From rural Limpopo to leading global supply chains, she never gave up

From the dusty streets of Sekhukhune in rural Limpopo to global food processing and packaging, Modibo Matebane's journey is a testament to resilience. As a Supplier Quality Development Engineer at Tetra Pak for the Europe, Middle East, and Africa (EMEA) region, she plays a critical role in safeguarding food safety and supplier quality across global markets.

Matebane's path into engineering however was anything but straightforward. Growing up in a community with limited professional exposure, she initially saw pharmacy as one of the few viable career paths. “The only careers we really knew about were in health, education, or policing,” she reflects. However, after struggling academically and dropping out, she faced what she calls one of the lowest points in her life. “I felt like a failure. For a moment, it seemed like my dreams had come to an end.”

Yet, that setback became the catalyst for her reinvention. Determined not to let it define her, she redirected her focus and earned a qualification in Analytical Chemistry from Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University. This pivot marked the beginning of a new chapter, one that would see her move from mining labs to factory floors and, eventually, to global supply chains.

Her early career as a Laboratory Technician in the mining sector gave her a solid foundation in quality and process control. Driven by a commitment to continuous growth, Matebane later pursued a BTech in Quality and a Postgraduate Diploma in Project Management. These qualifications propelled her rise from a Quality and Process Controller to a Quality Engineer and, ultimately, to her current role at Tetra Pak.

In her position, Matebane's work is both technical and strategic. She audits suppliers, reduces contamination risks, and ensures compliance with international standards like ISO, all to maintain the integrity of food packaging. “Food safety begins long before the product hits the shelf,” she says. “It starts with the raw materials, the supplier processes, and the systems we put in place.”

Her career at Tetra Pak has been a defining chapter, providing international exposure and the opportunity to work across diverse cultures throughout the EMEA region. Inspired by this global perspective, she earned a Master of Science in Engineering Management from the University of Hull in the UK and is currently pursuing an MBA in Digital Transformation. This commitment to lifelong learning is proof of her dedication to staying ahead in an ever-evolving industry.

However, success has not come without challenges. As a woman in a male-dominated field, Matebane has often had to prove her capabilities in environments where her skills were questioned. “In many of the countries I work with, there’s still a perception that women belong in support roles. Coming in as a technical leader can be a culture shock and I often have to earn my place before I’m seen as an equal.”

Despite these obstacles, she remains undeterred. Through mentorship and visibility, she is using her platform to break down gender barriers and empower more women to succeed in engineering. “Every barrier I break is a signal to other women especially those from rural communities that they belong here too.”

Matebane's own story proves that where you come from does not determine how far you can go. With grit, purpose, and the right support, the possibilities are global.