Bulk fuel distribution is a risky business and only the most professional personnel get to manage the tanks and tankers that feed the petrochemical supply chain. Traditionally a male vocation, the fuels industry is breaking barriers by promoting women to senior positions. Women’s Month provides an opportunity to look beyond gender statistics and focus on individual success stories like that of Engen Langlaagte Terminal’s Lerato Ntuli, its first woman Terminal Manager.
In 2021, Ntuli became the first woman to lead the Johannesburg terminal – a milestone that, for her, was less about the title than about proving what is possible when women are given the opportunity to compete, lead and succeed in traditionally male-dominated environments.
Now 44, Ntuli has spent 15 years at Engen, building a career across five different roles. With more than 22 years’ working experience and a Postgraduate Diploma in Management Practice from Henley Business School, she attributes much of her progression to adaptability, perseverance, integrity and continuous learning.
Leading where few women have gone before
Ntuli joined Engen in May 2011 as a Dispatch Supervisor in Lubricants and Chemicals at Isando DC. Two years later, she moved into the role of Relief Depot Manager for Fuels in Inland East.
In 2014, following an organisational restructuring, she accepted a Plant Supervisor position in Chemicals. Although the move represented a step back in her career progression at the time, Ntuli says the experience reinforced the importance of adapting to change rather than allowing it to derail her ambitions.
In 2018, she returned to the Fuels business as Depot Manager for Alrode, a joint venture tenant operation. Three years later, she applied for the position at Langlaagte Terminal – a role she had once regarded as the “giant” of the business. The response to her application only strengthened her resolve.
“Several people told me it was a dream that was unlikely to become a reality because a woman had never led Langlaagte before,” she says.
Rather than allowing those comments to deter her, Ntuli used them as motivation and made a promise to herself that she would become the first woman to lead the Langlaagte Terminal.
“When my appointment was announced, one colleague called and jokingly asked whether I had already bought a bulletproof vest. It was a reminder of the challenges that lay ahead, but I was ready for the journey,” she says.
For Ntuli, working in a traditionally male-dominated environment means recognising that women may sometimes have to work harder to prove themselves, while remaining confident in the strengths they bring to the workplace.
“One of my greatest sources of inspiration is the opportunity to succeed in an industry where women remain underrepresented,” she says. “I firmly believe that women bring unique strengths to the workplace.”
Safety and people at the heart of leadership
Safety is central to Ntuli’s approach to leadership. Having managed serious HSEQ incidents during her career, she says these experiences have strengthened her leadership and crisis-management capabilities.
“Safety, in particular, is very close to my heart. Ensuring a safe operation is not just a business priority for me, it is a personal commitment that guides my decisions and actions every day.”
Her leadership extends beyond operational performance. Ntuli is passionate about developing people and has mentored and coached numerous individuals during her career, several of whom have gone on to lead terminals and take on greater responsibilities.
“I genuinely believe in people and their ability to achieve great things when given the right support, encouragement and opportunities,” she says. “I make it a point to look beyond where people are today and focus on what they can become.”
That emphasis on developing people is particularly relevant to an industry that needs to attract and retain the next generation of operational, engineering, logistics and energy-sector talent.
Get in early and keep learning
For women considering careers in operations, engineering or the energy sector, Ntuli’s advice is unequivocal: invest in yourself and never stop learning.
“If your circumstances allow, strive to make an NQF Level 8 qualification your minimum academic achievement, even for an entry-level position. Never stop learning. The world is constantly evolving and continuous development will always set you apart.”
She also encourages women to develop a strong sense of purpose and belief in their capabilities, particularly when confronted by doubt from others. “There will be moments when others doubt you but you should never allow those doubts to define your potential.”
For Ntuli, career progression should never come at the expense of personal values.
“Never be apologetic for standing up for what is right. Your integrity will be tested throughout your career – but do not succumb to pressure.”
She believes women should remain adaptable and flexible while refusing to compromise their principles: “The moment you compromise your principles; you risk losing your credibility, authority and authenticity.”
From depot commissioning to operational leadership
Looking back, Ntuli says the commissioning and operationalisation of the Lesedi Depot stands out as one of her most significant leadership achievements. She led the project from infrastructure commissioning and product sourcing through to operational readiness and Go-Live, coordinating multidisciplinary teams, ensuring HSSEQ compliance and aligning key operational processes.
The project demonstrated her ability to lead complex operations, manage multiple stakeholders and deliver a safe, efficient and fully integrated depot.
Her record at Langlaagte has also been a team achievement. Under her leadership, the terminal received the Terminal of the Year award in the Category 1 division in both 2023 and 2024. It also received the Sustainability Award in 2024 and 2025 and was recognised as the most improved terminal on the Net Promoter Survey (NPS) – Retail in 2023 and 2024.
For Ntuli, however, the recognition belongs to the people around her: “The great team in Langlaagte. We did this!”
Looking ahead, she intends to continue investing in her own professional development, with a Master’s degree as her next academic milestone.
Mentors can help open the next door
Ntuli’s final piece of advice is not to try to navigate a career alone. “Find a coach and a mentor who can guide and challenge you. Learn from those who have gone before you, draw from their experiences and use their wisdom to help navigate your own path to success.”
She is also inspired by women within Engen who have progressed into General Manager roles.
“I admire their leadership and the path they have forged for others to follow,” she says. “Looking at their journeys gives me confidence that such a goal is within reach, and I remain focused on preparing myself for the opportunities that lie ahead.”
Engen Skills Development Facilitator Pontsho Matshediso says: “Lerato’s career journey is an inspiring example of how determination, continuous development and perseverance can help women progress and thrive in traditionally male-dominated industries.”
Andiswa Mkhize, Engen Talent and Development Manager, adds: “When women rise into operational leadership positions, they do more than achieve personal success, they create opportunities for others to follow.”
This Women’s Month, Engen says it is celebrating women across its operations whose expertise, resilience and leadership are transforming the petrochemical industry.
“Their journeys serve as an inspiration to young women, showing that the industry offers exciting opportunities to grow, make an impact and build rewarding careers as future leaders,” concludes Mkhize.
Editor’s comment: Lerato Ntuli’s story is definitely inspiring – fuel depots are serious hotspots requiring managers with nerves of steel and very cool heads. For women considering a career in fuels, logistics or operations, Lerato’s message is wise and straightforward: build your knowledge, protect your integrity, find good mentors and do not allow someone else’s doubts to define your potential. For the industry, the message is equally clear – the next generation of female talent is out there. It needs to be encouraged, developed and given the opportunity to lead.
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