8 www. refrigerationandaircon. co. za RACA Journal I May 2026
WOMEN IN HVAC networking
CELEBRATING WOMEN IN SA’ S HVAC & R INDUSTRY
By Eamonn Ryan
On International Women’ s Day 2026, women in Africa’ s refrigeration and air conditioning( HVAC & R) industry came together to celebrate their achievements, share experiences and strengthen networks at the Women in Refrigeration Mentoring Launch supported by SARACCA. The event, held on Sunday, 8 March 2026, brought together technical staff, engineers and industry leaders to highlight the growing role of women in a traditionally maledominated field.
All images supplied by Phophi Matshaya, representing SARACCA
The event, chaired by Ayanda Mona, featured a programme blending discussion, mentorship and wellness activities. Participants began with a circle discussion sharing their career journeys, followed by a keynote from Thandokazi Portia Mqwebedu, a senior commissioning engineer at ALEC Engineering and Contracting LLC( Dubai). The session also included a wellness aerobics activity, celebrating physical strength and health, and concluded with group photos and networking opportunities.
Phophi Matshaya, representing SARACCA, explained the significance of the day:“ We are here today to change the way the world sees our industry. For too long, people have thought of refrigeration and HVAC as a‘ dirty’ fallback career. Today, we dismantle that myth.”
Her speech framed the industry as not just technical but highimpact and climate-conscious, emphasising the vital role women can play:“ What we do isn’ t just about fixing machines; it’ s about saving the planet. We are the front line in fighting climate change
The wellness aerobics activity, celebrating physical strength and health. by building energy-efficient, eco-friendly systems. Look around this room – this is what the modern workforce looks like.”
MENTORSHIP AND GROWTH: BUILDING A SISTERHOOD Central to the event was the theme of mentorship and career development. SARACCA has been actively supporting Women in HVAC networks. Matshaya outlined a strategy:“ To get more women into this field, we have to show them the way. Be the face. Share your work. Post your stories on LinkedIn and TikTok. Join the database. Bring someone with you.”
The organisation also highlighted practical support mechanisms, including training subsidies, grants and scholarships, ensuring that entry into the sector is based on talent rather than financial barriers.
The keynote speaker, Thandokazi Mqwebedu, offered a unique perspective, bridging hands-on technical expertise and professional engineering. With a background as a qualified industrial refrigeration mechanic and an advanced diploma in mechanical engineering technology, Mqwebedu typifies the dual pathways available to women in the industry. She shared insights from her journey, encouraging attendees to leverage both technical skills and professional development opportunities.
“ Own your expertise. Be visible. Inspire the next generation. The only limit is the visibility we give ourselves,” she said.
SARACCA’ s focus on visibility aims to inspire students and young professionals by showing that women can succeed onsite in professional gear and take leadership roles in technical projects.
CONNECTING LOCALLY AND REGIONALLY The International Women’ s Day launch also aligns with broader initiatives across Africa. In November 2025, SARACCA facilitated the Regional Training Workshop for Female Refrigeration and
8 www. refrigerationandaircon. co. za RACA Journal I May 2026