By Eamonn Ryan
Speaking at the SADC RAC (Refrigeration and Air Conditioning) interactive workshop in November, Lutendo Ndhlovu, representing the Department of Forestry, Fisheries, and the Environment (DFFE), outlined the programme. This is Part 5 of a five-part series.
Lutendo Ndhlovu of the Department of Forestry, Fisheries, and the Environment (DFFE). © RACA Journal
Ndhlovu emphasised that, moving forward, the programme will work to empower and expand these networks. By providing women in the industry with more opportunities for collaboration and professional development, the programme aims to strengthen the voice and presence of female technicians in the refrigeration and air conditioning sector. This, in turn, will ensure that the industry benefits from greater diversity and a more inclusive workforce.
Looking ahead, the programme is preparing for its second phase, which will be funded by the MLF (Multilateral Fund). This second phase is expected to significantly increase the number of female technicians trained and certified.
The key objectives include:
- Training a larger cohort of women, with the goal of seeing substantial growth in female participation in the sector
- Collaborating further with TVETs and stakeholders to mainstream gender-focused training into existing educational programmes
- Enhancing the strength of the female technician network, ensuring that women who are trained in the field are supported and connected
A call to action to build a gender-inclusive future
Ndhlovu concluded her presentation by reinforcing the need for continued investment in gender-inclusive training and gender mainstreaming within the refrigeration and air conditioning industry. While significant progress has been made, especially in terms of training female technicians and supporting their professional development, the work is far from complete. The programme’s ultimate goal is to ensure that gender equality is not only a policy on paper but is fully integrated into the operational framework of the industry.
By investing in women – especially through initiatives that encourage participation, provide quality training and offer the right tools and support networks – South Africa is paving the way for a more inclusive, sustainable and gender-equitable refrigeration and air conditioning sector. The second phase of the initiative will be a critical step in realising these goals, and with continued collaboration across the industry, this initiative is poised to make a lasting impact on the lives of female technicians and the broader sector as a whole.
