In an industry often defined by complexity and high stakes, Obakeng Manayetso is proving that grit, grace, and growth can redefine what leadership looks like, especially for women. As a Project Manager at Lesedi Nuclear Services, she stands at the forefront of some of the country’s most ambitious infrastructure projects. Her journey is a testament to Lesedi’s commitment to inclusivity and empowering female professionals to thrive in traditionally male-dominated spaces.
Obakeng’s love for engineering began early, in the classrooms of Hebron Technical & Commercial High School in the North West Province. It was there that she first encountered electrical engineering – a subject that would shape her entire career. “That early exposure sparked something in me,” she recalls. It led her to earn a National Diploma in Electrical Engineering (Control & Instrumentation) at the University of Johannesburg, followed by a BTech from UNISA.
Her career began in the mining and power generation sectors as an Electrical, Control & Instrumentation Engineer. While the technical work was fulfilling, she found herself increasingly drawn to leadership and strategy – the bigger picture of how projects come together and the people behind them. This pivot led her to the field of project management, underpinned by formal training from prestigious institutions: a Project Management Certificate from the University of Pretoria, a Postgraduate Diploma in Management Practices from Henley Business School, and currently, a Postgraduate Diploma in Project Management at Stellenbosch Business School.
But it is her Project Management Professional (PMP) certification from the Project Management Institute (PMI) that she says “solidified” her capability to lead large-scale projects with confidence.
In September 2024, Obakeng joined Lesedi, bringing with her a sharp mind, a strong work ethic, and a passion for purpose-driven projects. In less than a year, she has assumed a lead role in the Mobile Gensets Infrastructure Project for Transnet National Ports Authority, which aims to provide critical backup power to the ports of Saldanha Bay and Richards Bay during load shedding. “This project has been both complex and highly rewarding,” she says. “It is about making sure infrastructure does not fail when it is needed most.”
As a project manager within Lesedi’s Oil, Gas & Power Division, she navigates a wide range of responsibilities, from budgeting and procurement to safety, compliance, and stakeholder management. She also dedicates time to mentoring junior staff, helping to build the next generation of engineering leaders.
What fuels her passion? “The energy sector never stops evolving,” she says. “There’s always something new to learn, and the work we do has a direct impact on people’s lives.”
Mananyetso’s advice to aspiring professionals is as practical as it is empowering: “Start early. Stay curious. Be consistent. Build relationships. Learn from every challenge.” She believes that anyone willing to put in the work can break through barriers, just as she did.
In her, Lesedi does not just see a project manager- they see a symbol of progress. A leader. A builder of futures. A reminder that when you create space for women to lead, you don’t just change the face of an industry – you energise its future.