Shaping the Engineering Future: Female Edition

In celebration of Women’s Month, MBB Consulting Engineers is proud to spotlight two promising University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) students, Okuhle Kheswa and Riya Daniels, as the future of female engineering. As part of their UKZN agricultural engineering program, Okuhle and Riya joined MBB in June to complete a 14-week job shadowing requirement.

Riya shared that her time at MBB deepened her understanding of the challenges involved in designing efficient water distribution systems, including crop water needs, geotechnical considerations, and the latest advancements in centre pivot and sprinkler technologies. Her experience also included system design, post-harvest process optimization, road construction, and innovative farming techniques like hydroponics. Reflecting on her internship, Riya said, “With the guidance of remarkable engineers, I gained hands-on experience in project management and learned how to balance practical constraints with safety standards to deliver sustainable engineering solutions.”

Okuhle echoed the value of her experience, noting how she learned to navigate the complexities of real-world scenarios and apply theoretical knowledge in practical settings. She emphasized the importance of adaptability in a fast-paced work environment, where the ability to pivot is key. “My internship was not just about technical skill development but also a journey of personal and professional growth that I will carry with me into my future career,” she reflected.

During their job shadowing, Okuhle and Riya were involved in a variety of tasks, including:

  • Mapping and GIS work,
  • Hydraulic modelling and calculations for pipelines,
  • Civil 3D modelling of a concrete spillway with value engineering,
  • Compilation of Bills of Quantities (BOQs),
  • Updating a farm ownership database, and
  • Minor office duties and clerical work.


MBB Consulting Engineers is committed to mentoring the next generation of industry professionals and is excited to support the development of future female engineers like Okuhle and Riya.