Aradhna Pandarum - Research Group Leader for the CSIR’s Energy Industry Team

Coming from State-owned entity Eskom, despite a significant electrical engineering background, the industry’s being male dominated, meant it “wasn’t easy” for Aradhna Pandarum, who notes that the addition of the management role she currently holds “somewhat provides room for scepticism and criticism”.

Responsibility for these concerns is not, however, detracting from her ability to get the job done and make a difference as acting research group leader for the energy industry team at the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR).

In her role at the CSIR, Pandarum serves as the technical lead and programme manager for research relating to the Just Energy Transition, with the predominant objective being to ensure that selected energy technology pathways are low- carbon, resilient and that they contribute to a just society by improving the country’s unemployment rate, economic growth and inclusiveness.

She aims to lead by example while developing her team and providing opportunities for growth, she says, encouraging other women to “never give up and to always follow their dreams”.

Pandarum holds an MSc in Engineering (electrical and renewable energy) and a BSc in Electronic Engineering (Honours), and won “Best Overall Paper” in the tenth National Cigre conference in 2019, based on work completed solely by herself.If she had the opportunity to meet anyone, Pandarum says she would have chosen Nelson Mandela. However, when one considers the possible, she is eager to meet Oprah Winfrey. “She is so inspiring owing to her many achievements and accolades. What’s more amazing is that she achieved all of this, despite all of her horrific experiences.” Email: APandarum@csir.co.za

Dr Ryneth Nengovhela Mbhele - Research group leader for CSIR’s Water and Wastewater Infrastructure

Growing up in a small town in Limpopo province, and being raised in a village where poverty is the norm, Dr Ryneth Mbhele realised that, in order to build a life for herself, she had to

hold on to the assurance that education would pave the way to achieving this. Thus, she ensured that hard work became a part of her DNA.

Thanks to this philosophy, Dr Mbhele managed to complete her PhD in Industrial Chemistry in the field of mine water treatment, and obtained certificates in leadership and management, all by the time she was 30.

Her qualifications and experience, she says, enabled her to work closely with communities and positively impact on people’s lives by ensuring that South Africans have access to adequate and safe drinking water.

“I am greatly passionate about mentoring and coaching the youth. Hence, I ensure that I have young pupils that I take under my wing yearly, so that we can go on a journey and I can impart as much knowledge as I can while helping them refine their skills.”

In 2020, she was appointed council member for the University of Venda, which she touts as “one of the greatest milestones” in her life.

“I believe excellence should be the driving force in everything we do, more so as leaders. Thus, it’s important to never doubt your worth and not be distracted by misperceptions about your abilities and capabilities as women who are leaders in male-dominated industries,” she says.

In her role at the CSIR, she contributes in the development and implementation of comprehensive water infrastructure life-cycle solutions and smart wastewater treatment technologies to accelerate socioeconomic prosperity in South Africa.

Email: RMbhele@csir.co.za