Mantsie Patience Hlakudi

You may find that making a difference in others, makes the most difference in you

Mantsi Hlakudi, a chief engineer at Eskom, is a passionate community servant with a gift to motivate and inspire others to identify their potential. Also, she is serious about women empowerment discussions and platforms, and the positive end point they must yield if the ultimate objective is geared towards women empowerment. That explains the pivotal role she plays at the South African Institute of Electrical Engineers - Women in Engineering Chapter (SAIEE WIE) and CIGRE Women in Energy South Africa, which she both executes with dedication. Hlakudi’s women activism can never be missed. It begins where she is employed – Eskom. She actively champions the black women’s cause. The Eskom Women Advancement Programme is her brainchild with other likeminded women in the organisation. It is a women entity that promotes women’s cause in Technical and Leadership Portfolio, and contribute to Women and Youth Development.

“This has given me an opportunity to serve the country as a positive role model by supporting young women and men in their social, academic, corporate and emotional development,” she says.

Hlakudi adds that each day should present people with opportunities to make new noble footprints so “we can improve our lives and those around us”.

Some of her career highlights include the following: Young Professional representing South Africa in South Korea 82nd IEC general meeting; Best Student in Leadership and Management; Best Naval Engineering Student; Eskom Inspiring Women Award 20211st runner up; Accenture Rising Star 2021 winner - Energy and Environment Category and Inspiring Fifty 2021 Winners.