Portia Maposse is one of the country's young black women who are gradually invading traditionally male-dominated fields.
The 25-year-old is a systems engineer at the Gibela Rail Transport Consortium in Nigel, Gauteng. Gibela is a black economic empowerment (BEE) rail transport consortium comprising Alstom and uBumbano Rail.
It was established in 2013, as a ring-fenced company for the execution of the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa’s (PRASA) rolling-stock fleet-renewal programme. This contract is meant to deliver 600 trainsets to PRASA and provide technical support and related services.
PRASA is an entity of the Department of Transport.
She joined Gibela in 2023 as a process manufacturing engineering intern and worked her way up to becoming a systems engineer in 2024, bringing her dream to fruition.
“The journey started in high school. I went to a Technical High school where I chose the Mechanical Technology Stream. Then at the university I pursued Mechanical Engineering. I studied at the University of South Africa (UNISA),” she told SAnews, in a recent interview.
This as SAnews visited the consortium’s train manufacturing facility in Dunnottor, Nigel, in celebration of the Decade of the Artisan with special focus on female artisans.
According to the Department of Higher Education and Training, the campaign aims to encourage more young people (high school learners and unemployed youth) to see artisanship as a career of choice.
The visit formed part of the Government Communication and Information System’s (GCIS) celebrations of 30 Years of Democracy.
Asked about her feelings in working in what is considered a male-dominated industry, she said: “Women are now leading in the industry. The industry caters, protects and accommodates women. Opportunities are endless. Always keep in mind that results matter and that women are more powerful.”
Her job at Gibela entails engaging with suppliers to develop systems in accordance with Gibela specifications, then work with cross-functional teams to integrate the systems into the product which is the train.
She also manages the overall systems performance.
“My role aligns with all five values of our company namely, costumer focus and care, innovation, trust and respect, teamwork, and partnership, finally focus and accountability,” she said.
As the only female and the youngest in her team, Maposse is not intimidated by being in the male-dominated industry.
“Age is not a disadvantage, and I will not be young forever. Therefore I am embracing this by being open to learning and appreciating the opportunity given to me. Gender has never been an issue. Not once have I felt different in the work setting thanks to the Gibela culture on gender-equality.
“It is important to be confident in your abilities and participate actively in the day-to-day work activities. Moreover, be yourself,” she said.
She advised young women who are not sure about their career choices to follow their passion.
“It is important to be confident in your abilities and participate actively on the day-to-day work activities. Be yourself and maintain confidence.
“Education is key to success. Never stop learning; seek mentorship. Being in positive circles...networking is important in building long term connections within the industry," she advised.
Asked about her most memorable moments working at Gibela, Maposse said during her induction days, she had the opportunity to witness a train being manufactured from the profile stage up to testing and commissioning.
“It was during the same period that I had my first train ride experience here on site and it was an amazing and unforgettable experience.”
To the young engineer, democracy means a lot as it has enabled her to be where she is today.
“To me democracy means the importance of youth voices in shaping the future of our country [followed by] the right to free education for all. One might ask why? I would say that is the opportunity I had, and it has led me to where I am today.”
Maposse says she would want to be remembered as a team player that has contributed to the success of Gibela project through innovation and fostering a collaborative environment.
Gibela has a staff compliment of over 1 200 with women making 43% of the workforce.
Gibela’s vision is to elevate South Africa’s commuter rail as the transport mode of choice. – SAnews.gov.za
