Leading with purpose: Bongiwe Mkhwanazi on women in industry
Women are playing an increasingly important role across South Africa’ s traditionally male-dominated industrial and automotive sectors, bringing new perspectives to technical, operational and leadership roles. For Bongiwe Mkhwanazi, Engen Lubricants Head: HSEQ Compliance, the journey to leadership has been shaped by technical expertise, determination and a commitment to creating opportunities for other women to succeed.
As part of a conversation around women’ s empowerment and leadership, Mkhwanazi shares her career journey, the importance of knowing your work and standing your ground, and why supporting women in technical and industrial industries can have a broader impact on businesses, families and communities.
1. How has your career led you to Engen Lubricants? My path to leadership was forged across South Africa’ s demanding industrial landscapes, starting in the construction industry. Straight from varsity, my foundation was set by NCC Environmental Services, a Cape Town-based company that provided the invaluable springboard for my professional growth. I then gained crucial experience and technical skills leading high-stakes projects, including environmental oversight for Transnet’ s 700 km underground pipeline and Eskom ' s Medupi Power Station, the largest dry-cooled coal-fired power station in the world. Throughout those early years, working for Engen remained my ultimate dream. In 2018, when I least expected it, God answered my prayers beyond what I asked, bringing me into Engen directly as Head of the Environmental Department at our Refinery.
2. How have you overcome gender stereotypes to be taken seriously in your career? For me, it always comes down
to knowing your work inside out and consistently delivering. I am currently doing my Postgraduate Diploma in Business Administration at Stellenbosch University through Engen’ s study support, which helps me bring commercial sharp mindedness alongside scientific compliance. In HSEQ, you have to stand your ground, but you don ' t need to act aggressively or imitate masculine styles to be heard. I prefer to lead with empathy and clear communication, keeping strong boundaries while turning quiet doubt into real confidence.
3. What does women’ s empowerment look like to you? How do you work to empower women in your industry?
To me, empowerment is about opening doors and lifting others up as you move forward. We all face self-doubt at times, so I focus heavily on mentorship and building women ' s confidence. Hosting our Flourish Women’ s Day workshop at our Durban Regional Offices was a great way to create space for honest growth, and I love using our graduate programs to help young female talent step into roles where they can really shine.
4. What advice would you give to other women aspiring to replicate your success?
Give yourself permission to dream big. A mentor once asked me about my career aspiration and when I gave my answer, their
response was,“ Does that scare you?” She continued,“ If your dream doesn’ t scare you, it isn’ t big enough.” That shifted my whole mindset. If a goal gives you butterflies, go after it anyway. Also, make sure you surround yourself with mentors and advocates who will speak up for you in rooms you haven ' t stepped into yet.
5. What is your vision for all the women working at Engen Lubricants?
I want to see a workplace where women thrive at every single level, from the plant floor right up to strategy planning. By building networks that connect different parts of our business, my goal is to ensure women in our labs, operations, supply chain, and boardrooms feel completely backed, confident, and ready to lead.
6. SA is considered the most economically unequal country in the world. How can we“ build resilient economies for all”? It
starts with creating real, accessible pathways for people through education, skills training, and direct business support for women and youth. I have seen the impact of this firsthand with our enterprise development program at Engen particularly in the mining sector. Women who started with small setups, through funding, have grown them into stable businesses that employ people from their own neighbourhoods. When business partner with SMMEs and have policies that develop support one entrepreneur, you aren ' t just helping one person, you are uplifting whole families and local communities.
7. Finally, if you could meet yourself as a little girl, what would you tell her? Being the eldest daughter, I felt a lot of pressure early on to
hit every target quickly: graduate, get a good job, and support my family and community. If I could sit down with that young girl now, I’ d gently tell her:
Life isn ' t a race to the finish line; it ' s a journey to be lived. Your ambition is a wonderful gift from God but remember to slow down and enjoy where you are today. Breathe, smile, and trust the Divine Creator who is guiding every step of your life.
OCTOBER 2026 21 WORDS IN ACTION