SAICE D&I Committee — 2026

Driving Transformation Through Inclusion

Promoting a civil engineering profession that represents the diverse fabric of South Africa. One profession. Many perspectives. Shared purpose.

Our Impact at a Glance
10K+Students empowered through STEM advocacy
8Dedicated committee members
2025Dream Women in STEM Summit hosted
7+Strategic focus areas
“One profession. Many perspectives. Shared purpose.”
Who We Are
Mission & Vision
 
Our Mission

To promote diversity and inclusivity through various strategic initiatives that shape a more equitable civil engineering profession in South Africa.

Our Vision

To create an inclusive environment where all individuals — regardless of gender, ethnic group, age, or background — are recognised as engineering contributors. We challenge the status quo and promote awareness, striving for inclusivity within the industry.

Strategic Context

The D&I Committee is a strategic pillar of SAICE, aligned with national transformation priorities and the institution’s Growing Forward Together strategy.

What We Work On
Focus Areas
 
Articles & thought leadership
Social media campaigns
Collaboration with organisations & individuals
Events & industry engagement
Sponsorship & investment in talent
Awareness of unconscious bias in engineering
Training & courses in diversity and inclusivity
Strategic Pillars
How We Drive Change
 

Our work spans seven interconnected areas, each contributing to a more inclusive civil engineering profession.

01

Articles & Media

Publishing thought leadership pieces and running social media campaigns that amplify diverse voices in engineering.

02

Collaboration

Partnering with organisations, universities, and individuals who share our commitment to transformation.

03

Events

Hosting summits, panels, and networking sessions — including the Dream Women in STEM Summit.

04

Sponsorship

Enabling financial and professional investment in the next generation of diverse engineering talent.

05

Unconscious Bias

Raising awareness of hidden bias within the engineering profession to promote fairer, more equitable workplaces.

06

Training & Courses

Providing structured diversity and inclusivity education tailored for engineering professionals at all levels.

07

STEM Advocacy

Inspiring the next generation — particularly young women and students from underrepresented communities.

Meet the Team
The People Behind the Mission
 

Our committee brings together civil engineers, technologists, and project managers who champion diversity at every level of the profession.

Tshepo Motswi
Chairperson
Tshepo Motswi
D&I Chairperson — 2026

Civil Engineer who is passionate about making a difference in people’s lives through her work in Consulting Engineering and through volunteerism. Started her SAICE journey at WITS as the Chapter Treasurer and thereafter the Chairperson. Past member of Amathole Main Branch, Future Leaders Panel, and SAICE STAR. Has been active is in other Passionate piano player for over 15 years.

BSc(Hons) Civil EngAMSAICEECSA Candidate
Deputy Chair
Dzino Mutyorauta
Deputy Chairperson

Passionate built environment professional and Civil Engineer with niche skills in water and wastewater infrastructure. Qualified Project Manager with expertise in PMBOK methodologies. Advocates for innovative infrastructure funding models.

Civil EngineerProject Manager
Takalani Netshipale
Takalani Netshipale
Civil Engineer

  • Civil Engineer: Award-winning expert in project management, construction, and public infrastructure leadership.
  • Healthcare Infrastructure: Leading facility upgrades and flood recovery projects for the KZN Department of Health.
  • Global Projects: Delivered African tolling solutions and co-developed a road-reporting application.
  • Industry Leadership: ECSA Future Leaders Ambassadors Vice Chair, SAICE Ethics Chair, and SAICE Pietermaritzburg Branch Vice Chair.
  • STEM Advocacy: Empowered 10,000+ students and hosted the 2025 Dream Women in STEM Summit.
Civil EngineerSAICE Ethics Chair
Joseph Tshabalala
Joseph Tshabalala
Candidate Civil Engineer, Water Engineering Design.

Junior Civil Engineer with a growing track record in infrastructure planning, hydraulic modeling, and GIS-based decision support.

AMSAICEWater EngineeringGIS
Lorato Lubidla
Lorato Lubidla
Professional Civil Engineering Technologist

Professional Civil Engineering Technologist. Goal-driven and proactive, thriving in both independent and team-based environments. Brings initiative and a collaborative spirit to every challenge.

Civil Engineering Technologist
Hilna Viljoen
Hilna Viljoen
Engineering Manager | Professional Engineer

Strategic Engineering Manager with 20+ years’ experience integrating quality, people, and infrastructure systems.

MEng ManagementFIMESAMSAICE
Prudence Tebogo Moela
Tebogo Moela
Committee Member
  • Deeply committed to advancing sustainable development within a circular economy, ensuring that infrastructure serves communities while protecting the environment.
  • Active member of the South African Institution of Civil Engineering (SAICE) Diversity and Inclusivity Committee, advocating for representation, collaboration, and equity within the engineering profession.
  • Passionate about mentorship, actively supporting and guiding young girls and emerging engineers within the civil engineering space, helping them grow with confidence, resilience, and purpose.
  • Recognized as a Young Engineer Change Maker (2025 cohort), driving meaningful change by blending technical excellence with social impact—building not only infrastructure, but also inclusive spaces, empowered professionals, and a more sustainable future.
  • Believes that like-minded individuals and organizations can amplify this impact and is always open to connecting, collaborating, and co-creating solutions that shape a better world.
PrEng MEng Structural Engineering Young Engineer Change Maker 2025
Mukoni Ramuvhundu
Mukoni Ramuvhundu
Committee Member

BEng Tech (Hons) Civil Engineering. Member of the Golden Key Student Society. UJ Alumni and former UJ Civil Tech Forum Chairperson 2021. Active SAICE D&I member.

BEng Tech (Hons)SAICE Member

Get Involved Today

Whether you want to collaborate, share a story, submit feedback, or sponsor a programme — there’s a place for you in the SAICE D&I community.

 

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