Online Reporter
Flora Fadzai Sibanda, [email protected]
A Bulawayo engineering scholar, Ms Nomathemba Ndlovu, has won two prestigious awards for her contribution to engineering, highlighting the vital role women play in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (Stem).
Ms Ndlovu, who is pursuing a Master of Engineering in Renewable Energy at the University of New South Wales in Australia, received her first award — Outstanding Leader in Engineering — at the recently concluded Emerging Leaders in Clean Energy (Elice) workshop in Australia.
Hosted by the National Foundation for Australia-China Relations, in partnership with various organisations, the summit brought together top innovators and energy experts from around the world.
Ms Ndlovu’s standout contribution was her proposal for a trilateral solar energy partnership between Australia, China and Zimbabwe — a project idea praised for its technical viability and potential to foster cross-border collaboration in clean energy development.
Her second award, the Inspiring Student Award, was presented by Women in Engineering and Engineers Australia in recognition of her contributions to sustainable energy initiatives across Africa, the Asia-Pacific, and Australia.
Ms Ndlovu said receiving the awards made her proud and inspired her to do more work in the global energy transition.
“I am particularly happy with the Outstanding Leader award because I was recognised alongside countries like China. We all know China is a global leader in solar energy,” she said.
The scholar said that receiving the awards had motivated her to launch initiatives in Zimbabwe aimed at addressing energy poverty, especially in remote communities.
She said she believes access to energy will support healthcare, education and entrepreneurship, creating opportunities for young girls.
Ms Ndlovu encouraged young girls never to believe that certain jobs are meant only for men.
“The world needs innovative solutions — regardless of gender,” she said.
