Emma Molobi, 35, is a principal engineer at Transnet Freight Rail, where she leads an ISO 17025 and Transport Canada-accredited testing facility. She earned her BSc, MSc and PhD in engineering at the University of the Witwatersrand and later attained qualifications in welding engineering and leadership programmes in South Africa and the US. Emma oversees a multidisciplinary team and directs cutting-edge work in metallurgy, materials innovation, failure analysis and non-destructive testing for the rail sector. A highlight of her career was establishing an in-house rotating machines shaft manufacturing and refurbishment line — an achievement that improved operational efficiency and reduced costs. Beyond her professional life, Emma is a mentor through the Southern African Institute of Mining and Metallurgy and a chapter ambassador for Women in 3D Printing, promoting gender inclusivity in STEM. As a guest lecturer at the University of Pretoria, she bridges industrial insight with academic learning. Driven by a passion for lifelong learning and creating a more inclusive, solutions-oriented South Africa, Emma shows up every day with a desire to build a better future.
The professional accomplishments include establishing an in-house rotating machines shaft manufacturing line at Transnet Engineering, including a refurbishment line for the same asset. The project to develop in-house manufacturing capacity involved demand analysis, an equipment scan, manufacturing capacity assessment and the development of material, manufacturing and design standards, together with refurbishment standards, to ensure the life-cycle management of the asset. This was a multi-disciplinary project that required the involvement of different stakeholders, namely the production team, design team and product development, to ensure success. The project led to cost savings and reduced turnaround times within the organisation. This could not have been possible without the interdependent and synergetic work environment. The project was successful due to collaboration of professionals with different expertise and a common goal.
My parents have been my support system and my well of wisdom and strength. I admire and look up to them because, despite their generational challenges, they were able to motivate me to pursue a career in engineering. One thing that will always stand out for me is how they would stay up late to keep me company during the write-up of my PhD thesis and constantly believed in me. My mentors and role models are from different professional backgrounds and are constantly imparting business acumen, value creation, commercial awareness and leadership knowledge. I continue to learn from their experiences and transformational leadership qualities. I have learned and established the leader I want to become through my mentors, and to give myself grace and celebrate my wins.