Yumna Cunningham - HR Manager

Date and place of birth: 4 October, in Cape Town
Education: Bachelor of Social Science
Management style: Democratic and collaborative
Personal best achievement: Career: Being promoted to the exco of a multinational subsidiary at 26 years old. 
Personal: My tween sons approving of my music playlists.
Person you would most like to meet: My paternal grandfather. He was the only grandparent I didn’t have the pleasure of meeting or growing up with. I would have loved to know him.
Philosophy of life: Everyone has something teachable from which you can learn. If you live and work in South Africa, check your privilege – always.
Message for other women leaders: There is nothing wrong or overly ambitious with wanting to “have it all”. The key is understanding that having it all may not need to be all at the same time. We determine the milestones in our own lives.

Nosindiso Kleintjie Mpengesi - Junior Contracts Manager

Date and place of birth: 31 May, in Flagstaff, Eastern Cape
Education: ND Civil Engineering
Management style: Democratic and coaching
Personal best achievement: Buying a house and leading multiple projects successfully.
Person you would most like to meet: Dr Judy Dlamini
Philosophy of life: Walk the talk
Message for other women leaders: You’ve got this! You are enough, keep up the good work.

Lucille Taron Willard - Mechanic

Date and place of birth: 17 August, in Sarepta, Kuils River 
Education: Mechanical Engineering N1-N5, Fitting and Turning Phases 1-4, False Bay College 2024 Mechanical Fitter Red Seal 
Management style: I prefer a democratic management style with a bit of a bureaucratic management style. 
Personal best achievement: Achieving my Red Seal in Mechanical Fitting. 
Person you would most like to meet: Cheslin Kolbe. He has so much passion for what he does when he plays [rugby], and it clearly shows.
Philosophy of life: Live life one day at a time. Don't focus too much on the past or the future. That's not where you are.
Message for other women leaders: It's not as tough or as complicated as it seems once you get a clearer understanding on it.  

Nobukhosi Gumbo - Design Engineer 

Date and place of birth: 20 September, in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe
Education: BSc (Hons) in Civil Engineering and MSc in Engineering candidate
Management style: I prefer a democratic (participative) management style as it fosters a collaborative environment where team members feel valued and actively engaged in the decision-making process. 
Personal best achievement: I was responsible for the design and analysis of the Driven Cast In-Situ piles and the corresponding pile caps for The Docks development, covering Phases 1 through 4. The design process was carried out in strict accordance with Eurocodes. Being involved in such a comprehensive and multi-phase development was a significant professional milestone.
Person you would most like to meet: Maybe Tracee Ellis Ross because I want to be like her when I grow up, she looks happy.
Philosophy of life: I believe life rewards persistence. I carry a mindset of learning from everyone around me; wisdom comes in all shapes and forms, often from the most unexpected places. I also remind myself to pause and be grateful for the present moment. This philosophy keeps me moving forward with purpose.
Message for other women leaders: Impostor syndrome is a myth, confidence grows through action, not doubt, so start building from a foundation of knowing you deserve it and work your way up from there.

Franki Africa specialise in:

• Ground Improvement • Piling • Grouting • Lateral Support • Near Shore Marine Works

www.franki.co.za