As South Africa marks Women’s Day on 9 August 2025, Zutari joins the call to recognise the women driving progress in traditionally male-dominated industries. In alignment with the global Generation Equality campaign and the national Women’s Month agenda, this year’s theme underscores the need to dismantle structural barriers and accelerate meaningful change. At Zutari, diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) are more than just values, but strategic imperatives that shape how we grow as a business, as a team, and as a force for change in the world around us.
The stories of the women in the organisation reflect a deep commitment to fostering environments where everyone can thrive, where professional growth, leadership, and impact are not limited by gender, race, or background. Below, three remarkable women share their experiences, achievements, and the importance of inclusion in shaping the future of engineering and infrastructure.
Theonette Delport, Office Secretary, Bloemfontein Office
With over 15 years at Zutari, Theonette has carved out a career that blends operational excellence with a passion for people and process. Beginning her journey at reception, she steadily progressed to her current position as Office Secretary for the Bloemfontein office.
Her daily responsibilities are far from routine, as she handles tender compilation, supports health and safety compliance, and ensures the seamless functioning of internal administrative systems. “Each day is dynamic,” she shares. “I work closely with various departments to ensure documentation is compliant and deadlines are met, all while keeping the office running smoothly.”
Theonette’s educational background in psychology has served her well in a professional context. “Although I did not pursue it as a career, the skills I gained such as empathy and communication are incredibly useful in my current role.” One of the defining moments in her career was the promotion from receptionist to administrator.
“It was a turning point that affirmed my ability to grow professionally and contribute meaningfully to the organisation.” Her journey is a powerful example of how internal mobility and recognition of potential can shape long-term careers.
She is particularly proud of her role in securing key projects through successful tender submissions, highlighting her ability to contribute directly to Zutari’s commercial success. “Being recognised for my reliability and ability to handle high-responsibility tasks has been especially rewarding,” she adds.
On the topic of DEI, Theonette is clear: “Our company has made positive strides in promoting diversity and inclusion. I’ve seen more recognition of women’s contributions and an increasing effort to create equal opportunities for growth and development.” She believes this inclusive culture has been pivotal to her own advancement, and its ripple effects are evident across the business.
Recognising Women’s Day, she says, is vital in engineering, where women remain underrepresented. “It’s a chance to celebrate achievements, challenge stereotypes, and inspire the next generation. Gender equality is not just a social issue but a necessity for progress in our industry.” Her advice to young women entering the field is to start wherever they can and remain open to learning: “Do not shy away from roles that challenge you. There is a place for women in every area of this industry – your contribution matters.”
Lerissa Naidoo, Legal Counsel – Governance and Compliance
Lerissa plays a critical role at Zutari as Legal Counsel in the Governance and Compliance team. Her days are filled with complexity and variety, from negotiating high-value contracts to advising on regulatory compliance and supporting internal stakeholders with legal queries.
“No two days are ever the same,” she says. “The work is dynamic and requires balancing legal precision with practical business insight.” Lerissa collaborates closely with cross-functional teams including procurement, finance, and HR, ensuring that legal risk is managed while enabling strategic decision-making.
Educated at the University of Pretoria, her career is shaped by a continuous drive to learn and lead. While she notes there is no single defining moment, her journey is punctuated by experiences that have honed her legal acumen and deepened her understanding of the business. “Being recognised as a trusted advisor by senior leadership has allowed me to contribute meaningfully to strategic planning and early-stage projects, bringing legal insights in from the outset.”
Her proudest professional milestones include leading complex negotiations that have significantly reduced legal and financial risk for the company. “Mentoring junior legal professionals has also been incredibly rewarding,” she adds. “It builds a stronger, more resilient legal function and contributes to a culture of knowledge-sharing and support.”
Lerissa is particularly passionate about Zutari’s approach to DEI. “Our company takes a proactive and intentional approach. DEI is not treated as a standalone initiative but is embedded into our culture, policies, and decision-making processes.” She highlights how equitable recruitment and access to opportunities are a key part of this. From her legal vantage point, she sees the importance of ensuring these values are reflected not just in rhetoric but in practice and policy.
Recognising Women’s Day, she says, is essential in sectors where women have historically been underrepresented. “It is an opportunity to acknowledge women’s contributions, reinforce inclusive workplace policies, and reflect on how far we’ve come.” Importantly, it is also a moment to inspire future generations: “We need diverse thinkers and strong advocates. Do not underestimate the value of your voice. Speak up in rooms where decisions are made as you belong there.”
Despite encountering assumptions around capability in technical spaces, especially during negotiations, Lerissa has met these challenges head-on. “I have learned to own my space unapologetically. Confidence, clarity, and authenticity have helped me shift perceptions and open doors for others.”
Raheemah Kaka, Civil Engineer – Bridges & Civil Structures, Transport Africa
Raheemah is a civil engineer in Zutari’s Transport Africa team, specialising in bridges and civil structures. Her professional life spans technical drawing rooms, dusty construction sites, and boardrooms alike.
However, her impact reaches well beyond engineering. As chair of the Zutari Women’s Forum, a mentor to students, and founder of the charity Miles of Smiles, Raheemah embodies what it means to lead with both purpose and passion.
Her journey into engineering was not easy or linear. “It took me seven years to complete my degree at WITS,” she shares. “I failed, I doubted myself, and there were many times I wanted to give up. But I chose to remain resilient.” A defining moment came when she received a bursary from Zutari after winning at the Eskom Expo for Young Scientists in high school. “That moment shaped my path. I often say I did not find engineering but that engineering found me.”
Now pursuing a Master of Engineering, Raheemah continues to break ground in both her professional and advocacy roles. “This year, I presented my first technical paper at the South African Transport Conference. I also mentor final-year students and speak at student events, roles that allow me to uplift others while growing myself.”
She is proud of Zutari’s sincere approach to DEI. “Zutari truly walks the talk. I have worked with mentors, male and female, who support inclusive environments. I have seen our Women’s Forum grow into a platform that drives awareness and opens leadership opportunities.”
Her motivation stems from both the challenges and rewards of her work. “What we do shapes the physical world. I am inspired by the belief others have in me, and by the idea that someone who once thought she did not belong can now sit at the table and make an impact.” Working on a project in her hometown was especially meaningful: “It was a full-circle experience, giving back in a way I never imagined.”
To young women, her message is one of courage and conviction: “We belong in civil engineering. Ask questions, take up space, and don’t wait to feel ready. Even if your journey is not perfect, it is powerful. You might become the role model someone else needs.”
Though site visits can be daunting in a male-dominated field, Raheemah has learned to navigate them with confidence. “I remind myself that I have earned my place. And I have been fortunate to work in a gender-conscious company that allows me to show up authentically.” She acknowledges that many women face significant challenges and encourages them to stay focused, confident, and always learning.
Looking ahead, she plans to register as a Professional Engineer and expand her impact through technical excellence and mentorship. “I want to see what I can offer not just to the industry, but to the communities we serve. Engineering is more than just a title but a tool for transformation.”
DEI as a Driver of Growth and Innovation
The stories of Theonette, Lerissa, and Raheemah demonstrate that inclusion is not only about representation, but also about recognising the value of diverse experiences, empowering leadership at every level, and creating pathways for women to grow, lead, and thrive.
Zutari believes that embracing diversity and embedding equity in our systems is fundamental to delivering better outcomes for its clients, teams, and the communities it serves. As we celebrate Women’s Day 2025, Zutari remains committed to driving change and creating a workplace where every person, regardless of gender or background, can contribute to building a better, more inclusive world.
