IN CONVERSATION WITH Dineo Maphaka ( Production Manager, Air Insulated Switchgear (AIS) Department, ABB Electrification)
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In the bustling Air Insulated Switchgear (AIS) department at ABB Electrification, precision meets leadership in the form of Dineo Maphaka, Production Manager and trailblazer. She oversees fabrication, panel assembly, wiring, and dispatch operations — ensuring that every unit of switchgear leaving the factory floor meets the highest quality standards.
“I am responsible for making sure that production runs smoothly and on time, balancing safety while maintaining continuous improvement,” Dineo explains. “I lead a hardworking team on the factory floor, and together we make sure that the switchgear produced meets the highest quality standards. My job is to manage both the people and the process, creating a culture where delivery, accountability, and teamwork thrive.”
Breaking Barriers and Building Excellence
Dineo’s journey is proof that determination and skill can open doors in even the most male-dominated spaces. She began her career as a wireman technician, steadily climbing the ranks with a National Diploma in Electrical Engineering, a certificate in CNC for Lathe machines, a short course in Operations Management from UCT, and most recently, a graduation from ABB’s global IGNITE leadership development programme. Her rise to become the first woman to lead production in her unit is a milestone not just for her, but for women across the STEM fields.
Resilience in the Face of Doubt
The path has not been without challenges. “Sometimes you do not just face the scepticism and doubt — you walk through it daily,” Dineo reflects. “It comes in many forms, from passive aggression to resistance, sometimes silent and sometimes loud. I overcome all this by refusing to shrink, rising above it all because I always believe in my capabilities.”
Her resilience is rooted in the lessons of her late grandmother, a woman of wisdom and unshakable work ethic despite having no formal education. “She taught me to never fold under pressure or tradition, and today I carry that legacy into spaces where women were once invisible.”
Championing Women’s Rights and Inclusion
For Dineo, Women’s Day is deeply personal and profoundly important. “‘Women’s rights are human rights’ means visibility, value, and voice without conditions. It is a tribute to every woman who was told ‘you can’t’ and did it anyway. It is real, it is bold, and it is long overdue.”
She believes that companies like ABB can play a pivotal role in breaking systemic barriers for women. “It starts with intention. Open more doors for women by creating safe, supportive spaces and promoting STEM to young girls through school partnerships. Starting the Diversity & Inclusion Forum was a big step as it shows commitment to real change.”
Words for the Next Generation
Her message to young women in STEM is both inspiring and practical: “Your starting point does not define your finish line. Always remember that your journey matters, and your presence has a purpose.”
As for Women’s Day 2025, Dineo sees it as more than a commemoration: “It’s a call to action. It reminds us to break down barriers, support each other fiercely, and keep building a world where no woman is left behind. Fixing each other’s crowns is how we lead forward.”
“I am responsible for making sure that production runs smoothly and on time, balancing safety while maintaining continuous improvement,” Dineo explains. “I lead a hardworking team on the factory floor, and together we make sure that the switchgear produced meets the highest quality standards. My job is to manage both the people and the process, creating a culture where delivery, accountability, and teamwork thrive.”
Breaking Barriers and Building Excellence
Dineo’s journey is proof that determination and skill can open doors in even the most male-dominated spaces. She began her career as a wireman technician, steadily climbing the ranks with a National Diploma in Electrical Engineering, a certificate in CNC for Lathe machines, a short course in Operations Management from UCT, and most recently, a graduation from ABB’s global IGNITE leadership development programme. Her rise to become the first woman to lead production in her unit is a milestone not just for her, but for women across the STEM fields.
Resilience in the Face of Doubt
The path has not been without challenges. “Sometimes you do not just face the scepticism and doubt — you walk through it daily,” Dineo reflects. “It comes in many forms, from passive aggression to resistance, sometimes silent and sometimes loud. I overcome all this by refusing to shrink, rising above it all because I always believe in my capabilities.”
Her resilience is rooted in the lessons of her late grandmother, a woman of wisdom and unshakable work ethic despite having no formal education. “She taught me to never fold under pressure or tradition, and today I carry that legacy into spaces where women were once invisible.”
Championing Women’s Rights and Inclusion
For Dineo, Women’s Day is deeply personal and profoundly important. “‘Women’s rights are human rights’ means visibility, value, and voice without conditions. It is a tribute to every woman who was told ‘you can’t’ and did it anyway. It is real, it is bold, and it is long overdue.”
She believes that companies like ABB can play a pivotal role in breaking systemic barriers for women. “It starts with intention. Open more doors for women by creating safe, supportive spaces and promoting STEM to young girls through school partnerships. Starting the Diversity & Inclusion Forum was a big step as it shows commitment to real change.”
Words for the Next Generation
Her message to young women in STEM is both inspiring and practical: “Your starting point does not define your finish line. Always remember that your journey matters, and your presence has a purpose.”
As for Women’s Day 2025, Dineo sees it as more than a commemoration: “It’s a call to action. It reminds us to break down barriers, support each other fiercely, and keep building a world where no woman is left behind. Fixing each other’s crowns is how we lead forward.”
