Through discipline, ambition and a desire to help others grow, Nodumo Maqetuka manages to balance her life as an engineer and entrepreneur with family life. She spoke to SMF News’ Amahle Thabethe about living in the fast lane.
Seated at a table with a book in hand, Nodumo Maqetuka looks up. She waves, closes the book, and stands up to exchange greetings before settling into conversation.
Maqetuka, a civil engineer, businesswoman and award-winning entrepreneur, has built a career in spaces often dominated by men. While balancing a full-time engineering role, running a business and raising three children, she has carved out a path defined by discipline, ambition and a commitment to creating opportunities for others.
Nodumo Maqetuka, a civil engineer, has worked hard for all that she owns. PHOTO: Amahle Thabethe
Maqetuka grew up in the Eastern Cape, as the firstborn among six siblings. Her late father, whom she was very fond of, owned a construction company. When her father had passed away in 2001, Maqetuka’s mother became the sole provider and raised the children on her own.
Maqetuka says her curiosity about how things worked, particularly in construction, started at a young age, as she witnessed her father making a living through this business.
A predestined career
After finishing school in 2007, Maqetuka went on to get a diploma in civil engineering at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology.
“I told myself that I want to be a civil engineer,” she continued to say, “When I got to varsity I knew exactly what I was looking for.”
Following her diploma, Maqetuka obtained a BTech qualification in civil engineering, with project management as one of her majors.
When she was still busy with her diploma, an opportunity came about to work at a company that aligned with her studies. She joined Daveng Consulting Engineers when she was 19, and stayed there throughout her studies.
Thereafter, she moved to Eskom, where she was employed as a project manager. She still works at Eskom.
Maqetuka remains grateful to her employers at Daveng Consulting Engineers for all they have done for her, and for trusting her with permanent employment at such a young age.
Engineer and business owner Nodumo Maqetuka loves reading and doing research. PHOTO: Amahle Thabethe
There is no such thing as a typical day in Maqetuka’s life. Between her full-time job, her own business, and raising three children, each day requires careful balancing. Planning, she says with a laugh, is not always her strongest skill. Her day begins early, usually around 05:30 and it ends at 22:00.
Working in engineering has also meant navigating spaces where women are still a minority. Maqetuka recalls that construction sites, in particular, can sometimes be uncomfortable environments for women.
She describes moments early in her career when labourers would whistle as she walked through a site. Instead of ignoring it, she confronted the behaviour directly. “I stood my ground many times in this industry,” she explains.
Being the only woman on site often meant she had to work harder to ensure her inputs were taken seriously. For that reason, preparation became one of her strongest tools.
“Sometimes women’s voices are undermined,” she says.
She continues to educate herself, and regularly reads and researches so that when she speaks, she does so with confidence and evidence.
“I would not talk about something I am not sure of.”
For Maqetuka, success is not only measured by personal achievements but also by the opportunities she creates for others.
As an entrepreneur, she is involved in the sales and distribution of cosmetic products for the Inuka brand. She says she has been able to connect people across different parts of the country through traveling and motivating others attending the workshops related to this entrepreneurial endeavour. She also motivates others to start their own business within the company.
Her work ethic and dedication have allowed her to become the fourth best-performing entrepreneur within the group’s registered membership of 300 000. Last year, she received an award for her entrepreneurial work within the Inuka network.
When asked what motivates her to keep growing in her career as engineer, but also through her entrepreneurial work, Maqetuka does not hesitate. For her, the answer lies in a combination of passion, stability and the desire to help others succeed.
Driven by a desire for financial stability
Financial stability has always been an important goal for Maqetuka. She sees money not as an end in itself but as something that allows her to create security for her family and the people who depend on her.
At the same time, she believes passion plays an equally important role in sustaining a demanding career.
“I love what I do,” she says referring to her career in engineering. “I never not want to put it to use.”
Her business, however, is driven by something slightly different: The impact it can have on others. Maqetuka says one of her biggest motivations is helping people learn how to create their own opportunities.
Despite her demanding schedule, Maqetuka also makes time for experiences outside of work. She speaks enthusiastically about travelling, and mentions trips to places such as Mauritius, the Maldives, Dubai and Singapore.
She struggles to stay idle. “I get frustrated if I am sitting not doing anything,” she says. She prefers to stay active and productive whenever possible.
Those who know Maqetuka say her drive extends beyond her own success. Her personal makeup artist and garment designer, Jason Make, who has worked closely with her, describes Maqetuka fondly. “Maqetuka is very open-hearted. She always gives people opportunities for growth, especially those who are starting their business,” says Make.
An old friend, Zanele Dywibiba, who met Maqetuka through their church community two decades ago, echoes a similar sentiment. Having known her since their youth in the Methodist Church, Dywibiba says Maqetuka’s determination has always stood out.
“When she sets her mind on something, she doesn’t give up until she achieves it,” Dywibiba says. Maqetuka’s encouragement often motivates those around her to pursue their own goals, she says.
Balancing a full-time job, a side business and family life, Nodumo Maqetuka always has her hands full. PHOTO: Amahle Thabethe