An enquiring mind coupled with a fascination for bridges as a child naturally chartered Derusha Govender’s career choice towards the dynamic field of civil engineering.

She overcome financial constraints and chose to “see every challenge as an opportunity for growth”.

Armed with a BSc Civil Engineering degree from the University of KwaZulu-Natal, she believes “education is important as it assists in the path to personal development”.

Once awarded the bursary, she said SANRAL changed the outcome of her future.

“SANRAL provided me with an opportunity to improve my future through education, it also assisted in empowering and developing me as an individual.”

She is commissioned to work on the N2 Mt Edgecombe interchange project in Durban and is aware of several other road improvement projects such as the M19/N2 Umgeni Interchange and Gauteng Freeway Improvement Project.

Whilst enjoying a progressive career, she hopes to constantly be guided by the wholesome values which she aspires to including respect, honesty and sincerity.

“The higher purpose in developing infrastructure is to serve the nation by serving its people.”

She is determined to obtain her Master’s degree and achieve Professional Engineer status within the next five years while employed as a project manager in training.

With hard work and perseverance in mind, she hopes to be acknowledged by her seniors for her contribution to the civil engineering industry and looks forward to a flourishing career with SANRAL.