By Inside Biz
Ubombo Sugar Limited (USL) has emerged as a beacon of progress and commitment to gender equality in the energy sector, following its impressive recognition at the recent ‘Gender in Energy Awards’ hosted by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Energy.
This recognition serves as a testament to the company’s innovative initiatives designed to inspire and mentor young women aspiring to enter the energy field. USL has opened its doors to many students through its Job Shadow program, providing them with hands-on experience and insights into various career paths, including engineering.
This initiative not only enhances the participants’ skills but also instills confidence in their abilities to succeed in a traditionally male-dominated sector.
The Gender in Energy & STEM Champion award highlights the company’s comprehensive approach toward fostering an inclusive workplace culture that empowers female employees at all levels.
“We are honored to receive these awards. These achievements reflect our commitment to fostering an inclusive workplace where everyone has equal opportunities to succeed. For too long, women have faced barriers in these fields—barriers of bias, opportunity, and representation. We believe that empowering women is essential for sustainable development and innovation, and we acknowledge the strides that women are making in STEM,” said Gcebile Dlamini, Head of Human Resources.
Present at the awards were the Minister of Tourism and Environmental Affairs, Jane Mkhonta-Simelane, representing the Minister of Natural Resources & Energy, Prince Lonkhokhela and relevant stakeholders.
The event honored and recognized 20 women for their significant contributions to improving the energy landscape in the country, and representing Ubombo Sugar were Abiola Bolaji, Electrical Engineer (Outside Services), Human Resources Head Gcebile Dlamini, and Learning & Development Specialist Jabulani Hlatshwayo.
Having received the awards on behalf of the company, Abiola shared that for an upcoming engineer like her, it was exciting to be part of a recognition event of this nature, as she has worked closely with the Ministry and some government parastatals in engagements on policy development and reviewing certain standards regarding energy matters.
Abiola’s passion for electrical engineering traces back to her early years, where she developed a keen interest in fixing things. Today, she finds the energy sector more dynamic than ever, shaped by the politics of energy production, the rapid advancement of new technologies, and the sector’s expanding scope.
Her journey in the industry has provided her with exposure to various critical components of large-scale energy projects. This diverse experience has deepened her technical expertise and positioned her as a well-rounded professional in the field. As the energy landscape continues to evolve, Abiola remains committed to adapting, learning, and contributing to the sector’s transformation.
Although Abiola has yet to lead an innovative energy-related project, her exposure to OPEX and CAPEX projects has shaped her approach to energy initiatives. She has learned to develop strategic and innovative execution plans that drive the delivery of effective solutions. This mindset, she believes, is crucial in navigating the evolving energy landscape.
Speaking on the theme of “Accelerating Action” and the significance of the “Gender in Energy” awards, Abiola highlighted the need for intentional and selfless actions to foster diversity and gender balance in the sector.
She emphasized that change cannot depend solely on large corporations but must also be championed by individuals, both men and women, who can play a role in supporting young girls through mentorship.