Modibo Matebane: From Limpopo to a career in global engineering

Modibo Matebane grew up in rural Limpopo, where opportunities were scarce. She initially studied pharmacy but dropped out, only to rebuild her path through chemistry and engineering, eventually earning an MSc. She is now a supplier quality development engineer at Tetra Pak for Europe, the Middle East and Africa, focusing on packaging for ready meals and sauces, and navigating a male-dominated industry along the way.

What first inspired you to do what you do – and what was the moment that really changed everything for you?

I grew up in Sekhukhune, a rural part of Limpopo where opportunities felt far away and dreams often seemed impossible. My biggest turning point came when I dropped out of pharmacy, it was one of the lowest moments of my life. I felt like I had let everyone down. But instead of allowing that moment to define me, I chose to start again. Studying Analytical Chemistry gave me a second chance and the confidence to rebuild. That moment of despair became the foundation for everything that followed, proving to me, and hopefully to others that failure doesn’t mean the end, it can be the beginning of something greater.

What’s the biggest challenge you’ve faced on your journey, and how did you push through it?

One of the toughest challenges has been dealing with bias in a male-dominated industry. There were times when I walked into a meeting and people assumed I was there to take notes, not lead. At first, it was discouraging, but I learned to let my work speak louder than stereotypes. Personally, dropping out of pharmacy was also a huge challenge, but I kept reminding myself that my story could be different. What pushed me through was the belief that if I rose above those obstacles, I could inspire other young girls from rural backgrounds to believe they could too.

What achievement are you most proud of, the one that still makes you smile when you think about it?

I am most proud of having my MSc in Engineering Management from the University of Hull in the UK and currently pursuing my MBA at the Johannesburg Business School. Those accomplishments are what distinguish a once young girl who started off with little resources and exposures, and they symbolise resilience and that education is an empowering instrument to pen a new chapter for oneself. Beyond academics, I am proudest of building a career as a Supplier Quality Development Engineer at Tetra Pak, a leading international company where I assist in ensuring food safety across the globe. Being able to rise from a humble background to accomplish this is something I smile about every time I think of it.

What makes your role or career path different or special in South Africa?

What makes my career path special is the transformation it represents. I started out as a lab technician in the mining and explosives industry and later transitioned into supplier quality and product integrity in the food sector. Moving from mixing chemicals in a lab to ensuring compliance and quality in a leading food processing and packaging solutions company has been a unique and rewarding journey.

What sets my role apart in South Africa is the global reach it offers. The integrity of food isn’t something most people think about daily, yet it impacts all of us. My work allows me to influence supplier quality and product standards not only locally, but across international markets, while still carrying my South African roots with me.

How do you think the work you do is making a difference – whether in your industry, your community, or for other women?

Coming from a small village to contributing to global food systems has shown me, and I hope others, that no dream is out of reach with perseverance. In my industry, my work ensures the food people buy is safe and reliable, something which requires immense effort behind the scenes. For my community and other women, especially those from rural areas, I want my journey to prove that your starting point doesn’t define your destination - you belong in engineering, labs, and leadership.

What’s the one piece of advice you’d give to a young woman who dreams of following a similar path?

Your background is not your weakness, it’s your strength. Don’t let where you come from, or what others expect of you, limit your vision. Ask questions, keep learning, and don’t be afraid to take up space in rooms where you’ve been told you don’t belong. And when you get there, remember to lift someone else up too, because every barrier you break opens a door for the next woman.

Who’s been the biggest influence or mentor in your career?

The most influential in my career is the conditions I grew up in. That memory spurred me to drive hard and re-write my story.

Professionally, I have been gifted with mentors. A former manager, Sello Motlamelle, taught me all I know regarding supplier quality. He gave me confidence when I lacked it myself. My current manager at Tetra Pak, Cristiano Berni, has trained me in leadership and Supplier management. He encouraged me to be strategic, confident, and never settle for anything below my capabilities.

I also draw inspiration from Prof. Mamokgethi Phakeng, who broke barriers as the chancellor of UCT. Her journey motivates me to keep advancing my studies and breaking barriers of my own

What’s one myth about your job or industry you’d love to clear up?

People often think engineering is just about machines and food safety is only about hygiene. The truth is both are about so much more. Engineering is about problem-solving, systems, and innovation. Food safety is about protecting lives, building trust, and shaping how industries serve communities. It’s not just technical work, it’s a responsibility to make sure the food on people’s tables is safe long before it ever reaches the shelf.

If you could give your younger self one piece of advice, what would it be?

I would tell my younger self that I mustn’t let fear or failure define me. Every setback is not the end, but a redirection toward something greater. Believe in my voice, even if it carries a rural accent “hahahaha” and know that where I come from is not a limitation but a source of strength. Trust the process, work hard, and stay focused, because the challenges I face will become the very foundation of my resilience and success.

When you think back to the subjects you chose in high school or what you studied afterwards, did you ever imagine you’d end up where you are today – and how did that journey unfold?

I never in my wildest imagination dreamed that I would be employed by a global company, performing global supplier quality activities. I took the STEM subjects in high school but could not at the time imagine the big picture or where they would lead. My journey had detours, failing pharmacy was a tremendous setback but also altered my career journey. Studying chemistry, followed by qualifying in quality and project management, opened wonderful doors and reshaped my career path all together.  Later, studying MSc Engineering Management and now MBA has closed the loop. Every step of the journey along the way taught me valuable lessons and ultimately built the foundation of where I stand today: a professional committed to excellence, change, and empowering the next generation.