- Captain Amukelani Ngoveni proves age is just a number
By Phaphama Tshisikhawe
In a world where excuses often overshadow ambition, Captain Amukelani Ngoveni symbolises unyielding determination. The 17-year South African National Defence Force (SANDF) veteran who joined the military in 2007 and rose to the rank of Captain in the Technical Services, has taken on a challenge that would daunt most: enrolling as a full-time Clinical Engineering student at the Tshwane University of Technology’s Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment FEBE)
Ngoveni, now in her mid-career prime, sits in lecture halls alongside classmates young enough to be her children. Yet, she carries the weight of her uniform with the same grace she applies to her studies. “The discipline I’ve learned in the army translates directly to the rigours of engineering,” she says. “Precision, problem-solving and perseverance are the tools of both worlds.”
Tim Okhai, Head of the Clinical Engineering Department at TUT, commended her commitment: “Captain Ngoveni brings a rare blend of real-world technical expertise and military discipline to our programme. Her presence inspires younger students and demonstrates that engineering excellence knows no age limit.”
Her days begin before dawn with military duties, then transition into intensive lectures and practicals at TUT, often ending in her home workshop, where she channels her creativity into carpentry. From crafting intricate furniture to functional home pieces, her woodworking reflects the same meticulous attention to detail that earned her promotions in the SANDF.
A dedicated mother of two, Ngoveni balances it all without complaint. “My children see me pushing boundaries and that is the legacy I want to leave,” she shares. “If I can serve my country, raise a family and chase a new dream in my forties, anyone can.”
Her story is more than personal triumph; it’s a call to action for South Africans of all ages. In a country grappling with youth unemployment and mid-career stagnation, Ngoveni proves that reinvention is possible - and powerful.
Captain Amukelani Ngoveni, 17-year Army veteran turned full-time Clinical Engineering student.