Welcome to another edition of STEM Demystified, a project to tackle under
representation of women in STEM. This weekly Newsletter will showcase how women
are conquering science, technology, engineering, and mathematics worldwide.
Meet Kefilwe Mmutle, an inspiring STEM leader hailing from the vibrant streets of Soweto, South Africa. From a young age, Kefilwe was captivated by technology, driven by a curiosity about how things worked. Her determination to make a difference in the world through technology led her to pursue a path in engineering—a route less travelled by women at the time. In high school, she was already charting her course, selecting subjects that would align with her ambition to break into the male-dominated field of Electrical Engineering. Today, she holds a degree in Electrical Engineering, specialising in Telecommunications, and serves as a Senior Manager in Network Solutions Architecture at BCX, Africa’s premier ICT solutions provider.
Join me as I explore her remarkable journey and the impact she’s making in the world
of technology.
hat was your trajectory from school to where you currently are professionally/academically?
I studied Mathematics and Physical Science in High School as the main subjects that would qualify me to study Engineering in tertiary. I then proceeded to study Electrical Engineering majoring in Light current. This qualification enabled me to get in-service training as an intern at one of the major Telecommunications companies in South Africa. This opportunity then became the base of my technical journey in the telecommunication and networking space.
What motivated you to get into STEM? Did you have a female role model or anyone who inspired you? If so, who?
My interest in electronics/electrical engineering was first triggered by my constant need when I was younger to try and fix anything electronic. Then in my later years I discovered and started to have an understanding of what my father’s role at work entailed and that he was actually in the telecommunication space. He in a sense introduced me to this world and that’s where my inspiration started. Where I saw him get involved in huge complex projects that connected South Africa to the world. Then my love for fixing and troubleshooting to understand how things work grew even more. Coupled with seeing a shortage of females in this space made me even more eager and motivated to make a success of myself in STEM.
What’s your most important professional/academic achievement?
Being part of the Female Leadership Development Programme by Telkom which catapulted me into the management level in the technical networking space. This programme built my confidence and drove to continue my career aspiration and equipped me with the necessary tools for success.
Did you face any challenge throughout your professional/academic journey? How did you overcome it?
What comes to mind is always being second guessed as a female whether you can do it or not. The early years of my career I had to first prove I belonged and can do it which came with its own limitations. I remember my first posting the hiring manager did not realise I am female because my resume at the time was highly technical. Soon after my successful selection on my first day I had to subsequently be moved to the women’s side of the business which entailed project co-ordination because I was female. This did not deter me instead it fired my drive to do what I was passionate about. I then proceeded to do project co-ordination only for a year and insisted I get pulled into the technical space which I was initially hired for. My persistence got me there and the rest is history as I am still to this day in the technical space.
Progressing in leadership being female also comes with its fair challenges but I am currently learning and growing from them.
In your opinion, what needs to be done to attract more women into STEM?
I think more needs to be done in the earlier stages of young woman by exposing them
to the different opportunities out there for them that they could get involved in. More
school drives and information needs be shared at that level to raise interest and get
them thinking about the future. Targeted career days that aim to foster young women
showing them many STEM possibilities. Us as women in these spaces should be
intentional in giving back by telling our stories. I actively do this in both my personal
and professional capacity. You never know how it might inspire someone unknowingly
just by sharing your story.
What advice would you give to anyone looking into a career in STEM (or those
who do not consider it)?
Go out there and research on your interest in this space. There is so much information
out there. You can even reach out to those that are already there for some nuggets of
knowledge. Get certified and study towards your choice. Do not give up at the first no
and remember a dream delayed is not a dream denied. STEM is everywhere and there
is always space for more females who can show up!
Kefilwe’s journey is a powerful demonstration of perseverance and passion. Her story of challenging the status quo and thriving in a male dominated field is inspirational for women aspiring to enter STEM. Through her leadership and dedication, she not only proves that women can excel in technology but also empowers others to do the same.
Additionally, Kefilwe’s commitment to sharing her story and mentoring the next generation of women in STEM is helping to create a future where more women can confidently step into and succeed in these fields. Her journey reminds us that with determination, the path less travelled can lead to extraordinary destinations.
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