Bright Young Minds: Khanyisa Mabala

Listen or watch to explore:

• Intro to her role at AECOM and why it is important.
• Major challenges in the sectors she work in and how it is being addressed.
• Her definition of a Smarty City in the Africa context.
• The magic bullet to more community involvement in advancing to the so called 'Smart City'.
• How, as a young South African, she is making sense of what is going on in the country and the world.
• Her vision for future cities, potential barriers and solutions.
• Advice to young people to remain hopeful of the future.

About Khanyisa Mabala
In just a few years, Khanyisa Mabala has become a known figure in the construction space. An Associate Quantity Surveyor at AECOM, her key strengths include the ability to be creative and strategic whilst maintaining a practical focus on delivery and outcomes. With more than seven years' experience in the built environment, Khanyisa heads up the mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and fire (MEPF) division within the Project Cost Consultancy business line. Her accelerated level of experience includes retail developments, health and leisure projects, higher education, data and communication developments, housing developments, and commercial and mixed- use assets. She is also excited to be venturing into smart city projects.

Her passion for business development goes beyond a work-winning approach. Khanyisa is adept at developing authentic client relationships. Having graduated Cum laude and top of her class at Nelson Mandela University, she aims to be an all-rounded Quantity Surveyor; with a strong focus on her technical capabilities and the ability to network, which is mirrored in her adaptable personality.

Throughout her career, Khanyisa has been recognized one of the Mail and Guardian 200 Young South Africans, a rising star, a young achiever, the best youth presenter, and an international panellist for the South African Institute of Black Property Practitioners, The Women's Property Network, The South African Council of Quantity Surveyors and Reading England based, University College of Estate Management respectively. Over the years she has become a revered leader in initiatives such as women empowerment and Gender Based Violence (GBV). In her spare time, she tutors university students through a platform called Execl@Uni which focuses on mentorship for the enrichment of young professionals within the industry. She is down-to-earth and is passionate about the development of young and aspiring candidates within the construction sector. She is zealous in seeing young women enter traditionally male-dominated industries and is excited to be a part of that change.

About the Bright Young Minds Show on Future Cities Africa
Africa has the youngest population in the world. By 2030, young Africans are expected to make up 42 percent of the world's youth and account for 75 percent of the those under age 35 in Africa.

Young peoples' experiences, ideas, choices and preferences help shape the future of cities.

The Bright Young Minds show gives a voice to some of the brightest young minds to share their thought leadership, how they solve problems, their vision for future cities, how we can achieve this vision, and give hope to a younger generation.

Youth is the future of African cities.