equality and foster an all-encompassing environment for female engineers. Through the application of engineering principles, innovation, and collaborative effort, she firmly believes that they can actively contribute to the empowerment of women and the construction of a more robust and resilient society.

A cherry on top of this remarkable young woman’s achievements, she was recently chosen as one of top 20 students from the engineering faculty to receive mentorship from abroad professionals.