Senior Specialist Process Engineering at ABSA Group | Techie | Healer & Life Coach
Mrs South Africa Finalist 2024 | Founder | Advocate for Women’s Empowerment
Mmakula (Minki) Thokoane is a force to be reckoned with—a woman whose journey is defined by an unwavering commitment to excellence, innovation, and empowerment. Her career, which spans engineering, leadership, and community impact, tells a story of transformation, resilience, and a relentless pursuit of greatness. Minki’s professional path began with a deep-rooted passion for problem-solving and a thirst for knowledge. Graduating with a BSc in Chemical Engineering from the prestigious University of the Witwatersrand (2013), she set her sights on transforming industries and leading groundbreaking changes in engineering. Her journey was only just beginning, and little did she know, it would set the stage for a career filled with pioneering achievements. Her first steps were at Lonmin Platinum in the Base Metal Refinery, where she served as a Coordinator Process Engineer. Here, Minki showcased her technical prowess, leading continuous improvement initiatives that resulted in enhanced production processes and optimized plant efficiency. Her ability to transform raw data into actionable insights made her a key player in the company’s growth, but she didn’t stop there. Minki took charge of process safety studies, re-engineered product movements, and became an essential mentor for her colleagues, always pushing the boundaries of what was possible. Her success at Lonmin set the stage for an exciting future, and in 2016, she moved to Standard Bank Group as a Business Process Engineer. This role was a game-changer for Minki, as it allowed her to dive deeper into business optimization. Leading workshops and applying advanced business analysis methodologies, she became a key figure in reshaping organizational processes. Her use of tools like Power BI to visualize and streamline data only reinforced her position as a leader in her field. Minki’s passion for optimizing systems and driving change was becoming legendary.
In 2018, Omnia Holdings recognized her talent and brought her on board as a Process Engineer. Here, Minki took on a broad scope of responsibilities, from technical support to process re-engineering. Her ability to drive business improvement and solve complex challenges made her an invaluable asset, and she played a pivotal role in the company’s success. But even as she climbed the corporate ladder, Minki never lost sight of her commitment to people—whether mentoring junior engineers or leading teams in projects designed to cut costs and improve efficiency.
Minki’s drive to excel extends far beyond the corporate world. In 2024, she became a finalist in the Mrs South Africa competition, a platform where she used her public speaking, mentorship, and event management skills to elevate the voices of women and empower the next generation of leaders. Through this experience, Minki demonstrated her commitment to using her influence for social good—something she had done for years through community initiatives. Whether hosting fundraising events or using social media to amplify causes she believes in, Minki’s ability to lead with heart has made her a role model for others, particularly young women looking to break boundaries.
Her success in the corporate world and in community work naturally led to her current role as Senior Specialist in Process Engineering at Absa Group, where she is trusted with managing complex projects that integrate business strategy, stakeholder engagement, and innovative solution design. Whether working on cost-benefit analyses, managing project teams, or delivering operational excellence, Minki’s leadership continues to impact Absa’s success. Her expertise in process engineering, combined with her exceptional problem-solving skills, ensures she is always at the forefront of innovation. But Minki doesn’t just lead in the boardroom—she also leads by example. Her commitment to ongoing growth is evident in her current pursuit of a Masters of Management in Digital Business at the University of the Witwatersrand. She’s shaping her future with a focus on digital transformation, ensuring that she remains a forward-thinking leader in the ever-evolving business landscape.
Minki’s educational journey is just as remarkable as her professional one. With a Six Sigma Black Belt certification, she mastered the art of continuous improvement, gaining invaluable skills in leadership and quality management. She also holds a Certificate in Business Risk Management from the University of Cape Town, arming her with the tools to not only identify and mitigate risks but also to ensure organizations thrive in an uncertain world. Her journey speaks to the importance of continuous learning, a theme that has been central to her success. Throughout her career, Minki has remained deeply committed to empowering others. Whether it’s through mentoring young engineers, offering career advice, or guiding community initiatives, she has used her platform to inspire those around her.
Her leadership philosophy is rooted in the belief that true success lies in the ability to uplift others and drive collective growth. It’s this mindset that has earned her the respect and admiration of colleagues, clients, and the broader community alike. As Minki looks toward the future, her vision is clear: she is determined to continue transforming industries, empowering communities, and inspiring change on a global scale. Whether in her role as a leader in process engineering, a mentor, or an advocate for women’s empowerment, Minki’s impact is undeniable. She is a woman who combines technical expertise with heart, intellect with compassion, and ambition with a deep sense of purpose.
Her story is a testament to the power of determination, lifelong learning, and the belief that success is measured not just by what you achieve but by how you empower others along the way. Minki Thokoane is not just shaping the future of business and engineering; she’s shaping the future of leadership itself.
Social Media Handles:
Facebook: @Minki Thokoane
Tiktok: @MinkiThokoane