Leave a trail where there is no path
Pinkie Portia Ngongoshe Fitter at JA Engineering
Pinkie Portia Ngongoshe’s story is one of courage born in quiet places. Raised in a small village where possibilities were often prescribed by gender, she chose to question what she was told and to trust the strength she felt within herself.
Pinkie’s journey into engineering is not about defiance alone, it is about belief, discipline, and the determination to leave a trail where none existed before. This is the story of a woman who entered a male-dominated space not to prove herself, but to claim what she always knew was possible.
I’m an African young lady who grew up in Mpumalanga, South Africa in a small village called Kwaggafontein E. I never thought I would be in a male-dominated industry one day.
Growing up, we were told that the mining industry is only for men, no one told me that I could be more. But I learnt that where there is a will, there is a way. As long as you set your mind to do something, you can achieve it.
I was privileged to be given a chance to undergo an apprenticeship under mechanical engineering for three years. After completing the programme, I wrote my trade test and became an Artisan.
What motivated me to enter this field is simple: if men can do it, I can also do it. I was born with that strength. I have that power in me.
“I learned that strength also means knowing when to ask for help.”
My education journey started at Thuthukani Primary School. After that, I enrolled at Mphalali Secondary School, where I completed my matric in 2010.
I decided to do short courses because my parents didn’t have money to take me to university. I enrolled with CN Mahlangu TVET College, where I obtained my N6 in Mechanical Engineering.
My education has influenced my professional growth in a way which amazes me. I’ve become resilient and developed a solution-oriented mindset.
My career started with me being a contractor at the company I’m working for now. Being signed up as one of their permanent employees was a huge achievement to me, and now I’m studying towards shaping up my career even further.
The principle that guides my work is "Do it right first time."
One achievement that really stood out for me is being recognised as one of the best Riggers amongst all men in our organisation. I lifted a Shuttle Car that weighs more than 20 ton using a crane, and that kind of work requires you to be strategic and to have proper lifting techniques. That moment reminded me that I belong here.
I will be remembered as one of the trusted Riggers in our organisation, because I made a name for myself.
I have never encountered any challenge, not any that I think of, but the real challenge I have faced in this industry was trying to do work by myself, thinking I am strong or tough enough. I learnt to have a good, healthy relationship with my co-workers. It helps me a lot, because I can turn to them anytime I need help. My pivot was leaving my comfort zone and starting to build my career out of nothing.
To any woman looking at engineering and wondering if she can do it, I’m living proof: it is possible to become whatever you want to be in life, only if you put your mind to it.
I will never forget those who came with the lamp when I was in the dark, the ones that filled my life with good information. I will forever be grateful to them.
When I think about the future, I want to bring happiness to everyone around me. I want to be the best leader and set examples for others. I am a compassionate leader who is committed to growing.
