Lungisile Sabelo is no stranger to curiosity. As she traverses the streets of her hometown, Lusikisiki, she finds herself surrounded by eager young women, all clamoring for answers. They seek to understand how someone from a background mirroring their own could ascend to such remarkable heights. To them, Sabelo offers a simple yet profound response: “You have the power to do anything.”
On February 2nd of this year, the 32-year-old Sabelo achieved a significant milestone by attaining her Engineering Level 1 qualification, marking the culmination of her journey on the South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited’s (SANRAL) R1.72-billion Msikaba Bridge project. Her accomplishment has become a beacon of hope and inspiration in her community.
As a married mother of a five-year-old daughter, Sabelo stands as a shining example of how the Msikaba Bridge project is catalyzing transformative change in one of South Africa’s most economically disadvantaged areas. “I am so happy to be part of this project,” she shares.
It’s a legacy for my hometown, one that my grandmother spoke of years ago.
Sabelo’s educational journey has been pivotal to her success in engineering. Recognizing the importance of continuous learning, she pursued a Diploma in Civil Engineering from Thekwini College, followed by a graduation with honors from Mangosuthu University of Technology in 2018. Her pursuit of excellence led her to complete an Advanced Diploma through the University of South Africa (UNISA) in 2023.
However, it was her involvement in the Msikaba Bridge project that truly transformed her trajectory. Starting as an in-service trainee in 2021, Sabelo quickly rose through the ranks, gaining acceptance into a rigorous two-year internship program. Under the mentorship of seasoned professionals like Mias de Lange and Edgar Faber, she honed her skills and garnered recognition for her contributions.
From learning the intricacies of build procurement and concrete trials to overseeing core project tasks and ensuring quality standards, Sabelo’s journey has been marked by relentless dedication and unwavering commitment. Her recent promotion to Level 1 status has ushered in new responsibilities, including budget management and quality assurance.
Despite her demanding schedule, Sabelo remains deeply connected to her community, recognizing the significance of her role as an inspirational figure. In her spare time, she actively engages with local youth, encouraging them to pursue opportunities in STEM fields and emphasizing the transformative power of education.
Reflecting on her experience working with SANRAL, Sabelo expresses admiration for the organization’s commitment to excellence and effective communication. “SANRAL assists us in every inspection,” she affirms. “Their dedication to quality and transparency is truly remarkable.”
As Lungisile Sabelo continues to chart new heights in her engineering career, her journey stands as a testament to the transformative impact of education, determination, and community empowerment. In her own words, “South Africa is developing, and there are opportunities abound. With dedication and perseverance, you have the power to achieve anything.”
