Municipal engineering is a field that directly impacts the daily lives of communities, providing essential services such as water, sanitation, roads and waste management. This Women’s Month, the Institute of Municipal Engineering of Southern Africa (IMESA) is shining a spotlight on the remarkable women leading the charge in this vital sector. Their stories not only inspire but also highlight the opportunities for young women to make a meaningful difference through engineering.

IMESA: A professional home for engineers

Since its establishment in 1961, IMESA has been a hub for technical excellence and public service. While the organisation does not have a formal gender policy, it fosters an inclusive environment where over 30% of its members are women, many of whom hold leadership positions. IMESA’s commitment to mentorship, professional development and community impact makes it a cornerstone for aspiring engineers.

Meet the leaders driving change

Three exceptional women exemplify the transformative power of municipal engineering:

Mpho Plaatjie – Project Manager, Mangaung Municipality

Growing up without access to running water, Mpho Plaatjie was inspired to pursue a career in water infrastructure. Today, she ensures that communities receive basic services, fulfilling a purpose-driven mission to improve lives through engineering.

Roxanne Canny – Acting Area Manager, eThekwini Municipality

Influenced by her mother, a draughtswoman, Roxanne transitioned from consulting to municipal projects to witness the tangible impact of her work. As a co-founder of IMESA’s Young Professionals Portfolio (YP²), she mentors young engineers, fostering the next generation of leaders.

Princesse Kabala Muke – Acting Manager, City of Cape Town Urban Waste Management

Motivated by Africa Vision 2035 and her childhood experiences in Goma, Princesse views engineering as a tool for nation-building. She leads multidisciplinary teams to deliver essential services, demonstrating the power of engineering to shape communities.

Why municipal engineering matters

These leaders emphasise that municipal engineering offers a unique opportunity to create visible, meaningful change. From providing clean water to building roads, the work directly improves the quality of life for millions. They encourage young women who enjoy problem-solving and community service to consider this rewarding career path.

The role of diversity and mentorship

Diversity strengthens the engineering profession by bringing fresh perspectives to complex challenges. Inclusion, mentorship and leadership development are essential to empower women to lead and influence strategy. IMESA’s initiatives, such as YP², provide students and young professionals with the support they need to thrive.

Building the future of engineering

IMESA is committed to nurturing future leaders through mentorship, internships, graduate programmes and bursaries. Municipalities are encouraged to expand these opportunities, ensuring that the next generation of engineers is equipped to tackle South Africa’s infrastructure challenges.