Women at ABB Process Industries are unstoppable in promoting innovation
Women’s Day in South Africa, observed on 9 August, serves as a powerful reminder of the ongoing journey society undertakes toward gender equality. This day seeks to eliminate the root causes of discrimination that still curtail women’s rights in both private and public spheres. At ABB, we proudly commemorate this day by spotlighting exceptional women in our employ. Their stories embody the spirit of Women’s Day, showcasing resilience, dedication, and a commitment to fostering a safe and inclusive workplace.
This is also a background to our Unstoppable campaign to harness the power of diversity to drive progress. The campaign highlights the inspiring stories of individuals from all walks of life who have been unstoppable in breaking down barriers and making significant contributions in their respective fields. At ABB, we continue to champion the power of diversity and pave the way for a brighter, more inclusive future, as highlighted by the following profiles:
Jehrene Ann Devagopaul, Automation Product Manager, ABB
As an Automation Product Manager, Jehrene is responsible for managing the marketing, promotion, sales support, and lifecycle management of ABB’s automation portfolio. This includes overseeing the launch of new offerings and managing their lifecycle from phase-in to phase-out. Her role demands collaboration with various teams within ABB, as well as with customers and partners in the industry, spanning across sectors like mining, cement, pulp and paper, metals, food and beverage, and data centres.
Jehrene’s journey began in Durban, where she balanced part-time retail work with studies at a technical college. She pursued courses in electrical and instrumentation engineering and secured an apprenticeship at Tongaat Hulett Sugar Refinery, progressing from Instrument Mechanician to Technician.
After a stint at Umfolozi Sugar Mill, she transitioned to roles at Industrial Data Xchange, eventually joining ABB as Automation Product Manager. Her qualifications include a National Diploma in Electrical/Instrumentation Engineering, a trade test in Instrumentation, and specialised courses accumulated over 15 years.
Jehrene’s career is marked by numerous achievements, from completing her trade test in record time to being a keynote speaker at a global event in Germany. Her experience, including fixing critical plant equipment and working under pressure during plant shutdowns, has shaped her career and personal growth. She takes pride in successfully executing high-level projects and collaborating with professionals worldwide to enhance plant capabilities.
“What keeps me happy is the constant opportunity to innovate and tackle complex problems. The field of automation is ever evolving, offering new challenges and advancements that keep me engaged and motivated. While challenges are often viewed negatively, I have learned to embrace them over the course of my career. Initially, I struggled with the idea of facing challenges, but through overcoming difficult tasks, I have discovered great potential within myself and experienced a sense of fulfilment,” comments Jehrene.
She is driven by the impact ABB’s solutions have on streamlining processes and enhancing productivity. The dynamic nature of the industry, coupled with ABB’s commitment to leveraging digital technologies and automation to address real-world problems, keeps her excited and involved. In addition, being part of a forward-thinking company that values collaboration and continuous improvement motivates her to contribute her best and participate fully in the transformative projects undertaken by the company.
“Celebrating Women’s Day is essential as it acknowledges and honours the contributions and achievements of women across all fields and industries. It not only reminds us of the progress made toward gender equality but also highlights the ongoing efforts needed to address persistent disparities,” highlights Jehrene.
ABB takes pride in fostering an inclusive environment where diverse perspectives are highly valued. “For me, Women’s Day is an opportunity to reflect on the advancements women have made in technology and automation. It also serves as a platform to support and inspire the next generation of female professionals, while emphasising how diverse experiences and viewpoints drive innovation and excellence in our field,” she says.
Jehrene advises women to embrace continuous learning and professional development. One’s starting point does not define their future, and she encourages maintaining a positive outlook and embracing growth. Leveraging resources at technology leaders like ABB, taking on challenging projects, and seeking mentorship are crucial steps for career advancement.
Maternique Livhuwani Dube, Sales Specialist, ABB
Maternique drives sales for solutions and services including Distributed Control Systems (DCS), e-Mine, and digital offerings. She focuses on industries such as mining and metals, aiming to add value to clients’ projects while meeting sales targets. Her role involves building long-term relationships with customers, understanding their needs, and ensuring a positive sales experience.
Maternique holds a BTech in Electrical Engineering from the Tshwane University of Technology and has completed the New Manager’s Program meat Wits Business School. Her career began as a Graduate Engineer at Yokogawa, followed by roles at Schneider Electric, where she specialised in automation and later transitioned to technical sales. Currently, she excels as a Sales Specialist at ABB.
Her achievements include earning multiple EcoStruxure Plant Certifications and mentoring graduate engineers. Her transition from a machine-focused engineering role to a customer-facing position highlights her technical expertise and improved communication skills, which are key to her success.
“I am all about picking up new skills and getting better at what I do. I love setting targets for myself and smashing them. I am into the whole idea that my work means something bigger. I enjoy helping people out and solving their problems with smart solutions. Making someone’s work life smoother and more efficient with technology is a plus for me,” says Maternique.
