Unathi Mbengwana Named Among SA’s Top Young Engineers for Groundbreaking Digital Tool
ERWAT proudly celebrates the achievements of Unathi Mbengwana, a former bursary recipient and now global innovator, who has risen through the ranks to become a standout professional in the water sector.
Currently serving as Specialist: Reliability & Compliance in ERWAT’s Maintenance Department, Unathi’s journey began in 2015 as an in-service trainee. Her commitment to excellence, asset management, and innovative thinking has now earned international recognition for her pioneering work in digital transformation for water and sanitation.
Representing South Africa at BRICS 2025 Innovation Forum
Unathi was nominated by the Technology Innovation Agency (TIA) and the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation as one of the top three innovators to represent South Africa at the upcoming BRICS 2025 10th Young Scientist Forum and 8th Young Innovators Prize in Brasília, Brazil.
Under the theme “Artificial Intelligence for Public Services,” Unathi presented her cutting-edge project:
Water Treatment Expert AI – a digital tool designed to provide accessible, reliable, and specialised knowledge to water and sanitation professionals.
This innovation aligns directly with ERWAT’s commitment to smart solutions, capacity building, and operational excellence in wastewater management.
Leadership Beyond ERWAT: A Profile in Innovation and Impact
Unathi’s leadership and influence extend well beyond ERWAT through her involvement in national and continental platforms. Her recent accolades include:
- South African Country Lead for African Women in AI (AWAI)
- Top 20 Young Engineers in South Africa (2025) – Young Engineers Changemaker Programme (Water Research Commission)
- Outstanding Candidate in Water and Sanitation Award (2024) – Women in the Built Environment (WITBE)
- Globally Certified PMP with a BTech in Electrical Engineering and Postgraduate Diploma in Business Administration
- Registered Candidate Engineering Technologist – Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA)
Her success is a testament to the talent, leadership, and innovation emerging from ERWAT’s internal pipeline of professionals.
Inspiring the Next Generation of STEM Leaders
Beyond her technical achievements, Unathi is a dedicated mentor, committed to empowering the next generation of engineers—particularly young women and youth across the continent. Her work embodies ERWAT’s values of innovation, transformation, and sustainable development in the water sector.
Her story is not just one of professional success, but of personal resilience, leadership, and impact—qualities that continue to shape ERWAT’s contribution to the future of water services.
