by Mosima Rafapa
Laughter, heartfelt conversations, and moments of reflection filled the air at the scenic Kievits Kroon Gauteng Wine Estate on 5 September 2025, as women from across the Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment (FEBE) gathered for a special Seminar and Picnic.
Held under the theme “Roadmap to Womanhood,” the event went beyond formalities; it was a celebration of resilience, mentorship, and the many unseen ways women nurture, lead, and inspire within the Faculty.
Prof Mxolisi Shongwe, Executive Dean of FEBE, officially opened the seminar with heartfelt words, reminding attendees that the recognition of women cannot be confined to a single month.
“You cannot finish celebrating women in one month. As a Faculty, we are not limited to that month alone; we will celebrate you every day if we must,” he said. Drawing on Maya Angelou’s wisdom, Prof Shongwe added: “People will forget what you said. People will forget what you did. But people will never forget how you made them feel.” He went on to highlight that women are natural leaders who serve with authenticity: “Leadership is an opportunity to serve, not to take advantage. This morning, we honour you as women who have shown true, natural leadership.”
FEBE Executive Dean, Prof Mxolisi Shongwe,
Prof Caroline Khoathane, FEBE’s Assistant Dean for Teaching and Learning, reinforced the importance of creating spaces that recognise women’s achievements and challenges in male-dominated fields.
“The event recognised and celebrated female engineers who have persevered in a male-dominated field, where retention is even more difficult,” she said. “It created a relaxed space for students, academics, and staff to engage with guest speakers, address obstacles to pursuing careers, and encourage women to take on leadership roles despite underrepresentation. Work–life balance, along with the factors that contribute to stress, anxiety, and depression in women’s careers, also formed part of the conversation.”
FEBE’s Assistant Dean for Teaching and Learning, Prof Caroline Khoathane
A major highlight of the day was the surprise keynote by Rorisang Thandekiso, a renowned TV and radio presenter, bestselling author, and recording artist. Her address centred on “pain versus performance” and the need for renewal.
“We are objects of change, but no one told us that we are objects of renewal. We are required to show up all the time in so many ways and still perform at work, but our world would be falling apart,” she reflected. Encouraging women to embrace vulnerability, she added: “Us being in rooms like this is progress for the world, not just for women. Even with that in mind, some pains come with performance, and you and I must fight for the peace. Choose one thing that renews you, whether it’s baking a tray of cookies just for yourself or going on a hike.”
Guest speaker Khutso Malebana, Gauteng Provincial Manager at the Commission for Gender Equality, delivered a powerful message on transformation in the workplace.
“While we celebrate progress, we must acknowledge that the journey towards gender equality is far from over. True transformation requires structural change, consistent advocacy, and intentional support for women in leadership. We need to ensure that the next generation of women does not face the same barriers we are working to dismantle today,” she said.
The event was made possible through the generous support of the University Capacity Development Programme and the Rail Manufacturing Centre for Entrepreneurship Rapid Incubator, whose sponsorship contributed to creating a memorable day of honour, reflection, and empowerment.
Renowned TV and radio presenter, bestselling author,
and recording artist, Rorisang Thandekiso was the
surprise keynote.
Gauteng Provincial Manager at the Commission for
Gender Equality, Khutso Malebana.
The Seminar and Picnic day was captured in vibrant images - from heartfelt speeches and laughter-filled moments, to the serene picnic scenes that showcased women connecting across departments.