I’m very lucky to have a job that I love.

Chantel Niebuhr grew up in the rural foothills of northern KwaZulu-Natal, where she was exposed to the immense inequalities that affected the potential of South Africa. This has fundamentally influenced her choice of career and her PhD in Water Engineering at the University of Pretoria (UP).

“South Africa has such scalar differences in access to advanced technologies; so many people don’t have access to basic needs such as water and electricity, and yet we have world class institutions and companies exploring cutting-edge technologies,” says  Niebuhr. “Through my postgraduate studies in Water Engineering at UP I have been able to research and develop the field of hydro power for rural electrification.”

The rivers, canals and pipelines that pepper the country to manage the country’s seasonal rainfall can be used to install newly-developed technology known as hydro kinetic energy. It allows for the provision of localised electricity in rural, off-grid areas. It also opens the doors for struggling municipalities to produce their own renewable energy. This is where  Niebuhr  focuses her energies so she can bring about sustainable change in South Africa.

“As a full-time lecturer completing my PhD in civil engineering, I’m very lucky to have a job that I love,” says Chantel. “I get to see results from my work, and probably the biggest reward for me is being able to focus on our research into improving the living conditions of our own people and building a better South Africa. This inspires me the most and drives me to do the best that I can.”

Niebuhr  believes she had a privileged upbringing that allowed her to explore any possibilities within her abilities without gender bias. However, she credits all the strong women who played a role in building the new South Africa.

“Although I work in what is perceived as a male-dominated profession, I have never felt disadvantaged being a woman, so far,” she concludes. “I have had experiences where I was belittled because I am a woman, but there will always be people who want to put you down. I am sure that when you speak to women who were in my position 20 years ago, they’d share a different perspective, and I thank them for bringing about the change that I live today.”

— Tamsin Oxford

LinkedIn: @chantelniebuhr