**Challenges and opportunities for the future of engineering in South Africa**
Access to equitable educational and professional opportunities remains a major challenge in South Africa, a country marked by extremes in terms of economic and social inequality. While certain segments of the population benefit from favorable conditions and material opportunities, a significant proportion of South African youth face unemployment and precariousness, thus highlighting the profound disparities in terms of economic participation.
On June 23, International Women in Engineering Day, it is crucial to recognize that persistent barriers still hinder the progression of women in engineering in South Africa. With only 13% of STEM graduates being women, and only 7% of engineers registered with the Engineering Council of South Africa being women, it is clear that efforts need to be made to promote diversity and gender equality in the technology sector.
One of the major challenges facing South Africa is the prevalence of childhood malnutrition and its devastating consequences on children’s cognitive and physical development. With more than 1.5 million children under the age of five suffering from chronic malnutrition, the country faces a humanitarian crisis that requires a systemic and integrated response.
Engineering could play a crucial role in designing innovative solutions to improve access to nutritious food, quality health care and appropriate education. However, the path to qualifying and acquiring the technical skills needed to address these issues is fraught with challenges.
A recent study conducted by the Engineering Council of South Africa revealed a high rate of attrition throughout the educational journey, with a disproportionate number of talented young people dropping out before accessing tertiary education. . Only 5.6% of students who passed the baccalaureate in 2020 were eligible to pursue engineering studies, highlighting the urgency of rethinking the education system to ensure equitable access to technical and vocational education.
To foster the development of engineering in South Africa, it is imperative to address the obstacles that hinder the educational journey of young people, particularly women, and to promote inclusive policies that promote diversity and equality of odds.
In conclusion, engineering represents an essential lever for promoting social and economic progress in South Africa.. By investing in the education, training and mentoring of future engineers, the country can consolidate its capacity to address the complex challenges it faces and open up new prospects for sustainable and inclusive growth.
It is time to act together to cultivate a new generation of talented and committed engineers who can meet the challenges of the 21st century and help build a better future for all South Africans.