The Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure, Dean Macpherson, has appointed Shelly Mona of the Central University of Technology (CUT), Free State, as a council member of the Engineering Council of South Africa (Ecsa).
The university announced the appointment on Monday, 5 May, by the minister, who did so by taking into account Mona’s vast knowledge in the field.
Mona serves as the deputy director of the Product Development Technology Station (PDTS) at the university.
The institution stated that Mona’s appointment recognises her ongoing contribution to the engineering profession and commitment to advancing the built environment.
Her term to serve on the council effectively will end on 22 April 2029.
In addition, the university said: “Mona is a distinguished professional with a remarkable track record of success in various capacities. She leads diverse teams in product development and manufacturing at the CUT.”
Mona’s duty will entail overseeing professional standards, transformation, education, and registration.
“I am truly honoured by this appointment. It is an opportunity for me to contribute meaningfully to the engineering profession on a national level while also growing personally and professionally.
“This role will strengthen my link to the profession’s regulatory body and create a platform to share insights from a university of technology perspective – especially around applied research and innovation,” said Mona.
Ecsa serves as the governing body of the Engineering Council, and is responsible for setting strategic direction, upholding the profession’s integrity, and ensuring that engineering in South Africa continues to evolve in line with national development goals.
This ultimately safeguards public interest while advancing the engineering profession.
Mona is a registered professional engineering technologist with Ecsa.
She holds a BTech qualification in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Johannesburg (UJ), and has further specialised in Industrial Engineering and Management, earning a Master of Engineering (MEng) qualification from the Tshwane University of Technology (TUT).
Complementing her academic credentials, she holds Project Management and Production and Operations Management certificates from the UJ and the University of South Africa (Unisa).
“My leadership role at the CUT’s PDTS has exposed me to national-level discussions on engineering standards, transformation, and professional development.
“This exposure supports how we shape our support to the industry,
mentor young professionals, and ensure our projects remain relevant and impactful.
“My vision is to use this platform to build networks, influence positive change, and contribute to shaping the future of engineering in South Africa – and to the CUT’s ongoing efforts to be a leader in technology and innovation,” she added.
Mona has served as an academic programme accreditation assessor for Ecsa, delivered industry lectures to Engineering students, and hosted webinars.
Her research, presented and published at national and international conferences, showcases her expertise and thought leadership, instilling confidence in her academic prowess.
Her ongoing academic pursuits demonstrate Mona’s dedication to engineering. In addition to her professional responsibilities, she is pursuing a PhD in Industrial Engineering at the UJ.
Her research focuses on and is themed: “The Development of Frameworks for the Adoption of Additive Manufacturing Technology for the South African Automotive Industry”.
Mona’s appointment followed that of Dr Choice Makhetha, who was appointed to serve on the Council on Higher Education’s (CHE) Institutional Audits Committee (IAC) in February this year.
She will serve a five-year term, until end of February 2030.
