Zine Mtanda MyZA

Join Port Elizabeth and MyPE in congratulating Mover and Shaker, Zine Mtanda from Coega Development Corporation:

The Coega Development Corporation (CDC) is changing the nature – and face – of the industrial game with the emergence of a number of women in management positions within the organisation, a clear indication of its commitment to equality across the board.

One such mover and shaker is Zine Mtanda, Programme Director for the CDC’s implementation of infrastructural projects for the Eastern Cape Departments of Education and Sports, Recreation, Arts and Culture. Mtanda started her career in the industrial sector in 1999 as a design technician for FST Consulting Engineers. After a few years of work for the Chris Hani District Municipality as a project technician, she joined the CDC as project manager and was later promoted to her current position of Programme Director.

Along with her experience, Mtanda boasts an impressive list of qualifications including a BTech degree in Construction Management, a National Diploma in Civil Engineering, a Certificate in Project Management and a course completed in Construction Management.

Mtanda enjoys her role as a woman in a male-dominated industry, and in acknowledgement of National Women’s Day on 9 August, she describes her ascent within the CDC as “exciting”.

“Joining the CDC was such an exciting experience because it was a completely different environment from what I was previously exposed to. I enjoy being part of the CDC family and making a positive change to the lives of the people in the rural areas.

“Seeing a smile on the face of the beneficiaries of our projects is what keeps me going, giving me energy to do more. The recognition I receive from the CDC for a job well done has been a big motivator for me,” said Mtanda.

Not only has she grown professionally, but Mtanda shares that she has grown spiritually, as a result of the challenges she has faced and overcome over the course of her CDC career.

“My capacity to deal with life in general has developed massively through the exposure the CDC has given me in dealing with people from diverse backgrounds, with different personalities and cultures. My level of confidence has also improved drastically since I joined the CDC. I now have an appreciation for the fact that in life success is not defined by winning in everything you do,” said Mtanda.

Mtanda’s natural instinct as a woman who is caring and nurturing has also assisted her in the cut-throat industry to reach out to people and has defined her leadership style.

“I believe in being a serving leader, giving people space to apply their knowledge, make their mistakes and be able to learn from them. I like to create a platform for people to be able approach me for anything, including feedback on how I do things, as this helps me to become a better person in life,” said Mtanda.

Although Mtanda admits to revealing her firm side with her male colleagues from time to time – to get her voice heard – she finds it empowering to build on a strong character as a female professional.

“Believe in yourself and always see the positive side to a bad situation. Accept that mistakes do happen in life, but keep chasing your goals. I always motivate my staff to look at the challenges in life as stepping ladders in your life,” said Mtanda.

Her personal opinion is that it should be Women’s Day every day, “Women play a very big role in our society. Women’s Day should be about appreciating the value women are adding to the society and giving them more strength to contribute more. Women should continue to believe in themselves, and know what they are capable of and never allow circumstances to define them. And most importantly, live by your values every day.”

Submitted by: Ayanda Vilakazi on behalf of Coega Development Corporation.