Queeneth Buthelezi likes knowing how things work.
When she was a young teenager, her mother caught her multiple times dismantling the family appliances – kettles, an iron, fans, plugs – to see how they worked, and if she could fix what was broken.
“My mum thought I was very naughty, but for the most part I was just curious,” Queeneth said “I was fascinated with the inside mechanism. I could fix the little stuff like extensions and short-circuited light holders, but with the other appliances I was sometimes in way over my head.”
It wasn’t until she learned to change the tyres on her mum’s car (not really knowing how) that her mum began to appreciate the budding engineer in Queeneth. “She was very happy that I was helping with small things that needed fixing.”
This curiosity and fascination with how things worked led Queeneth to accept a role at Ford’s Silverton plant where she is now a process engineer in the paint shop. She’s also studying towards a degree in mechanical engineering.
“I think with my brain and hands,” she said. “My career choice was guided by my older brother, one of the smartest in the family. I remember asking him what he thought I should do, and his answer made sense.
“I love what I do. Being a mechanical engineer in the automotive industry offers a unique perspective that I cherish,” Queeneth said. “It's a win for me because not only am I obsessed with cars, but I work in the automotive sector, which is so amazing.”
She also loves trying new things: traveling, immersing herself in diverse cultures and having an absolute fascination with fast cars.
But her greatest love is her family.
“I am a mother to an amazing, beautiful girl,” Queeneth said. “I want to be someone she looks up to. I want to be an epitome of the philosophies that I want her to live by. I want her to say that I worked hard for her. I want her to never stop dreaming because there is always a place for us as women in this world.”
It is the same inspiration Queeneth received from her own mother.
“My mother is my role model in this life and the next,” she said. “I aspire to be half the woman she is. She singlehandedly raised me and my two brothers. She didn’t have a fancy job – she was a teacher in a government school. She didn’t buy her first car until she was 40 because taking care of us and making sure we were educated at good schools was her priority.
“She never takes her role as our mother for granted – she is so selfless and resilient. I can only hope to make her proud, as her strength embodies that of a thousand lionesses in one. In my eyes, she’s a Queen.”
Queeneth also works to inspire – and is inspired by – her colleagues, especially women.
“The women of Ford have cultivated a sisterhood, and I truly appreciate how they’re always ready to help fix each other’s crowns. They are my support system, and I extend the same courtesy to other women. Our network comprises strong and beautiful women, collectively painting the walls pink. I love how they represent both the young and upcoming women in the automotive industry.”