“Women’s day allows us to celebrate women’s achievements. It brings an awareness of the challenges that women face, and possible solutions to mitigate these issues,” she adds. The day serves as an inspiration for young girls and fellow women by highlighting role models and success stories. It unites people from all walks of life to support gender inequality and women’s empowerment. “It is a day that helps build a more inclusive and gender-equal nation,” says Maternique.
She encourages women to stay curious, keep learning, and believe in their capabilities. She advises not to shy away from challenges, as one is often more capable than they realise. Her key message is to trust in one’s abilities and contributions, as they are essential to drive innovation and advance technology.
Keletso Malatsi, Associate Project Manager, ABB
Keletso holds a Bachelor of Engineering Technology in Industrial Engineering degree from the University of Johannesburg. Her industry journey began at Sea Harvest as a Graduate Industrial Engineer, where she implemented continuous improvement initiatives and managed inventory.
In November 2021, she joined ABB South Africa as an Engineer in Training, assisting project managers in planning and executing projects. In June 2023, Keletso stepped into her current role as an Associate Project Manager, where she leads and manages project teams, coordinates resources, schedules, budgets, and ensures compliance with health, safety, and environmental policies.
In her position at ABB, Keletso is responsible for the successful execution of projects by leading and managing teams and ensuring timely production of all project documentation and reports. She works closely with cross-functional teams of engineers, project managers, and other stakeholders, fostering a collaborative environment that is crucial for achieving project goals and maintaining efficiency.
“I am passionate about engineering because it allows me to solve complex problems and create innovative solutions that have a tangible impact on the world. The field of industrial engineering, in particular, excites me as it combines technical expertise with strategic thinking to optimise processes and improve efficiency,” says Keletso.
She adds: “I find great satisfaction in seeing how my work can enhance productivity, reduce costs, and contribute to overall operational success. In addition, the continuous learning and growth opportunities in engineering keep me motivated and engaged, as I am always eager to embrace new challenges and advancements in technology.”
ABB South Africa actively fosters an inclusive workplace culture that values and respects diverse perspectives. The company implements policies and initiatives to ensure equal opportunities for all employees, regardless of their background, gender, or ethnicity. ABB supports diversity through training programmes, mentorship opportunities, and employee resource groups, creating a collaborative and innovative environment that enhances employee engagement and drives company success.
Keletso believes women can significantly contribute to the modern workplace by bringing diverse perspectives and innovative ideas to the field. “Their leadership, creativity, and collaborative skills can drive advancements in technology and engineering solutions. By focusing on user-centred design, advocating for inclusive policies, and promoting sustainability, women enhance the engineering landscape, fostering a more diverse and innovative industry.”
Keletso encourages women aspiring to a career in engineering to believe in their abilities and pursue their passion with confidence. She emphasises the endless opportunities in engineering to innovate, solve problems, and make a meaningful impact on the world.
She advises against being discouraged by challenges or stereotypes, urging girls to see them as opportunities for growth and to seek out mentors and continuous learning opportunities. She underscores the value of their unique perspectives and the engineering world’s need for their talents and ideas.
Lufuno Maishe, Hoisting Project Engineer, ABB
Lufuno studied engineering at the University of Johannesburg. She began her career at Iritron as a student, then worked as a Software Engineer in Training at Aveng. She later joined Winder Controls as a Winder Project Engineer, which led her to her current position at ABB as a Hoisting Project Engineer.
She works with mine hoists at ABB, designing, programming, and commissioning winders, which are large versions of elevators used in mining to transport people and machinery underground. Her small team consists of three project members and a service department of three. The teams often collaborate to assist each other as needed, ensuring mine safety and efficiency.
“Engineering keeps you on your toes, allows you to solve problems, and also impacts your personal life. I love that I create solutions that improve people’s lives and ensure that mines are safe to work in,” says Lufuno.
Lufuno has noticed an increase in the employment of women at ABB and believes more can be done to train women for management roles in engineering. She advocates for continued efforts to promote inclusion and diversity within the engineering field.
Women’s Day is an opportunity for women to be recognised and encouraged to take up space in their careers, no matter the field. This recognition can inspire women to aim high and achieve their professional goals.
“It allows women to perceive that we are seen and encouraged to take up space in the world no matter what career we decide to embark on or even when you want to move higher up in a company. It shows that the sky is no limit,” says Lufuno.
Lufuno’s message to young women considering a career in engineering is that it is challenging but exciting, and anyone can succeed with determination and effort. Engineering is “not rocket science” and encourages girls to know their purpose and stay focused, even in a male-dominated field.
ABB’s Unstoppable campaign is a film series that profiles three remarkable women leaders in the mining, pulp and paper and metals industries. These women have broken down barriers and made significant contributions. Through this campaign, ABB aims to raise awareness of the importance of diversity and inclusion and encourage more women to pursue STEM careers. Watch the film series here.
