Every current that flows and every light that glows at Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) bears the signature of Nomsa Mngomezulu. As an Assistant Electrician in the university’s Department of Built Environment, she maintains electrical systems and shapes perceptions of where women belong in technical work.
Her journey is both practical and profound: from general worker to electrical specialist, Mngomezulu’s story is powered by determination, skill, and a refusal to be limited by traditional gender roles. “I’ve been working as an electrician for nine years,” she says. “In 2019, I decided to formalise my skills by studying Electrical Engineering. I earned my National N3 certificate and submitted it to HR, and now here I am.”
Today, Mngomezulu is the force behind much of what keeps SMU functional. Her tasks range from repairing pump stations and classroom lighting to upgrading distribution boards and fault-finding across the campus. Her work is largely unseen, but the campus depends on it. “Most of our work happens behind the scenes,” she explains. “It’s not glamorous; it’s dusty, it’s in ceilings and underground ducts. But it keeps the university running.”
Her technical journey was supported by mentorship from Willie Chabangu, a seasoned electrician at SMU. “He taught me how to fix pump stations and upgrade distribution boards. I learnt so much from him. Today, I can confidently say I’m a professional.”
For Mngomezulu, professionalism includes a rigorous approach to safety. She follows strict lockout/tagout procedures and adheres to the National Electrical Code. “Safety is everything, especially where people rely on the systems we maintain.” Yet for all its technical complexity, her work has always been more than wires and circuits. “This place allows me to grow, to learn, and to contribute. People may not see us, but they feel our impact every day.”
Her progression from trainee to technical professional reflects both her commitment to learning and the structured mentorship she received at SMU. She credits experienced colleagues with shaping her practical skills, but it is her own drive and precision that have earned her professional respect in a traditionally male-dominated team.
Attention to detail and an uncompromising approach to safety define Mngomezulu’s work. Every task, from repairing pump stations to managing high-voltage systems, is performed with strict adherence to safety protocols. She understands that the campus community relies on the systems she maintains and takes personal responsibility for ensuring they function safely and reliably.
As SMU modernises its infrastructure and technical systems, Mngomezulu is committed to growing alongside it. Her ambitions include mastering new technologies and further expanding her qualifications. Her message to young women is as direct as her approach to fault-finding: “Don’t let old ideas tell you where you belong. Women can lead anywhere—even in the circuits.”
By Tumelo Moila
