International Women in Engineering Day (INWED), celebrated annually on 23 June, is a global campaign to honour the achievements of women engineers and inspire the next generation. This year’s theme, #TogetherWeEngineer, highlights the power of collaboration and inclusion in building the future of engineering. One of the companies that supports women in engineering is Bühler Johannesburg and this year it shared the stories of three young women whose journeys with the company demonstrate resilience, excellence, and the spirit of unity.
Khaya Mxenge, Project Automation Engineer; Samantha Fourie, Junior Process Engineer; Savanna Rouessart, Quotation Engineer, at Bühler Johannesburg.
Khaya Mxenge is a Project Automation Engineer. She began working with Bühler as an intern in the automation team. Now she plays a pivotal role in designing and developing control systems for new plants and retrofit projects. She also provides ongoing automation support for existing sites.
Khaya says a highlight of her career was leading her first solo project, the Thuso Mills Mercury retrofit, from concept to commissioning. Another proud moment for her was graduating with a BSc Eng in Mechatronics from the University of Cape Town, supported by a Bühler bursary.
Reflecting on gender representation in industry and in the company, Khaya notes, “When I joined Bühler I was the only woman in the automation team and I still am. But Bühler has taken steps to support Black women in engineering through its bursary programme, which is helping to break down barriers to entry.”
For Khaya, #TogetherWeEngineer is about uniting people from diverse backgrounds to solve problems for the greater good. “Diversity brings fresh ideas. Our solutions should reflect the people they serve,” she says.
For young women considering entering male-dominated fields, she advises: “Be true to yourself. Speak up for yourself and others. And remember, you belong in the room.”
Samantha Fourie is a Junior Process Engineer in Bühler’s Technology Department. She is responsible for creating process flow diagrams that form the backbone of technical design. Securing a permanent role at Bühler has been a major personal milestone for Samantha, especially as a single mother of two. “It’s propelled me forward and enabled me to show my children what’s possible,” she says.
Samantha sees Bühler as a company that celebrates growth and individuality. “It is an empowering place that encourages further education and embracing your achievements.” To her, #TogetherWeEngineer means collective strength: “When women uplift each other, we can create a better future.”
She acknowledges positive shifts in the field but highlights the continued need for equal pay and recognition. “Women bring strong organisational skills and a nurturing lens to engineering, that are essential in high-performance environments,” she says.
Looking ahead, Samantha aspires to become a Lead Process Engineer, sharing her expertise and becoming a trusted resource in milling technology. Her advice to other women is simple and powerful: “Own your identity and intellect. Be unapologetically yourself.”
In her role as Quotation Engineer, Savanna Rouessart works at the intersection of technical precision and strategic thinking. She prepares detailed proposals in collaboration with sales, engineering, and procurement teams to ensure solutions aligned with clients’ needs.
For Savanna, completing her N6 in Civil Engineering marked the beginning of her career journey. “Joining Bühler has opened doors to professional and personal growth for me,” she says. “It has helped me build resilience, balance, and a commitment to lifelong learning.”
Savanna has seen Bühler taking steps towards gender equality and empowerment – mentorship, training, and inclusive leadership have contributed to shaping her career path. #TogetherWeEngineer, to her, reflects the importance of diverse, collaborative teams in driving innovation and inclusivity.
She hopes to step into project management in the next five years and is committed to inspiring young women to pursue engineering if it aligns with their passion. “Diverse teams deliver better outcomes,” she says. “When women thrive, the entire industry benefits.” Her message to young women is clear: “Believe in yourself. Your perspective matters. Build your network, find mentors, and keep pushing forward.”
Bühler recognises that engineering is not just about machines; it is about people, progress, and purpose. The stories of these three young women, Khaya, Samantha, and Savanna remind us that when we work together, support one another, and champion diversity, we engineer a stronger, more inclusive future. This International Women in Engineering Day, Bühler reaffirms its commitment to building an environment where all voices are heard and where every engineer can thrive.
For more information visit: www.buhlergroup.com
