Ms Ntombesibini Octavia Mtshekexe

Ms Ntombesibini Octavia Mtshekexe

Department of Civil Engineering

Ms Ntombesibini Octavia Mtshekexe studied Civil Engineering, followed by Transportation Engineering and Project Management for all civil engineering works, and is currently the Deputy Director of Human Settlements: Development and Support Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality. Her roles include the coordination of all stakeholders involved in the development of Humans Settlements for both private and public developments; Financial planning for implementation of low-cost developmental infrastructure; planning (inception feasibility, design) of all related projects; identification of land for development and seeing to it that all policies and laws relating to such land developments are enforced and up to date. She also serves as a member of BEC (Bid Adjudication Committee since 2020) and all other intergovernmental relations mini-committees related to any developments undertaken.

Her advice to upcoming Civil Engineers is to be curious, keep learning, know why you chose to do engineering as a career. We keep evolving, we are always needed, and our career is not just a skill but a necessary one for the change we want to see globally. Keep on visualizing the world you want to see in the future and work towards achieving that. Speak out and let your views be known. We have nay young and innovative people hiding in their little corners, do not be one of them, let your views and knowledge and your capabilities be known out there. This is your moment, and this is your life, make a mark. No matter how small you may think you are, we will always be great in numbers!

Research Methodology and Environmental Management was two of her favourite modules and she enjoyed the lectures presented by Prof Shakantu and Prof Long. Her future plans include completing her PhD and serving on the UN.