Lerato Anastacia Mojahi

Lerato Anastacia Mojahi, a determined engineer from the Free State province, in South Africa, is currently doing an 52892WA Advanced Diploma of Electrical and Instrumentation (E&I) Engineering in Mining. Her journey highlights the resilience, strength, and innovation of women in engineering.

EIT Student’s Challenges and Triumphs

Lerato Anastacia Mojahi’s passion for engineering began at Goldfields TVET College, where she studied Electrical and Electronic Engineering.

As a qualified Instrumentation Technician, Lerato recognized the need to enhance her skills to keep up with advancing technologies.

Her decision to pursue the 52892WA Advanced Diploma of Electrical and Instrumentation (E&I) Engineering in Mining through the Engineering Institute of Technology (EIT) was driven by her desire to grow professionally and contribute to the future of engineering in South Africa.

Balancing studies, work, and family was no easy feat, but Lerato’s determination and strategic time management helped her succeed.

Today, she is a role model for young women in engineering, proving that with hard work and persistence, anything is possible.

What inspired you to pursue this specific Advanced Diploma, and how did your interest in this field develop?

“I’ve always loved electronics and was good at it. When I decided to pursue the 52892WA Advanced Diploma of Electrical and Instrumentation (E&I) Engineering in Mining, it was to enhance my skills at work and keep up with advancing technologies. I wanted to grow from a Technician to an Engineer.”

How has your experience been with EIT’s online learning platform, and what challenges did you face as a student from South Africa?

“It was a good experience overall, but load shedding and network issues were challenging. I had to adapt by attending webinars during stable hours and relying on recorded sessions. EIT’s support made it manageable.”

What made you choose EIT for your Advanced Diploma, and how did the program align with your career goals?

“EIT has an excellent track record, and the program structure was exactly what I needed to advance my career. The modules were practical and aligned with my goal of becoming an engineer.”

As a woman in engineering, what challenges have you faced in your studies or career, and how have you worked to overcome them?

“I’ve faced skepticism and dismissiveness from male colleagues, but I’ve learned to stand my ground and voice my opinions confidently. It’s important to be fearless and prove your capabilities through your work.”

How do you see the skills and knowledge you’ve gained at EIT contributing to the future of engineering in South Africa, particularly in mining?

“The mining industry needs advanced technologies to improve safety and efficiency. The skills I’ve gained at EIT will help me contribute to safer mines, faster problem-solving, and better communication systems.”

Can you share an example of how you applied what you learned at EIT to real-world projects or work in South Africa?

“I applied my knowledge of wireless LANs and mesh networks to plan a location tracking system for TMMs in a tunnel. The module I completed with Dr. Hadi Harb gave me the confidence to execute the project successfully.”

What role do you think women can play in shaping the future of engineering, especially in mining?

“Women bring unique perspectives and problem-solving skills. With more women in decision-making roles, I foresee safer, more productive mines and better-preserved equipment.”

What advice would you give to young women in South Africa who are considering a career in engineering?

“Believe in yourself, work hard, and be persistent. Nothing in life is easy, but with determination, you can achieve anything. Follow your own path and don’t let anyone discourage you.”

How did you balance the demands of the Advanced Diploma program with other responsibilities, such as work or family?

“I created a strict schedule, dedicating nights to studying after my kids were asleep. When work wasn’t too hectic, I used that time for assignments. It was overwhelming, but discipline and time management were key.”

Looking back at your journey, what do you consider the most valuable lesson or experience from your time at EIT?

“The most valuable lesson was to never stop learning and to ask for help when needed. EIT’s support, especially from Nana, was invaluable. Her encouragement during tough times made my journey unforgettable.”