The Central University of Technology’s Ms Shelly Mona, who is the Deputy Director of the Product Development Technology Station (PDTS), has been appointed by the Honourable Minister Dean Macpherson to serve in the Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA).

Her appointment recognises her ongoing contribution to the engineering profession and her commitment to advancing the built environment. She will serve on the council effectively from 23 April 2025 until 22 April 2029 to oversee professional standards, transformation, education, and registration.

Ms Mona is a distinguished professional with a remarkable track record of success in various capacities. She leads diverse teams in product development and manufacturing at CUT.

“I am truly honoured by this appointment. It’s an opportunity for me to contribute meaningfully to the engineering profession on a national level while also growing personally and professionally. This role will strengthen my link to the profession’s regulatory body and create a platform to share insights from a university of technology perspective — especially around applied research and innovation”, said Ms Mona.

The ECSA Council serves as the governing body of the Engineering Council, responsible for setting strategic direction, upholding the profession's integrity, and ensuring that engineering in South Africa continues to evolve in line with national development goals, ultimately safeguarding public interest while advancing the profession.

She is a registered Professional Engineering Technologist with the Engineering Council of South Africa. She holds a BTech in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Johannesburg. She has further specialised in Industrial Engineering and Management, earning a Master of Engineering (MEng) from Tshwane University of Technology. Complementing her academic credentials, she holds Project Management and Production and Operations Management certificates from the University of Johannesburg and the University of South Africa.

“My leadership role at CUT’s PDTS has exposed me to national-level discussions on engineering standards, transformation, and professional development. This exposure supports how we shape our support to the industry, mentor young professionals, and ensure our projects remain relevant and impactful. My vision is to use this platform to build networks, influence positive change, and contribute to shaping the future of engineering in South Africa — and to CUT’s ongoing efforts to be a leader in technology and innovation,” she added.

Ms Mona has served as an academic Programme Accreditation assessor for the Engineering Council of South Africa, delivered industry lectures to engineering students, and hosted webinars. Her research, presented and published at national and international conferences, showcases her expertise and thought leadership, instilling confidence in her academic prowess.

Her ongoing academic pursuits demonstrate Ms Mona's dedication to engineering. In addition to her professional responsibilities, she is pursuing a PhD in Industrial Engineering at the University of Johannesburg. Her research focuses on the “Development of Frameworks for the Adoption of Additive Manufacturing Technology for the South African Automotive Industry”.