By Segun Adeyanju 

Captain Amukelani Ngoveni, a 17-year veteran of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF), has proven that ambition knows no age limit by enrolling as a full-time Clinical Engineering student at the Tshwane University of Technology (TUT).

Having joined the military in 2007 and risen to the rank of Captain in the Technical Services, Ngoveni now studies alongside classmates decades younger, applying her military discipline to the rigours of engineering.

“Precision, problem-solving and perseverance are the tools of both worlds,” she said.

Tim Okhai, Head of TUT’s Clinical Engineering Department, praised her as “a source of inspiration who combines real-world expertise with academic excellence.”

Balancing her studies, military duties, and family life, Ngoveni also pursues carpentry in her spare time, crafting furniture with the same meticulous attention to detail that defines her career.

A mother of two, she says her journey is about legacy and motivation: “If I can serve my country, raise a family and chase a new dream in my forties, anyone can.”

Her story stands as a powerful reminder that it’s never too late to learn, grow, and reinvent oneself.