Lungelo KM
Science, Tech, Energy, and Innovation
Nominee's Province:
Gauteng
Age:
30
Project Name/Description:
Founder – Engineer Your Life
Lungelo KM is not only a Professional Engineer registered with the Engineering Council of South Africa—he is also the visionary behind Engineer Your Life, a groundbreaking podcast that is transforming how young black South Africans think, feel, and heal. Born in Umlazi, KZN, during the dawn of democracy, Lungelo says he grew up navigating the complexities of identity and belonging. His years in former Model-C schools exposed him to diversity and taught him the value of loving others despite differences. Those early experiences, along with personal loss—most notably, the passing of his mother in 2015—shaped a deep resolve to heal not just himself, but a generation. He created Engineer Your Life as a safe, empowering space where difficult yet necessary conversations could take place. “A healed soul builds a strong family, and a strong family builds a better nation,” he says. Through authentic storytelling and vulnerable dialogue, the podcast fosters growth and emotional intelligence in a society burdened by historical trauma. “From being one of fewer than 600 registered black engineers in the country, to being nominated for a Telkom Radio Award, I have proven that purpose-driven passion resonates. Today, Engineer Your Life touches thousands, sparking transformation in petrol stations, airports—and hearts,” he said. Lungelo says he wants to be remembered as the man who persevered, who made growth cool again, and who dared to believe that love, faith, and thoughtful conversation could engineer a better world.
