With women still dramatically underrepresented in the senior ranks of most companies, MUT alumna Rosalind Mdubeki has beaten the odds. “I felt a heavy burden to represent our gender in a manner that puts us on par with our male counterparts without losing my femininity,” she says of her appointment to her current position as Surveyor-General in Bloemfontein.
Mdubeki, whose family responsibilities include raising seven children with her husband, Mr Siyabonga Mdubeki (also an MUT alumnus), says she is driven by her tenacious spirit, her commitment to serving the public, and her faith which allows her to appreciate and carry on her work as a God-given purpose.
Mdubeki is the second black woman in the Surveyor-General position and her hard work has been evident in her career journey. She graduated with a Diploma in Surveying in 1997, after which she had a short stint working as a survey technician with Eskom. In 1999 she was awarded a bursary which enabled her to complete her BSc in Land Surveying in UKZN. After completing her articles, she registered as a professional land surveyor. As her career progressed, she filled a number of managerial positions including Deputy Chief Land Surveyor before moving into her current position.
She reminisces about some great memories she has of MUT, including the welcoming party (Boogie Woogie) for new students; meeting her wonderful husband; travelling for practical work; and the heaps of weekend work her favourite lecturer used to set, which helped her develop the necessary focus, confidence and determination to succeed.
After serving more than a decade as Surveyor-General, Mdubeki is one of the MUT alumni who are exemplifying the ability of women to lead well and to push through the glass ceiling – all in line with MUT’s transformation agenda.