From Farm to PhD: Thandi Princess Ngxongo's Remarkable Journey to Becoming a Trailblazing Chemical Engineer
Undeterred by her local background, she developed a keen instinct for the automotive and oil industries, aspiring to succeed in what was traditionally a male-dominated field.l
AKACHI NOEL 
In an inspiring tale of perseverance and passion, Thandi Princess Ngxongo, a young woman from South Africa, has transformed her life from working on a farm to achieving a remarkable feat as an award-winning Chemical Engineer, earning a PhD along the way.
Growing up on a farm along the Mooi River in South Africa, Thandi Princess Ngxongo initially worked as an assistant to her parents on the farm. Her interest in chemical engineering sparked while being around cars and machinery on the farm. Undeterred by her local background, she developed a keen instinct for the automotive and oil industries, aspiring to succeed in what was traditionally a male-dominated field.
READ ALSO:Nigerian Medical Student Paul Odyras Okoye Clinches Prestigious Neurosurgical Award
Thandi pursued her dreams by enrolling at the Durban University of Technology, where she earned a Bachelor of Technology (B.Tech) in Chemical Engineering. Subsequently, she ventured into the petroleum industry, working with refineries and other oil companies.
Noticing the gender-based inequalities and injustices in the petroleum sector, Thandi Princess Ngxongo decided to address these challenges head-on. She pursued a Master's in Business Administration and, later, attained a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in 2022. Her research focused on women's empowerment, reflecting her commitment to fostering gender equality.
Dr. Thandi Princess Ngxongo's contributions to the oil and gas sector have not gone unnoticed. In 2022, she earned recognition as a Powerful Woman in the oil and gas sector, receiving several awards for her outstanding achievements.
RECOMMENDED FOR YOU:Outstanding Girl at 2018 National Maths Competition Becomes Civil Engineer
Reflecting on her academic journey, Ngxongo expressed deep gratitude and a sense of accomplishment. She embarked on this path for self-fulfillment and to contribute to the body of knowledge in her field.
Driven by a commitment to self and community development, Dr. Ngxongo is currently the Head and CEO of the uThandekile Foundation. This organization focuses on community development projects aimed at uplifting and empowering women and youth in South Africa.
Her dedication to continuous learning is evident in her enrollment in an international business leadership program, emphasizing the importance of staying relevant in the ever-evolving business landscape.
Thandi Princess Ngxongo's life motto—to never stop learning—exemplifies her unwavering determination and serves as an inspiration to aspiring individuals, particularly women, in pursuing their dreams and breaking barriers in unconventional fields.
